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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Detroit?

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

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a coastal, colorful, and laid-back town. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Detroit

Detroit is a overlooked , under-rated, and hardworking city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Detroit travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Detroit?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Detroit than Puerto Vallarta, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Detroit is more popular for its music and big city activities, while Puerto Vallarta is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Detroit is popular for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also home to the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Detroit is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Puerto Vallarta has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Detroit area. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Detroit are excellent when it comes to partying.

Puerto Vallarta offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Detroit has a large number of nightlife venues. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Detroit Better for Music?

Detroit is renowned for its music scene. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.

In Detroit you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Detroit Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Detroit Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for the beach. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Detroit?

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

Puerto Vallarta is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Many visitors go to Detroit to go shopping. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Detroit Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Puerto Vallarta is very family-friendly. 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 Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Detroit Better for Couples?

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

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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

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

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

Many backpackers visit Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Detroit is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but this is still an often overlooked city.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Detroit 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, Detroit 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 Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Detroit a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Detroit is a somewhat walkable town. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Detroit?

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

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

In Puerto Vallarta, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The hardworking destination of Detroit offers live music and food. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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 Detroit?

In Puerto Vallarta, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Detroit 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 Detroit?

Puerto Vallarta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Detroit is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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 Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Puerto Vallarta. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Detroit. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Detroit, 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.