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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming?

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 Cody, Wyoming 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.

Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a activity-filled, historic, and fascinating town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Cody, Wyoming travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Cody, Wyoming: 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
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Cody, Wyoming, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Puerto Vallarta is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Cody, Wyoming is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Puerto Vallarta is well known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Also, Puerto Vallarta is famous for the Malecon. Cody, Wyoming is well known for it's Wild West atmosphere and its founder, Buffalo Bill.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Cody, Wyoming?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming?

Puerto Vallarta
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting local museums around town. One of the most popular is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. There are also several gun museums like the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum. For history, check out the Museum of the Plains Indian or the Cody Heritage Museum.

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 Cody, Wyoming? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Vallarta
Cody, Wyoming

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cody, Wyoming. Most of the restaurants offer a nod to the Wild West theme. There's a soda saloon, barbecue joints, and old fashioned saloons where you can grab a thick steak or fried green tomatoes. Many have fun decor and a family-friendly vibe that sets the atmosphere.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta
Cody, Wyoming

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Cody, Wyoming 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.

Cody, Wyoming has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene, like everything else in town, stays true to the Wild West theme. You'll find cowboys and cowgirls on the dance floor and enjoy live music and cold drinks at the local bar.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta
Cody, Wyoming

Puerto Vallarta is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Puerto Vallarta is a perfect choice. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Cody, Wyoming is not a resort destination.


Is Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta
Cody, Wyoming

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Cody, Wyoming is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta
Cody, Wyoming

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a beach destination.

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.

Cody, Wyoming is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming Better for its Old Town?

Puerto Vallarta
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

Cody, Wyoming offers a nice historic old town area. The historic downtown is small, just a few blocks along Sheridan Avenue, but it's filled with personality. The buildings have local character and highlight the town's past.

Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.


Is Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming Better for Hiking?

Puerto Vallarta
Cody, Wyoming

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Cody, Wyoming. It's not hard to get out of town and enjoy some hiking. Trails take you through the local landscapes and sometimes offer you the opportunity to see local wildlife.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming?

Puerto Vallarta
Cody, Wyoming

Both Puerto Vallarta and Cody, Wyoming are very good 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 Cody, Wyoming. You'll find quirky shops, local vendors, and sporting equipment stores around town. Whether you want to pick up a souvenir or browse the Wild West paraphernalia, shopping is a fun activity in town.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta
Cody, Wyoming

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming.

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.

Cody, Wyoming is a very family-friendly destination. It's a fun stop off for families who are visiting the national parks in the area. There are diverse activities that will give the kids a break from hiking and nature programs. Make sure you check out the Cody Nite Rodeo, the Old Trail Town, and the horseback riding. For a glimpse at what life was like back in the Wild West, check out a Wild Bunch Gunfighters Show.


Is Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta
Cody, Wyoming

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for romance. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Cody, Wyoming makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, this is a fun town to shop, dine, and play. There's horseback riding, historical reenactments, and quirky shops. There's also the opportunity to see wildlife and chat with other travelers.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta
Cody, Wyoming

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cody, Wyoming 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.

Cody, Wyoming is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of campgrounds and cheap motels in the area.

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

Puerto Vallarta
Cody, Wyoming

Puerto Vallarta is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Cody, Wyoming 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 limited or non-existant in Cody, Wyoming. There's no real public transit through town.


Is Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta
Cody, Wyoming

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Cody, Wyoming is a somewhat walkable place. The historic downtown can be explored on foot, but anything outside of town will require a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Cody, Wyoming or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming?

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

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Cody, Wyoming. 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 Cody, Wyoming. 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 Cody, Wyoming 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 Cody, Wyoming? Ideal Length of Stay
    Puerto Vallarta 3-5 
    Cody, Wyoming 1-3

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the cultural destination of Puerto Vallarta. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Cody, Wyoming is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Cody, Wyoming?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Cody, Wyoming might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Cody, Wyoming?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the colorful destination of Puerto Vallarta. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Cody, Wyoming is a great place to explore. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the town of Puerto Vallarta. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Since Cody, Wyoming is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cody, Wyoming 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
    Cody, Wyoming Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Puerto Vallarta $128
    Cody, Wyoming $191

The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Vallarta is $128, while the average daily cost in Cody, Wyoming is $191. 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 Cody, Wyoming in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Puerto Vallarta $57
    Cody, Wyoming $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Puerto Vallarta $114
    Cody, Wyoming $156
Compare Hotels in Puerto Vallarta and Cody, Wyoming

Looking for a hotel in Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming? 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 Cody, Wyoming


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 Cody, Wyoming Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Puerto Vallarta $17
    Cody, Wyoming $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Vallarta

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Vallarta:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming?

Prices for flights to both Cody, Wyoming 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
    Cody, Wyoming $80

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
    Cody, Wyoming $33

Tours and Activities in Puerto Vallarta

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

  • Sayulita Minivan Transportation Service Tour: $165
  • ATV Tour Rio Cuale Sierra Madre Mountains and tequila tasting: $73
  • ATV and RZR Jorullo Bridge Experience in Puerto Vallarta: $167
  • Beachfront Massage Experience in Mismaloya: $42
  • Bioluminescence & sunset local boat tour to Los Arcos Sanctuary: $67
  • Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos: $46
  • Cachasol Raicilla and Tequila Tour: $83
  • Canopy Tour Experience in Sayulita, Nuevo Nayarit.: $68
  • City tour express; butterfly, tequila, and beach an ecological day: $22
  • EcoHike experience through the jungle, mountains and hidden beach: $30
  • Edenva Ecotourist Park in Puerto Vallarta: $69
  • Food & Mixology Tour:Tequila,Tacos, Mezcal and Agave Cocktails: $98

Tours and Activities in Cody, Wyoming

For Cody, Wyoming, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cody Trolley Tours - Best of the West Trolley Tour: $35
  • Surfin In The Rockies Duckie Tours BY:Red Canyon River Trips: $56
  • Red Canyon River Trips 7 Mile Whitewater Adventure 3:00PM Daily!: $59
  • Red Canyon River Trips Whitewater 7 Mile Adventure 1:00PM Daily : $59
  • Kicking Red Canyon Wild Mustang Bus Tour Deals 5 PM In Cody : $69
  • Kicking Red Canyon Wild Mustang Bus Tour Deals 8am Daily : $69
  • Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tours And Safaris In Cody Wyoming : $89
  • Red Canyon River Trip’s Extended Whitewater Adventure!: $89
  • Private Guided Nature Hiking Experience in Cody Wyoming: $135
  • Red Canyon’s Best Of The Wild West Wild Mustang+Rafting Adventure: $139
  • Rock Climbing Experience: $150
  • Rock Climbing Experience in Cody, Wyoming: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Puerto Vallarta $22
    Cody, Wyoming $18


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


Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Cody, Wyoming?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cody, Wyoming. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Cody, Wyoming, 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.