A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. West Palm Beach for Resorts, Beaches, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a laid-back, cultural, and coastal town. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See West Palm Beach travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach?

You'll generally find more things to do in Puerto Vallarta than West Palm Beach. Puerto Vallarta is bigger than West Palm Beach, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Puerto Vallarta is better known for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping, while West Palm Beach is more popular for its beaches. Puerto Vallarta is well known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Also, Puerto Vallarta is famous for the Malecon. West Palm Beach is well known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?

Puerto Vallarta
West Palm Beach

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Vallarta
West Palm Beach

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Puerto Vallarta. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta
West Palm Beach

Both Puerto Vallarta and West Palm Beach are great when it comes to partying.

Puerto Vallarta offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

West Palm Beach has a large number of nightlife venues. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

Is Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta
West Palm Beach

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Puerto Vallarta and West Palm Beach.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Puerto Vallarta is a perfect choice. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

West Palm Beach offers an unforgettable resort vacation. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.


Is Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta
West Palm Beach

Puerto Vallarta and West Palm Beach both offer great scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Many visitors go to West Palm Beach to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Is Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta
West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is renowned for the beach. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, West Palm Beach is a very popular vacation destination. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Puerto Vallarta. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach?

Puerto Vallarta
West Palm Beach

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta
West Palm Beach

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach.

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.

West Palm Beach is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Is Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta
West Palm Beach

Both Puerto Vallarta and West Palm Beach are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

West Palm Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

Is Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta
West Palm Beach

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Puerto Vallarta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


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

Puerto Vallarta
West Palm Beach

Both Puerto Vallarta and West Palm Beach offer notable public transit options.

Puerto Vallarta has a few public transit options. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

West Palm Beach has some public transit options. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

Is Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta
West Palm Beach

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its walkability. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its high level of walkability.

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

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable place. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach?

Both Puerto Vallarta and West Palm Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in West Palm Beach than in Puerto Vallarta. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 3-7 days is enough time in West Palm Beach.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Puerto Vallarta 3-5 
    West Palm Beach 3-7

One day in Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach?

The laid-back destination of Puerto Vallarta offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

The vibrant destination of West Palm Beach offers nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 West Palm Beach?

The town of Puerto Vallarta offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The beach area of West Palm Beach offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach?

Puerto Vallarta is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This beach area offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Puerto Vallarta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

The diverse beach area of West Palm Beach offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, West Palm Beach or Puerto Vallarta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Puerto Vallarta Prices
    Mexico Prices
    West Palm Beach Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Puerto Vallarta $116
    West Palm Beach $378

The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Vallarta is $116, while the average daily cost in West Palm Beach is $378. 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 West Palm Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Puerto Vallarta $52
    West Palm Beach $234
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Puerto Vallarta $104
    West Palm Beach $468
Compare Hotels in Puerto Vallarta and West Palm Beach

Looking for a hotel in Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach? 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 West Palm Beach


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 West Palm Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Puerto Vallarta $16
    West Palm Beach $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Vallarta

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Roundtrip Private Transfer Airport Hotel: $600
  • Transfer inn from Puerto Vallarta Airport to hotels.: $429
  • Private Transfer from Sayulita to Guadalajara: $236
  • Private Airport Transfer in Puerto Vallarta for 8 to 12 persons: $229
  • Airport Transfer to Zona Mandarina: $224
  • Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR): Transfer to Puerto Vallarta: $206
  • Private AC Airport Transfer to Sayulita: $200
  • Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Sayulita hotels - Private Roundtrip Transfer: $189
  • Airport Transfer to Sayulita and San Pancho: $176
  • Transfer from the airport to punta mita: $171
  • Privat Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport PVR to Punta de Mita: $166
  • Private Transfer from Punta de Mita Area to PVR Airport: $163

Hired Cars and Shuttles in West Palm Beach

Also for West Palm Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Palm Beach to Palm Beach Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Private Transfer from Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach: $41
  • Palm Beach hotels to Cruise Port of Palm Beach - Departure Private Transfer : $41
  • Palm Beach Port to Palm Beach Airport (PBI) - Departure Transfer: $41
  • Palm Beach International Airport: Transfer to Palm Beach: $70
  • One Way Palm Beach International Transfer: $72
  • Private Transfer from PBI to Palm Beach City : $102
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Palm Beach Airport PBI to Palm Beach in Luxury SUV: $107
  • Departure Private Transfer: Palm Beach to Palm Beach Airport PBI in Luxury SUV: $107

Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach?

Prices for flights to both West Palm Beach 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 $52
    West Palm Beach $114

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
  • Dinner Tacos Food Tour: $55
  • Taste of Pitillal Food Tour by Vallarta Food Tours : $55
  • Taco102 - dinner taco walk - all inclusive: $55
  • 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
  • Versalles After Dark Food Tour with Vallarta Eats: $65
  • Vallarta by Road Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours : $75
  • Mexican Cooking Class, Tequila Tasting & Unlimited Margaritas: $81
  • Bucerias Bike and Food Tour: $90
  • 3 Hours Mexican Cooking Class with Local Chef in Puerto Vallarta: $96

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in West Palm Beach

For West Palm Beach, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour: $85
  • Downtown Food Tour: $85
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Food Tour of Historic West Palm Beach Neighborhoods: $101
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $101
  • Historic Neighborhood Food Tour: $101
  • Polynesian Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise : $137

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Puerto Vallarta $15
    West Palm Beach $19

Tours and Activities in Puerto Vallarta

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

  • 2 Hour Private Surfing Experience in Puerto Vallarta: $98
  • 2 Hour and 30 Minutes Walking Tour in 5 De Diciembre: $45
  • 2 Hours Catamaran Sunset Tour: $99
  • 3 hours private snorkeling tour in Misaloya, Puerto Vallarta: $225
  • 360 Puerto Vallarta City Tour with Lunch: $65
  • 8 hour All Inclusive Tour in Catamaran Arcos Animas Quimixto: $60
  • ALL INCLUSIVE Snorkeling and Zipline Cruise: $85
  • ATV Adventure in Puerto Vallarta (Single): $105
  • ATV Adventure in Vallarta (Shared) : $125
  • ATV Adventure in the Jungle - Shared: $67
  • ATV Adventure in the Jungle Single in Puerto Vallarta: $106
  • ATV Experience Adventure (Single) : $105

Tours and Activities in West Palm Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for West Palm Beach.

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in West Palm Beach by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Wish You Were Here Tourism in the Palm Beaches Exhibit Entry: $11
  • 45-Minute Candy Evolution Tour with Guide: $13
  • Bulk Candy Store Tour: $13
  • Guided Haunted Ghosts Tour in Stuart By US Ghost Adventures: $16
  • West Palm Beach Guided Museum Tour: $20
  • Flamingle Happy Hour Cruise: $40
  • 2-Hour Guided Snorkel Tour of Phil Foster Park, Blue Heron Bridge: $44
  • Guided Snorkel Experience, Free Videos in West Palm Beach: $45
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures: $50
  • Scenic Sunset Cruise in West Palm Beach: $51
  • Historical Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise in Palm Beach: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Puerto Vallarta $20
    West Palm Beach $39

Sample the Local Flavors in Puerto Vallarta

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

  • Tequila Tasting Puerto Vallarta Distillery: $15
  • Brewery Bus Tour- Tacos y Cervezas: $85
  • All you can drink Bar Crawl: $99
  • Bar Crawl Experience: $103


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


Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or West Palm Beach?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and West Palm Beach, 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.