A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. Raleigh for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Puerto Vallarta and Raleigh can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a colorful, laid-back, and cultural town. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Raleigh

Raleigh is a suburban-style, friendly, and southern city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Puerto Vallarta and Raleigh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Raleigh. While Raleigh is larger than Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Raleigh attracts visitors for its big city activities. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Raleigh and is known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Raleigh is famous for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Raleigh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Raleigh and Puerto Vallarta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Puerto Vallarta. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

Raleigh is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids Museum.

Is the Food Better in Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Puerto Vallarta is an experience not to be missed. The charming character combined with the authentic local cuisine makes for a wonderful culinary experience. There's everything from taco stands to romantic restaurants that you can try.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Raleigh. In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. You'll find a mix of active clubs, cozy bars, and cosmopolitan cafes. Head to the Romantic Zone or Los Muertos Beach for some of the best places.

If you're looking for night time activities Raleigh has a few options to choose from. Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its resorts. However, Raleigh is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Puerto Vallarta is a great choice. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Raleigh is not a resort destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Raleigh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Puerto Vallarta. Divers in the area may get to experience once in a lifetime opportunities like diving with manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, hammerheads, or schools of jacks.

Raleigh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for the beach. However, Raleigh is not a beach destination.

Puerto Vallarta is considered a top beach destination. There are many beaches spread out around town that have soft sand and blue water. Most have all of the amenities you could need. Popular beaches include Playa de los Muertos, Playa Mismaloya, and Playa Conchas Chinas.

Raleigh is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its shopping areas. However, Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Puerto Vallarta is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the water parks and thrilling activities, such as Aquaventuras Water Park or Los Veranos Canopy Tour. There's rock climbing and ropes courses at Las Animas Aventura Park. You'll also find horseback riding and even pirate boat tours in the area.

Raleigh offers lots of family activities. For such a small city, Raleigh has a number of unique kid-friendly activities like the popular Pullen Park and Marbles Kids' Museum. Pullen Park has small rides and a playground that are perfect for young kids. There's also the NC Museum of Natural History which is free and fun to explore with kids.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for couples. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for romance.

Couples visit Puerto Vallarta frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will enjoy sunset boat trips, horseback riding, and adventure sports. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic dinner or a refreshing drink.

Raleigh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. While it's often overlooked by couples who want a weekend away, there are a number of museums and some nice restaurants to explore.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for backpackers. However, Raleigh is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Raleigh is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh Better for Students?

Raleigh is a well-known place for students. However, Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

Raleigh is very popular with students. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for its public transit. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Puerto Vallarta, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Raleigh. The city's public transportation options are limited to a few bus lines that are mostly used by students.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for its walkability.

Puerto Vallarta is a very walkable destination. There are several walkable neighborhoods in town such as 5 de Diciembre, el Centro, and Zona Romantica.

Raleigh is generally not a very walkable town. The city is somewhat walkable in the downtown area, but everywhere else you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting? and Is Raleigh Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Raleigh or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Puerto Vallarta and Raleigh. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than in Raleigh. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Raleigh.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Raleigh. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Puerto Vallarta, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Raleigh. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Puerto Vallarta that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Raleigh if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Puerto Vallarta.

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh?

In Puerto Vallarta, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The friendly destination of Raleigh offers food and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh?

In Puerto Vallarta, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Raleigh offers museums and nightlife. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh?

Puerto Vallarta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Raleigh is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Puerto Vallarta. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the food and museums when visiting Raleigh. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Puerto Vallarta and Raleigh, we can see that Raleigh is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Vallarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Puerto Vallarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Vallarta and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Raleigh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Raleigh than you might in Puerto Vallarta.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive? and Is Raleigh Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Raleigh?

Raleigh has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Raleigh, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.