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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Tallahassee?

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 Tallahassee can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a laid-back, cultural, and coastal town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a lively, vibrant, and youthful city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Puerto Vallarta and Tallahassee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Tallahassee?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Tallahassee. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Tallahassee attracts visitors for its museums. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Tallahassee and is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Tallahassee is famous for its capital building and many universities.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Tallahassee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee?

Puerto Vallarta
Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Tallahassee specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

Puerto Vallarta is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.


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

Puerto Vallarta
Tallahassee

Puerto Vallarta is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Puerto Vallarta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Tallahassee Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta
Tallahassee

Puerto Vallarta is great for its evening party scene. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Puerto Vallarta for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Tallahassee Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta
Tallahassee

Puerto Vallarta is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Tallahassee is not a resort destination.

Puerto Vallarta is a world class resort vacation destination. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Tallahassee is not a resort destination.


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

Puerto Vallarta
Tallahassee

Puerto Vallarta is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tallahassee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Puerto Vallarta is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Tallahassee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Tallahassee Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta
Tallahassee

Puerto Vallarta is great for the beach. However, Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Puerto Vallarta attract visitors from all over. 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.

Tallahassee is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Tallahassee?

Puerto Vallarta
Tallahassee

Puerto Vallarta is great for its shopping areas. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Tallahassee is a great destination for shopping. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.


Is Puerto Vallarta or Tallahassee Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta
Tallahassee

Puerto Vallarta is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Puerto Vallarta. 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.

Tallahassee is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Tallahassee Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta
Tallahassee

Puerto Vallarta is great for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Puerto Vallarta is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

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

Puerto Vallarta
Tallahassee

Puerto Vallarta is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Plenty of backpackers visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.


Is Puerto Vallarta or Tallahassee Better for Students?

Puerto Vallarta
Tallahassee

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

Tallahassee is very popular with students. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Puerto Vallarta
Tallahassee

Puerto Vallarta is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Puerto Vallarta offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Tallahassee a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta
Tallahassee

Puerto Vallarta is great for its ease of walking around. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination 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.

Tallahassee is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.


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

Should I spend more time in Tallahassee or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Tallahassee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Puerto Vallarta or Tallahassee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Puerto Vallarta than Tallahassee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Tallahassee.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee 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.


  • How many days in Puerto Vallarta or Tallahassee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Puerto Vallarta 3-5 
    Tallahassee 1-2

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the coastal town of Puerto Vallarta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The lively destination of Tallahassee offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of Puerto Vallarta. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the coastal town of Puerto Vallarta. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Puerto Vallarta. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Tallahassee. 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Tallahassee or Puerto Vallarta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Vallarta is $115, while the average daily cost in Tallahassee is $156. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Puerto Vallarta and Tallahassee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Puerto Vallarta $63
    Tallahassee $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Puerto Vallarta $126
    Tallahassee $178
Compare Hotels in Puerto Vallarta and Tallahassee

Looking for a hotel in Puerto Vallarta or Tallahassee? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Puerto Vallarta


Hotels in Tallahassee


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Puerto Vallarta Hotel Prices and Tallahassee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Puerto Vallarta $19
    Tallahassee $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Vallarta

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Private Transfer from Sayulita to Guadalajara: $240
  • Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR): Transfer to Puerto Vallarta: $209
  • Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Sayulita hotels - Private Roundtrip Transfer: $192
  • Airport Transfer Puerto Vallarta : $135
  • Private transfer round trip Puerto Vallarta Airport To Hotel In Luxury Vehicle: $129
  • Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port: Transfer to Puerto Vallarta: $118
  • Puerto Vallarta Airp.(PVR): Transfer to Puerto Vallarta Port: $118
  • Private Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) for 4-7 people to Nayarit: $102
  • Sayulita hotels to Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) – Private Departure Transfer : $96
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVT) -City Center: $93
  • Puerto Vallarta:Private Airport Transfer to Boca de Tomatlan: $86
  • Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Puerto Vallarta - Arrival Private Transfer: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto Vallarta or Tallahassee?

Prices for flights to both Tallahassee and Puerto Vallarta change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Puerto Vallarta $37
    Tallahassee $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Puerto Vallarta

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Puerto Vallarta.

  • 3-Hour Guided Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta: $45
  • Off The Beaten Path Food Tour. Dinner in Pitillal : $55
  • Dinner Tacos Food Tour: $55
  • Puerto Vallarta 3-Hour Food Tour of Authentic Local Cuisine: $59
  • Puerta Vallarta: Seafood Lover's Food Tour: $59
  • Downtown Puerto Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
  • Seafood Lover's Tour with Vallarta Food Tours : $59
  • Signature Taco and Street Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta: $65
  • Mexican Cooking Class, Tequila Tasting & Unlimited Margaritas: $84
  • Bucerias Bike and Food Tour: $90
  • Mexican Cooking Class and Tequila Tasting: $96
  • Sayulita Tacos and Tequila Food Tour : $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Puerto Vallarta $19
    Tallahassee $12

Tours and Activities in Puerto Vallarta

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Vallarta are as follows:

  • 3-hr ATV Mountian Exclusive Tour to Sierra Madre: $65
  • Snorkel Adventure at Majahuitas Beach: $53
  • Zip Line Adventure in the heights in Puerto Vallarta 10 zip lines: $66
  • 2 Hour and 30 Minutes Walking Tour in 5 De Diciembre: $45
  • 3-Hour Exclusive Guided RZR Adventure Sierra Madre Mountains Tour: $125
  • 360 Puerto Vallarta City Tour with Lunch: $65
  • 4 Hour Surf Experience in Corral Del Risco: $75
  • 8 hour All Inclusive Tour in Catamaran Arcos Animas Quimixto: $77
  • 8 hour All Inclusive Tour in Catamaran Arcos Animas Quimixto: $82
  • ATV Adventure from Puerto Vallarta: $110
  • ATV Adventure in Vallarta (Shared) : $125
  • ATV Adventure in the Jungle Single in Puerto Vallarta: $106

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tallahassee.

  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $192
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $245
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $376
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $483

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Puerto Vallarta $24
    Tallahassee $53

Sample the Local Flavors in Puerto Vallarta

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Fun Mexican Wine Tasting in Beautiful Garden of Puerto Vallarta: $40
  • Brewery Bus Tour from Mexico: $85
  • All you can drink Bar Crawl: $99
  • Mountains Route, visiting a traditional distillery: $270


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Puerto Vallarta and Tallahassee, we can see that Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Tallahassee?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Tallahassee. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Tallahassee, 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.