Puerto Vallarta is a laid-back town known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Puerto Vallarta and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or scuba diving with your friends.
How much does it cost to travel to Puerto Vallarta?
You should plan to spend around $117 (MX$2,357) per day on your vacation in Puerto Vallarta. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $53 (MX$1,063) on meals
- $16 (MX$320) on local transportation
- $105 (MX$2,113) on hotels
A one week trip to Puerto Vallarta for two people costs, on average, $1,635 (MX$32,998). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$818
MX$16,499
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,635
MX$32,998
-
One Month
Per person
$3,505
MX$70,710
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,635
MX$32,998
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,271
MX$65,996
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,009
MX$141,420
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Puerto Vallarta cost?
A one week trip to Puerto Vallarta usually costs around $818 (MX$16,499) for one person and $1,635 (MX$32,998) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Puerto Vallarta on average costs around $1,635 (MX$32,998) for one person and $3,271 (MX$65,996) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Puerto Vallarta will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Puerto Vallarta on average costs around $3,505 (MX$70,710) for one person and $7,009 (MX$141,420) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Puerto Vallarta expensive to visit?
Puerto Vallarta is a well-liked town that lures countless visitors with differing travel preferences and spending habits. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Puerto Vallarta can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $47 (MX$942) per day, mid-range travelers spend $119 (MX$2,357) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $292 (MX$5,806) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Puerto Vallarta.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Puerto Vallarta is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Hope, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Key West.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Puerto Vallarta?
The average Puerto Vallarta trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Puerto Vallarta travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Puerto Vallarta cost?
Puerto Vallarta on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$21
(MX$427)
|
$52
(MX$1,057)
|
$125
(MX$2,531)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$6
(MX$125)
|
$16
(MX$320)
|
$41
(MX$831)
|
|
Food 2
|
$21
(MX$420)
|
$53
(MX$1,063)
|
$133
(MX$2,682)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$6
(MX$128)
|
$15
(MX$310)
|
$35
(MX$711)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-11
(MX$75-226)
|
$10-30
(MX$201-602)
|
$28-84
(MX$566-1,698)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Puerto Vallarta on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
Puerto Vallarta on a Shoestring Budget?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $47 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Fortunately, Puerto Vallarta has plenty of hostels such as Hostel Vallarta, Oasis Hostel, and Casa Kraken Hostel. At hostels like these, you can find cheap accommodation in a dorm as well as a social atmosphere, but with very little amenities. While food is an important aspect for all visitors in Puerto Vallarta, budget travelers tend to favor street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which might keep them from experiencing the local cuisine.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to Puerto Vallarta will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $119 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Grand Miramar All Luxury Suites & Residences is a solid choice for families, while Hotel Boutique Rivera Del Rio also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Puerto Vallarta here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $292 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the town will require a luxury budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Tour: ATV SIERRA MADRE - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Puerto Vallarta
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Puerto Vallarta can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Puerto Vallarta in the off-season is $132, but in the peak winter travel season it will average around $246. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Puerto Vallarta to range from $53 to $616. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Puerto Vallarta for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $105 (MX$2,113). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $52 (MX$1,057) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Puerto Vallarta? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Puerto Vallarta include:
- Grand Miramar All Luxury Suites & Residences starting at $122
- Garlands Del Rio starting at $74
- Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa starting at $210
- Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta starting at $166
- Hotel Boutique Rivera Del Rio starting at $72
Puerto Vallarta offers a good public transit system, so staying farther from the town might save you on accommodation, though the additional cost and time of commuting can add up.
Families visiting Puerto Vallarta will find that choosing accommodations with more room can make their trip much more comfortable.
There are multiple resorts available in this town. You might be able to find one that includes meals or at least breakfast, and many have onsite restaurants.
Many visitors spend up to a week in Puerto Vallarta. If you're going to be in town for a long time, you may want to find a vacation rental with a kitchen. This will let you prepare at least some of your own meals.
If you plan your trip for the shoulder or low season and avoid winter, you'll enjoy reduced accommodation costs and fewer tourists.
Many people like to explore Puerto Vallarta on foot, so you'll want to stay in an area that is at the center of everything. This can come at a higher price though.
Transportation Budget in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta offers a decent public transit system that reaches many must-see spots. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town. For a cheaper and quicker way to explore, public transit is a solid option when it's nearby. Taxis and rideshares are also plentiful in the city.
If walking is your preferred way to explore, you'll have a great time here. There are several walkable neighborhoods in town such as 5 de Diciembre, el Centro, and Zona Romantica.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $16 (MX$320) per person, per day, on local transportation in Puerto Vallarta. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Puerto Vallarta is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$16
MX$320
If you're driving, make sure your hotel has convenient parking.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Puerto Vallarta - Arrival Private Transfer for $76 details
- Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Sayulita hotels - Private Roundtrip Transfer for $189 details
- Punta de Mita to Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) - Private Departure Transfer for $63 details
How much does it cost to go to Puerto Vallarta? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Puerto Vallarta will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Puerto Vallarta
The culinary offerings in Puerto Vallarta are superb, so be sure to dedicate some time to experience all the local flavors. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Puerto Vallarta can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Puerto Vallarta is $53 (MX$1,063) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$53
MX$1,063
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Puerto Vallarta is around $53 (MX$1063) per person, with previous travelers spending from $21 to $135. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Puerto Vallarta are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $16
- Lunch: $8 to $21
- Dinner: $16 to $37
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
There is an abundance of food options available around town. For casual meals and for the budget conscious, there are plenty of taco stands. There are also some wonderful rooftop and waterfront restaurants that offer excellent views of the water, but also come at a higher price. We love La Palapa which isn't too expensive but has nice food and nice views. You'll find plenty of beach side restaurants, some are a better quality than others, but in general the seafood is quite delicious and not to be missed.
Traveling with children? Look for dining spots that have a children's menu. This can lead to significant savings since those meals are often more budget-friendly. Some restaurants might not list these options, so it's wise to ask your waiter before you decide what to order.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Carry a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also good for the environment.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Puerto Vallarta. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Sayulita Tacos and Tequila Food Tour for $99 details
- Dinner Tacos Food Tour for $55 details
- 3-Hour Guided Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta for $45 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Puerto Vallarta
It's not surprising that visitors come to Puerto Vallarta, as it offers resorts, food, nightlife, and scuba diving & snorkeling.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Puerto Vallarta typically cost an average of $15 (MX$310) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$15
MX$310
Most people come to Puerto Vallarta for the scenery. The beaches are beautiful, as is the surrounding area. Banderas Bay is one of the largest and deepest bays in the world, and there are view points from many of the surrounding hills. There are beaches in many different areas, each with its own atmosphere and some more remote than others.
Most people head to Puerto Vallarta to relax on the beach, and for this purpose it will not disappoint. For those hoping for a more adventurous vacation, there are plenty of activities and things to do in Puerto Vallarta as well. Some of these beaches are great for surfing, too.
Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular activities in the area given the clear blue waters. You can also head out of town and enjoy a zip line ride as well as a canopy tour through the jungle. Whale watching is also a favorite activity between December in March when you are most likely to spot whales. There are also many places around town to play golf, try your hand at parasailing and enjoy some horseback riding.
Take a catamaran tour in Puerto Vallarta to enjoy the coastline from the sea. Most tours offer good food, snorkeling at great spots, nice views of the surrounding hills and sea, and drinks for the grownups.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Scuba diving is a leading activity for adventure seekers 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.
Beaches:
Many travelers seek the calming shores of 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.
Shopping:
The shopping experience here is something you have to do. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.
A nice way to explore destinations in Puerto Vallarta is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Hike and Yoga Jungle Experience in Mexico for $30 details
- Breakfast Taco Tour with a Local Foodie for $55 details
- An Untouristed Taco Adventure with Vallarta Eats Tours for $58 details
Nightlife Budget in Puerto Vallarta
Active and entertaining, the nightlife in Puerto Vallarta is a hit with visitors who love spending time at local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $20 (MX$401) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Puerto Vallarta per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$20
MX$401
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
If you're out drinking at night, keep an eye on your surroundings. You could be a target for pickpockets, so it's wise to stay in a group and with people you trust.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Puerto Vallarta. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Fun Mexican Wine Tasting in Beautiful Garden of Puerto Vallarta for $40 details
- Tequila Tasting Puerto Vallarta Distillery for $15 details
- All you can drink Bar Crawl for $99 details
Traveling in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
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.
Puerto Vallarta's climate is tropical wet and dry. There is a rainy season from the middle of June through the middle of October, with the highest concentration of rain between July and September. The dry season is during the winter months with minimal cloud cover during February, March, and April. Hurricanes are rare but can occasionally hit Puerto Vallarta.
Neighborhoods & Around
There are many specific neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarto. One of the most notable is Centro, which is the oldest part of the city. This area's center is found north of the Cuale River. Emiliano Zapata is south of the Cual and is usually referred to as "Old Town" in most of the tourist information. The city's largest fish market is in Lazaro Cardenas.
The city has recently renovated the boardwalk, which runs from just south of the old town to the middle of the downtown area. It's lined with plenty of shops, restaurants and hotels and you will find street performers entertaining the crowds as well.
Outside of town, to the north, there are stretches of beach with golden sand. The area also has papaya and mango plantations and small villages. To the south of town there is lush, green vegetation and hills that fall into the bay. This area also has many small fishing villages, some of which are only accessible with a boat. To the east of town are the Sierra Madre Mountains and to the west is the Bay of Banderas.
Related
Looking for a
party hostel in Mexico? Heading to
San Diego or
LA?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.
So beautiful, but also pretty expensive! We got groceries and cooked a lot of our food, so having a kitchen is a good idea if you can arrange it. Also, we walked a lot of places around town and up and down the beach so that we didn't have to pay for taxis.