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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Asheville?

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 Asheville can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a colorful, laid-back, and cultural town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Asheville

Asheville is a eclectic, outdoorsy, and progressive mountain town. Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Asheville travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Asheville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Asheville?

Both Asheville and Puerto Vallarta have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is more popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Asheville is known for its music, historical sights, hiking, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Asheville and is known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Asheville is popular for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Asheville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Asheville 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 Asheville?

Puerto Vallarta is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Puerto Vallarta offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Puerto Vallarta and Asheville.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Asheville Better for Nightlife?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Asheville are high quality 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.

Asheville has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Asheville Better for Music?

Asheville is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Asheville is very popular with diverse venues. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Asheville Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an unbeatable place for its resorts. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers flock to Puerto Vallarta for its luxury resorts. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

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

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Asheville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Asheville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Asheville Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for the beach. However, Asheville is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Puerto Vallarta for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Asheville is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Asheville Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a moderate mountain town for its historic old town charm. However, Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Asheville is worth visiting. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Asheville Better for Hiking?

Asheville is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Asheville is a popular spot for hiking. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Asheville?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Asheville are high quality shopping destinations.

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Asheville. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Asheville More Beautiful?

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

Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Asheville Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Asheville.

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.

Asheville is a very family-friendly destination. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Asheville Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Asheville are high quality 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.

Asheville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

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

Both Puerto Vallarta and Asheville are high quality destinations for backpackers.

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.

Asheville is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Asheville Better for Students?

Asheville is a well-known place for students. However, Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

Asheville is very popular with students. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a good destination for its public transit. However, Asheville is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Puerto Vallarta, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Asheville a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Asheville is a somewhat walkable town. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Asheville or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Asheville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Puerto Vallarta and Asheville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than in Asheville. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Asheville.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Asheville. 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 Asheville. 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 Asheville 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 Asheville?

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Puerto Vallarta. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The eclectic destination of Asheville offers nightlife and live music. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Asheville?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the colorful destination of Puerto Vallarta. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The mountain town of Asheville offers live music and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Asheville?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal town of Puerto Vallarta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Asheville is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This mountain town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Asheville?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Asheville?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Asheville, 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.