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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Orlando?

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

Puerto Vallarta

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

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Orlando travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Orlando: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Orlando?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Orlando. Although Puerto Vallarta and Orlando are roughly the same size, Orlando has more sights and attractions for tourists. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, while Puerto Vallarta is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Orlando is more touristy than Puerto Vallarta and is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is famous for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Puerto Vallarta is well known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Orlando?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Orlando Better for Theater?

Orlando is very good for its shows and theatre. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a theatre destination.

Orlando offers a number of shows and performances. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Puerto Vallarta is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Puerto Vallarta and Orlando.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Orlando Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is great for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Orlando Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Puerto Vallarta and Orlando.

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.

Orlando offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

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

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

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Orlando is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Orlando Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its beaches. However, Orlando is not a beach destination.

Puerto Vallarta is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Orlando?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Orlando are great 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 Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Orlando Better for Families?

Orlando is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Orlando is one of the most popular family destinations. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Orlando Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is great for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

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

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

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Orlando Better for Students?

Orlando is very good for students. However, Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

Orlando is a good city to visit for students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Orlando 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 Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Orlando a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination 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.

Orlando is not a walkable town. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Orlando or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Orlando?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Orlando have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orlando than in Puerto Vallarta. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 7 days is enough time in Orlando.

Families should spend more time in Orlando than Puerto Vallarta. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Orlando, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Orlando. 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 Orlando 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 Orlando?

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 family-friendly destination of Orlando offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Orlando?

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 Orlando offers food and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Orlando?

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.

Orlando is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Orlando?

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.

The active city of Orlando offers theater and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Orlando?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Orlando, 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.