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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Cincinnati?

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 Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a authentic, hard-working, and blue collar city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Cincinnati travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Cincinnati: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Cincinnati?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Cincinnati. While Cincinnati is larger than Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Cincinnati is known for its museums and attractions. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Cincinnati and is known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to the Malecon. Cincinnati is popular for its breweries and down-to-earth personality.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Cincinnati?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Puerto Vallarta
Cincinnati

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. You'll find both traditional and quirky museums around town. For outside-the-box, check out the American Sign Museum or the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Art museums include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Taft Museum of Art. Other popular museums include the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal.

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 Cincinnati? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Vallarta
Cincinnati

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Puerto Vallarta. 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.

Cincinnati is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Mixed in with the standard chain and fast food options, you'll find some local restaurants that serve up the iconic Midwestern favorites. For a taste of the town, try Cincinnati chili, barbecue ribs, and a corned beef Reuben.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cincinnati Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta
Cincinnati

Puerto Vallarta is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Cincinnati has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is diverse and includes music venues, breweries, and nightclubs. In addition to the city's downtown, you'll find trendy places to hang out in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Breweries are popular in the city, in part because of its German roots.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cincinnati Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta
Cincinnati

Puerto Vallarta is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a resort destination.


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

Puerto Vallarta
Cincinnati

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cincinnati Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta
Cincinnati

Puerto Vallarta is well known for the beach. However, Cincinnati 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.

Cincinnati is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Cincinnati?

Puerto Vallarta
Cincinnati

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Cincinnati has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are large shopping malls and retail outlets. You'll also find local boutiques in the Montgomery or Mariemont areas.


Is Puerto Vallarta or Cincinnati Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta
Cincinnati

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Puerto Vallarta is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Cincinnati offers lots of family activities. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities around town like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Newport Aquarium, and Smale Riverfront Park.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cincinnati Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta
Cincinnati

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its romantic activities. However, Cincinnati is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Puerto Vallarta frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Cincinnati is not always the best place to visit for a couple. If you do find yourself in town for a few days, there are several good restaurants and a number of music venues that can keep the visit fun and entertaining.

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

Puerto Vallarta
Cincinnati

Puerto Vallarta is well known for backpackers. Also, Cincinnati is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Puerto Vallarta is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Cincinnati is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are actually a couple of hostels in town for backpackers or students.


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

Puerto Vallarta
Cincinnati

Both Puerto Vallarta and Cincinnati offer good public transit options.

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

Cincinnati has some public transit options. There are two bus systems around town - the METRO and TANK bus systems. There's also a streetcar that travels through the downtown.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cincinnati a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta
Cincinnati

Puerto Vallarta and Cincinnati both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Cincinnati is very walkable. There are several surprisingly walkable areas, particularly downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.

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

Should I spend more time in Cincinnati or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Cincinnati?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Puerto Vallarta or Cincinnati to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Puerto Vallarta than Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati.

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


  • How many days in Puerto Vallarta or Cincinnati? Ideal Length of Stay
    Puerto Vallarta 3-5 
    Cincinnati 1-2

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Cincinnati?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the colorful town of Puerto Vallarta, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The blue collar destination of Cincinnati offers nightlife and food. 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 Cincinnati?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Puerto Vallarta, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati?

Puerto Vallarta, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cincinnati. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cincinnati or Puerto Vallarta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Puerto Vallarta Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Cincinnati Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Puerto Vallarta $128
    Cincinnati $223

The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Vallarta is $128, while the average daily cost in Cincinnati is $223. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Puerto Vallarta and Cincinnati in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Puerto Vallarta $57
    Cincinnati $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Puerto Vallarta $114
    Cincinnati $204
Compare Hotels in Puerto Vallarta and Cincinnati

Looking for a hotel in Puerto Vallarta or Cincinnati? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Puerto Vallarta


Hotels in Cincinnati


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Puerto Vallarta Hotel Prices and Cincinnati Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Puerto Vallarta $17
    Cincinnati $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Vallarta

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Private Transfer from Punta de Mita Area to PVR Airport: $180
  • Puerto Vallarta Roundtrip Shuttle Airport Transfer: $32
  • Sayulita hotels to Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) – Private Departure Transfer : $155

Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto Vallarta or Cincinnati?

Prices for flights to both Cincinnati and Puerto Vallarta change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Puerto Vallarta $58
    Cincinnati $95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Puerto Vallarta

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Puerto Vallarta.

  • Winner 2025 Downtown Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
  • Mexican Cooking Class, Tequila Tasting & Unlimited Margaritas: $89
  • Sayulita Tacos and Tequila Food Tour : $99
  • Puerto Vallarta- Market tour and Cooking Experience : $134
  • Rhythms of the night, sunset cruise, open bar & oceanfront dinner: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Puerto Vallarta $17
    Cincinnati $26

Tours and Activities in Puerto Vallarta

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Vallarta are as follows:

  • City tour express; butterfly, tequila, and beach an ecological day: $22
  • EcoHike experience through the jungle, mountains and hidden beach: $30
  • Puerto Vallarta VIP Promotional Tour: $30
  • Hike and Yoga Jungle Experience in Mexico: $30
  • Beachfront Massage Experience in Mismaloya: $42
  • Puerto Vallarta City Tour with a Visit to our Adventure Park: $45
  • Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos: $46
  • Monkey Mountain Hiking tour: $50
  • Sayulita Taco Tour: $54
  • Sayulita And San Pancho Beachs Tour: $64
  • Bioluminescence & sunset local boat tour to Los Arcos Sanctuary: $67
  • Canopy Tour Experience in Sayulita, Nuevo Nayarit.: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Puerto Vallarta $22
    Cincinnati $11


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


Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Cincinnati?

Cincinnati has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Cincinnati, 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.