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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Berkeley?

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 Berkeley 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. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a diverse, quirky, and progressive city. Berkeley offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Berkeley travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Berkeley?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Berkeley. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Berkeley attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Berkeley is famous for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Berkeley is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Berkeley specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.

Puerto Vallarta is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Puerto Vallarta and Berkeley.

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 Berkeley. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Berkeley are excellent 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.

Berkeley has a large number of nightlife venues. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Berkeley Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its resorts. However, Berkeley is not a resort destination.

Puerto Vallarta offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Berkeley is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Berkeley is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Puerto Vallarta to enjoy 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.

Berkeley is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Berkeley Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for the beach. However, Berkeley is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in 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.

Berkeley is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Berkeley?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Berkeley are excellent 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 Berkeley. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Berkeley More Beautiful?

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

Berkeley offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It has a nice campus and a unique setting that mixes an urban environment with a bayside location.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Berkeley Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is a family-friendly town. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for couples. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Berkeley is a nice destination for couples. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

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

Both Puerto Vallarta and Berkeley are excellent 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.

Berkeley is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Berkeley Better for Students?

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

Berkeley is very popular with students. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Berkeley is renowned for its public transit. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Berkeley has a great public transit system. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

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

Is Puerto Vallarta or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Berkeley is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Berkeley on foot. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

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 Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting? and Is Berkeley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Berkeley?

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

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Berkeley. 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 Berkeley. 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 Berkeley than Puerto Vallarta 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 Berkeley.

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Berkeley?

The town of Puerto Vallarta offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The progressive destination of Berkeley offers nightlife and food. 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 Berkeley?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The city of Berkeley 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 Berkeley?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Puerto Vallarta, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Berkeley 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 Berkeley?

Puerto Vallarta is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Berkeley. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Berkeley?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Berkeley, 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.