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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Boise?

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

Puerto Vallarta

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

Boise

Boise is a authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Boise travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Boise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Boise?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Boise. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Boise and is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Boise is famous for its many outdoor and recreational activities.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Boise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Puerto Vallarta or Boise.

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.

Boise is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there's a nice selection of local museums around town. Favorites include the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Idaho Black History Museum, and Discovery Center.

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

Puerto Vallarta is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Boise is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Boise offers some easy restaurants to choose from. While Idaho has long been associated with the potato, the locals usually think of "finger steaks" when describing local food. These are deep-friend beef strips that are as good as they sound.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boise Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Puerto Vallarta has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Boise has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. In downtown Boise you'll find a selection of bars, lounges, and breweries. There's enough around town to keep the nightlife scene interesting.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boise Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Boise is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Puerto Vallarta is a great choice. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Boise is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Boise is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Boise is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boise Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Boise is not a beach destination.

Puerto Vallarta is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Boise is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Boise?

Puerto Vallarta is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Boise is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of local boutiques, independent vendors, and suburban shopping centers where you'll find anything that you might need.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boise Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Boise is lacking in options 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.

Boise doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. You'll find parks, playgrounds, and the Discovery Center which will help keep kids entertained.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boise Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Boise is lacking in options for romance.

Puerto Vallarta makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Boise is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Date night activities include dining at a nice restaurants and seeing a show at the theater.

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

Puerto Vallarta is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boise is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Boise is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Backpackers rarely make their way to this town.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Boise is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Boise. There are infrequent buses around town, but visitors usually have a car to get around town efficiently.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Boise a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Boise is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Boise is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable neighborhoods but, in general, the town isn't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Boise or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Boise?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Puerto Vallarta or Boise to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Puerto Vallarta than Boise because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Boise.

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

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this coastal 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.

The authentic destination of Boise offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Boise?

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.

The city of Boise offers museums and nightlife. 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 Boise?

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.

Boise 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 Boise?

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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Boise. 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 Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Boise?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Boise. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Boise, 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.