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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Cleveland?

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

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a coastal, colorful, and laid-back town. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a authentic, under-rated, and diverse city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and shopping. See Cleveland travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Cleveland?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Puerto Vallarta than Cleveland. While Cleveland is larger than Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Cleveland is more popular for its museums and attractions and music. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Also, Puerto Vallarta is famous for the Malecon. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cleveland 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 Cleveland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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 Cleveland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cleveland. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Puerto Vallarta has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Cleveland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cleveland Better for Music?

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

The music scene in Cleveland is very popular with diverse venues. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cleveland Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cleveland 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.

Cleveland is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cleveland 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.

Cleveland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cleveland Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Cleveland 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.

Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Cleveland?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Cleveland offers some nice shopping areas. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cleveland Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Puerto Vallarta is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cleveland. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Puerto Vallarta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Cleveland is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There's little in the area that attracts the backpacker crowd.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cleveland is lacking in good 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 Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Cleveland is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.

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

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Cleveland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Puerto Vallarta and Cleveland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than in Cleveland. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cleveland.

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

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 under-rated destination of Cleveland offers nightlife and live music. 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 Cleveland?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cultural 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 city of Cleveland offers live music 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 Cleveland?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the colorful 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.

Cleveland 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 Cleveland?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting Cleveland. 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Cleveland?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Cleveland, 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.