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

Should you visit Tartu or Puerto Vallarta?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tartu and Puerto Vallarta can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tartu

Tartu is a intellectual, student-oriented, and cultural university town. Tartu offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife. See Tartu travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta

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

Tartu and Puerto Vallarta: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Tartu or Puerto Vallarta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Tartu. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Tartu attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Tartu and is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Tartu is famous for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Puerto Vallarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tartu
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a town with good options for its historical sights. However, Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Tartu
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known 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.

Tartu offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is surprisingly limited because of the large student population. Most students prefer saving their money for a night out drinking over a quiet meal at a restaurant. There are some cafes around town as well as pastry shops and a few good ethnic restaurants to choose between.

Is Tartu or Puerto Vallarta Better for Nightlife?

Tartu
Puerto Vallarta

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Tartu and Puerto Vallarta.

The nightlife in Tartu has something for everybody. With its huge student population, there is plenty of activity year round. The nightlife scene includes many bars, dance clubs, and pubs that are popular with students and visitors alike. You'll find large parties and music festivals throughout the year that bring crowds to the city.

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.

Is Tartu or Puerto Vallarta Better for Resorts?

Tartu
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Tartu 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.

Tartu is not a resort destination.


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

Tartu
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tartu 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.

Tartu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tartu or Puerto Vallarta Better for Beaches?

Tartu
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for the beach. However, Tartu 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.

Tartu is not a beach destination.

Is Tartu or Puerto Vallarta Better for its Old Town?

Tartu
Puerto Vallarta

Tartu is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Tartu. The old town is where you'll find one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. There is also Town Hall Square and St. John’s Quarter with many historic buildings and beautiful architecture.

Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Puerto Vallarta?

Tartu
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known 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.

Tartu is a good destination for shopping. While most people don't visit to go shopping, there is an active art scene in town so you can find some creative pieces that are worth checking out.

Is Tartu or Puerto Vallarta More Beautiful?

Tartu
Puerto Vallarta

Tartu is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Tartu offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's a beautiful city with a long history and a number of unique historical buildings.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tartu or Puerto Vallarta Better for Families?

Tartu
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town 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.

Tartu is a family-friendly place to visit. Many of the kid-friendly activities are outdoors, so summer visits are better if you're traveling with children. There are adventure parks, animal parks, and educational museums that you can choose from.


Is Tartu or Puerto Vallarta Better for Couples?

Tartu
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for couples. However, Tartu is not known 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.

Tartu is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a young population, so you'll find many activities center around a more youthful vibe. There are some great museums that couples will enjoy, as well as a lively nightlife scene. Outside of old town, couples will enjoy wandering through the Karlova and Supilinn districts.

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

Tartu
Puerto Vallarta

For backpackers, both Tartu and Puerto Vallarta are superb places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Tartu. With it's young population and budget friendly entertainment options, there are many things that backpackers will enjoy. It's not nearly as popular with backpackers as some other cities, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a lot to offer.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Tartu or Puerto Vallarta Better for Students?

Tartu
Puerto Vallarta

Tartu is renowned for students. However, Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Tartu. It is a university town and home to one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. The student population is large here, with many activities, museums, and nightlife options to choose from. There always seems to be something going on in this vibrant city.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.


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

Tartu
Puerto Vallarta

Tartu and Puerto Vallarta both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Tartu offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around the town.

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

Is Tartu or Puerto Vallarta a more walkable city?

Tartu
Puerto Vallarta

Tartu and Puerto Vallarta are superb when it comes to walkability.

Tartu is a very walkable destination. The city is compact with most of its sights and restaurants close together along a couple of streets.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Vallarta or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Puerto Vallarta?

In either Tartu or Puerto Vallarta, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Tartu because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 3-5 days is enough time in Puerto Vallarta.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Tartu 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 Tartu or Puerto Vallarta? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tartu 1-3 
    Puerto Vallarta 3-5

One day in Tartu or Puerto Vallarta?

The historical destination of Tartu offers nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this colorful destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Tartu or Puerto Vallarta?

The university town of Tartu offers nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tartu or Puerto Vallarta?

Tartu is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This university town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Puerto Vallarta is a fun place to experience. In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tartu or Puerto Vallarta?

Many people enjoy the nightlife when visiting Tartu. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Puerto Vallarta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, and The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Puerto Vallarta or Tartu?

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

  • Tartu Prices
    Estonia Prices
    Puerto Vallarta Prices
    Mexico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tartu 132
    Puerto Vallarta 118

The average daily cost (per person) in Tartu is €132, while the average daily cost in Puerto Vallarta is €118. 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 Tartu and Puerto Vallarta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tartu 47
    Puerto Vallarta 53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tartu 94
    Puerto Vallarta 106
Compare Hotels in Tartu and Puerto Vallarta

Looking for a hotel in Tartu 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.

Hotels in Tartu


Hotels in Puerto Vallarta


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: Tartu Hotel Prices and Puerto Vallarta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tartu 27
    Puerto Vallarta 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Vallarta

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Diva Tours VIP Airport Round-Trip Transfer San Pancho-Sayulita: $280
  • NAYARIT VIP Round Trip Transfers Airport - Bucerias - Airport: $209
  • Private AC Airport Transfer to Sayulita: $200
  • Sayulita hotels to Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) – Private Departure Transfer: $153
  • Puerto Vallarta Port to Puerto Vallarta RoundTripPrivate Transfer: $141
  • Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Puerto Vallarta Port-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $141
  • Private Transfer from PVR to Puerto Vallarta / Punta de Mita / Sayulita: $139
  • Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Punta de Mita hotels - Private Arrival Transfer: $137
  • Punta de Mita to Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) - Private Departure Transfer: $137
  • Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Puerto Vallarta - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $136
  • Airport Transfer Puerto Vallarta: $135
  • Private Airport Transfers across Bahía de Banderas: $105

Is it cheaper to fly into Tartu or Puerto Vallarta?

Prices for flights to both Puerto Vallarta and Tartu 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
    Tartu 65
    Puerto Vallarta 53
Typical Food Prices in Tartu

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tartu:


  • Danishes
    0.76
  • Lunch for Two
    4.93
  • Ice Cream
    1.27
  • Cookies
    0.51
  • Coffee & Cake
    3.47

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
  • Bucerias Morning Food Tour: Secrets of a Local Guide: $50
  • Ultimate Taco Tour in Puerto Vallarta with Vallarta Food Tours: $55
  • Taste of Pitillal Food Tour by Vallarta Food Tours: $59
  • Winner 2026 Downtown Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
  • Bucerias Taco Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
  • 3-Hour Guided Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta: $59
  • Taco102 - dinner taco walk - all inclusive: $63
  • Vallarta Flavours Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $69
  • Vallarta by Road Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $85
  • Bucerias Bike and Food Tour: $90
  • Sayulita Tacos and Tequila Food Tour: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tartu 16
    Puerto Vallarta 16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tartu

For Tartu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Art Museum ticket
    0.95
  • Movie Ticket
    3.47

Tours and Activities in Tartu

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

  • Vana Lugu: Alternative Walking Tour with Street Art: $23
  • Around Viljandi bike tour: $29
  • Private Bike Tour with a Landscape Architect: $35
  • TARTU COUNTRY: SLED DOG TOUR AND KENNEL VISIT: $207
  • Private Horse-Drawn Sleigh Adventures: $212
  • SLED DOG TOUR AND KENNEL VISIT & WITH OVERNIGHT STAY: $219
  • Charming Viljandi Private Walking Tour for Couples: $257
  • Private Romantic Walking Tour Through Historic Tartu: $738
  • Private Historic Tartu Walking Tour Through Heritage: $738

Tours and Activities in Puerto Vallarta

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

  • 1/2 Day Puerto Vallarta Botanical Garden tour: $60
  • 2 Hour Private Surfing Experience in Puerto Vallarta: $99
  • 4-Hour Whale Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta: $119
  • ATV Adventure from Puerto Vallarta: $110
  • ATV Adventure in Puerto Vallarta (Single): $107
  • ATV All-Terrain Adventure in Punta Mita: $250
  • ATV Doble in Puerto Vallarta Mountain and Waterfall Tour: $140
  • ATV Jorullo Bridge Tour: $174
  • ATV Single Jungle Adventure-Waterfalls, Tequila & Local Culture": $107
  • ATV Tour: $129
  • ATV Tour Rio Cuale Sierra Madre Mountains and tequila tasting: $77
  • ATV Tour in Puerto Vallarta to the Glass Viewpoint: $164

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tartu 16
    Puerto Vallarta 20

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
  • Secret Agave Bar Crawl in Vallarta: $98
  • Cachasol Tequila Tasting & Raicilla Distillery Tour: $108


When comparing the travel costs between Tartu and Puerto Vallarta, we can see that Tartu is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Tartu is in Europe and Puerto Vallarta is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Tartu or Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu 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.