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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Durham?

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

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a cultural, coastal, and colorful town. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Durham travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Durham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Durham?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Durham are popular destinations, Puerto Vallarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Durham attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Durham and is known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Durham is famous for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Durham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Durham 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 Durham specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

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 Durham? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Durham. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Durham Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Durham Better for Resorts?

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

Durham is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Durham Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for the beach. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Durham?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Durham. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Durham Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Durham is a family-friendly town. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Durham Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Durham is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Durham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The student population means there are a number of parties and bars around town, but most backpackers overlook this city.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Durham Better for Students?

Durham is a well-known place for students. However, Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

Durham is very popular with students. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Puerto Vallarta is very good for its public transit. However, Durham is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Durham a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city 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.

Durham is generally not a very walkable town. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Durham or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Durham?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Puerto Vallarta. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The diverse destination of Durham 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 Durham?

Puerto Vallarta is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The city of Durham 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 Durham?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Durham 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 Durham?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful destination of Puerto Vallarta. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Durham. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Durham?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Durham, 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.