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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Winston-Salem?

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 Winston-Salem can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

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

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a friendly, under-rated, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Puerto Vallarta and Winston-Salem: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Winston-Salem?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Winston-Salem are popular destinations, Puerto Vallarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Winston-Salem attracts visitors for its historical sights. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Winston-Salem is famous for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Winston-Salem?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?

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

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.

Winston-Salem is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

Is the Food Better in Puerto Vallarta or Winston-Salem? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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 Winston-Salem. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Winston-Salem Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Puerto Vallarta has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Winston-Salem Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Winston-Salem Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Winston-Salem Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for the beach. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Winston-Salem Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

Winston-Salem offers a nice historic old town area. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Winston-Salem?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Winston-Salem. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Winston-Salem Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly town. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Winston-Salem Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Winston-Salem Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Winston-Salem Better for Students?

Winston-Salem is very good for students. However, Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

Winston-Salem is a good city to visit for students. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for its public transit. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Winston-Salem a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city 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.

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable town. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Winston-Salem or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Winston-Salem?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Puerto Vallarta or Winston-Salem to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Puerto Vallarta than Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the laid-back destination of Puerto Vallarta. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The welcoming destination of Winston-Salem offers nightlife and food. 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 Winston-Salem?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Winston-Salem offers food and shopping. 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 Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the cultural destination of Puerto Vallarta. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the town of Puerto Vallarta. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Winston-Salem. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Winston-Salem?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Winston-Salem, 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.