A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. Cape Cod for Resorts, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Cape Cod?

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 Cape Cod can help you decide which place is right for you.

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.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a peaceful, relaxing, and laid-back beach destination. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, Cape Cod attracts visitors from all around. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking. See Cape Cod travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Cape Cod?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Cape Cod are popular destinations, Puerto Vallarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Cape Cod attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Cape Cod is famous for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Puerto Vallarta is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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 Cape Cod. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Puerto Vallarta for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its 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.

Cape Cod has a handful of resorts to choose from. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cape Cod Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta and Cape Cod are high quality choices for a beach vacation.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cape Cod. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Cape Cod is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Cape Cod. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Cape Cod?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cape Cod More Beautiful?

Cape Cod is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Cape Cod attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and picturesque scenery make this area truly unique.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cape Cod Better for Families?

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

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.

Cape Cod is a very family-friendly destination. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cape Cod Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination 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.

Cape Cod is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This area is more focused on luxury and family vacationers than it is on backpackers and budget travelers.

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

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

While Puerto Vallarta offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination 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.

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Cape Cod?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Puerto Vallarta. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Cape Cod. 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 Cape Cod. 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 Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod?

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.

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Cape Cod?

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.

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Cape Cod?

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.

Cape Cod is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This beach destination offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Cape Cod?

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.

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Cape Cod, we can see that Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod Expensive?.