Which place is cheaper, Puerto Vallarta or Quito?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Quito or Puerto Vallarta?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Quito or Puerto Vallarta? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Quito or Puerto Vallarta?
Quito
Nestled between two mountain ranges lies the world's highest capital city, Quito, Ecuador. For history lovers, Quito is a very desirable destination as it's home to the Quito Historic Center – one of the largest and best-preserved historic centers in the Americas.
Even though Quito is full of people – in fact, it's the second most populous city in the country – very few of its inhabitants speak English. Luckily, however, the citizens of Quito tend to speak a slower and more clear Spanish than surrounding areas. This is the perfect place to practice what you read in your Intro to Spanish book.
Before visiting Quito, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, give yourself a few days to grow accustomed to the elevation. Staying 9,350 feet above sea level takes some getting used to. Second, don't be fooled into thinking that just because you're visiting a town on the equator that you'll need all your summer clothes. Because of the city's elevation, the area keeps a relatively cool climate year round.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta remains a popular tourist destination with Americans, particularly during spring break when students flock to the area. The area is quite beautiful and has many gorgeous beaches, interesting jungles and waterfalls nearby, and no shortage of luxury resorts and four star restaurants. Many of the locals speak English and are friendly and open to helping tourists with directions or general information. Puerto Vallarta's popularity means that its prices are some of the highest in Mexico, particularly during holidays when the area can get quite crowded.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Ecuador, The Best Eco Tours in Ecuador, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, and The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico.
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Quito Prices
Ecuador PricesPuerto Vallarta Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQuito $66Puerto Vallarta $136
The average daily cost (per person) in Quito is $66, while the average daily cost in Puerto Vallarta is $136. 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 Quito and Puerto Vallarta in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQuito $22Puerto Vallarta $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQuito $44Puerto Vallarta $122
Compare Hotels in Quito and Puerto Vallarta
Looking for a hotel in Quito or Puerto Vallarta? 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.
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: Quito Hotel Prices and Puerto Vallarta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Quito $6.99Puerto Vallarta $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quito
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Quito:
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Taxi from Bus Terminal to Hotel$10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quito
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quito:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Quito - One Way: $20
- Private Departure Transfer from Quito to the Airport - One Way: $20
- Quito hotels to Mariscal Sucre Quito Airport (UIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $21
- Quito hotels to Quito Airport (UIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Quito PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotels: $28
- Quito PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotels: $28
- Transfer from or to UIO Airport to any Hotel in Quito: $30
- Transfer Out from Quito to the Airport: $30
- Private Transfer from the Airport to the city: $32
- Private Transfer from/to Airport: $35
- Quito PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport: $36
- Transfer Private Airport–Hotel in Quito: $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Vallarta
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Vallarta:
- Airport Transfer Puerto Vallarta: $135
- Airport-Hotel Transfers: $112
- Mexico Private Transfer from Marina Vallarta to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) Airport: $71
- NAYARIT VIP Round Trip Transfers Airport - Bucerias - Airport: $209
- PVR VIP Round Trip Transfers Airport - Mismaloya Area - Airport: $84
- PVR VIP Round trip transfers - Airport - Marina hotels - Airport: $49
- PVR VIP Round trip transfers - Airport - Zona Hotelera - Airport: $54
- PVR VIP Round trip transfers Airport - Downtown - Airport: $59
- PVR VIP Round trip transfers Airport - Old part of Town - Airport: $54
- PVR VIP Round trip transfers Airport from South PV to Airport: $79
- Privat Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport PVR to Punta de Mita: $180
- Private AC Airport Transfer to Sayulita: $200
Is it cheaper to fly into Quito or Puerto Vallarta?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Vallarta and Quito 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
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Food Meals for one dayQuito $34Puerto Vallarta $61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quito
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Quito.
- 3 Hours Local Food Tour in Quito: $38
- Quito Eats Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $55
- From Cayambe Traditional Cooking Class with Transfers: $60
- Food Tour in quaint old town with tastings and lunch: $71
- Street Food Tour with Private Transport: $79
- Hidden Gems Food Tour with Cacao Tasting and Culture: $87
- Cooking Class in Quito with Chef, Market Tour and Transportation: $88
- Cooking Class with Chef, Market Tour & Transportation: $88
- Cooking Class with a chef and local market including hotel pickup: $89
- Tour Quito with Cooking Class with Professional Chef: $95
- Ecuadorian Cooking Class with a chef and Local Market: $100
- Old Town Highlights & Food Tour: $110
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Puerto Vallarta
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Puerto Vallarta.
- Old Town Taco Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $49
- Ultimate Taco Tour in Puerto Vallarta with Vallarta Food Tours: $55
- Bucerias Taco Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
- Winner 2026 Downtown Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
- 3-Hour Guided Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta: $59
- Taco102 - dinner taco walk - all inclusive: $63
- Versalles de Noche Dinner Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $79
- Mexican Cooking Class & Unlimited Margaritas: $85
- Live Mexican Cooking Class with Local Chef: $85
- Bucerias Bike and Food Tour: $90
- Cook Like a Local: Vallarta Market & Cooking Experience: $95
- Sayulita Tacos and Tequila Food Tour: $99
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Quito $16Puerto Vallarta $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Quito
Here are a few typical costs in Quito for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to Guyasimine Museum for Two$8.00
Tours and Activities in Quito
Here are a few actual costs in Quito for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Quito Old Town Free Walking tour Small group Cacao Taste included: $1.00
- Quito Old Town Free Walking tour Cacao taste included Small group: $1.00
- Quito Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h10 and 19 audio reviews: $6.88
- Skip the Line-Entry to Heaven's Gateway The Basilica Towers!: $7.99
- Night Tour in Quito with free time at Old Town: $15
- 2.5-Hour City Bus Tour: $15
- Discover the heart of the Historic Center - Walking tour: $25
- Instagram walking tour in Quito's Historic Center: $26
- Quito's Cultural Tour & Indigenous Perspectives of Old Town: $27
- Quito Old Town Tour: History, Market Visit & Ice Cream Tasting: $29
- Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito with Tastings: $30
- Old Town Walking Tour with Basilica Church Visit: $30
Tours and Activities in Puerto Vallarta
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Vallarta are as follows:
- Puerto Vallarta Historical El Centro: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- City tour express, Butterfly, tequila, river and beach: $12
- Tequila Tasting Tour in Nuevo Vallarta: $13
- Puerto Vallarta Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $15
- Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour of Puerto Vallarta: $15
- Puerto Vallarta City Tour: $20
- Butterfly Experience Nature Park Admission: $23
- Private Bike City Tour with Photo Session in Puerto Vallarta: $24
- Immersive Experience & Tequila Tasting in Puerto Vallarta: $25
- Colomitos Adventure with Snorkeling Playas del Sur: $27
- Biocultural Hiking Experience in Sayulita: $27
- Butterfly Sanctuary & Museum Guided Tour in Puerto Vallarta: $28
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayQuito $17Puerto Vallarta $23
Typical Alcohol Prices in Quito
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Quito from other travelers:
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Beers for Two$9.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Quito
Also in Quito, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Ecuador Spirit Craft Brewery Tasting and Latitude 0 Private Tour: $155
Sample the Local Flavors in Puerto Vallarta
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Puerto Vallarta:
- Puerto Vallarta Pub Crawl: $22
- Premium Tequila Tasting Puerto Vallarta Distillery: $24
- Brewery Bus Tour from Mexico: $85
- Secret Agave Bar Crawl in Vallarta: $98
- Cachasol Tequila Tasting & Raicilla Distillery Tour: $106
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Quito and Puerto Vallarta, we can see that Puerto Vallarta is more expensive. And not only is Quito much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Quito is in South America and Puerto Vallarta is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Quito would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Quito 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 Puerto Vallarta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Puerto Vallarta than you might in Quito.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Quito Expensive? and Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Quito or Puerto Vallarta?
Quito has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Quito and Puerto Vallarta, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.