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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Moncton?

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

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a laid-back, cultural, and coastal town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Moncton

Moncton is a cultural, quaint, and compact city. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See Moncton travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Moncton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Moncton. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Moncton and is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Moncton is famous for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Moncton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has a zoo at Magnetic Hill as well as several great museums and historic sites like Fort Beauséjour and the Acadian Museum.

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

Puerto Vallarta is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Puerto Vallarta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Moncton offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a range of casual eateries around town as well as wine tasting and a few upscales places. Poutine is the local favorite, but you can also try fried seafood or a local stew.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its evening party scene. However, Moncton is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Puerto Vallarta for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Moncton specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Moncton Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Puerto Vallarta for its luxury resorts. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Moncton is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Moncton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Moncton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Moncton Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is great for the beach. However, Moncton is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Puerto Vallarta for it's beautiful 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.

Moncton is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Moncton?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its shopping areas. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Moncton is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of independent shops and larger big box stores. Some of the largest shopping areas include Mapleton Plaza and Wheeler Park Power Centre.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Moncton Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Puerto Vallarta. 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.

Moncton is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a family-friendly town with indoor play spaces and outdoor parks. Highlights for families include a visit to Magnetic Hill Zoo and a stop at Butterfly World and the Boardwalk.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Moncton Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is great for couples. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Puerto Vallarta is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Moncton is a nice destination for couples. There are some great date night ideas like wine tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery or seeing a show at the theater.

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

Puerto Vallarta is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Moncton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Moncton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in town, this is little more than a stopover for most backpackers.

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

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

While Puerto Vallarta offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Moncton. There is a bus system but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Moncton a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Moncton is somewhat walkable. It's relatively compact and dense enough to get around on foot in many parts.

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

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Moncton?

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

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

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 cultural destination of Moncton offers shopping and museums. 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 Moncton?

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 Moncton offers museums and food. 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 Moncton?

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.

Moncton 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 Moncton?

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 shopping and museums when visiting Moncton. 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 Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Puerto Vallarta and Moncton, we can see that Moncton is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Moncton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Moncton?

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