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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Pittsburgh?

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 Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a under-rated, industrial, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Pittsburgh travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Pittsburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Pittsburgh?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Puerto Vallarta than Pittsburgh. While Pittsburgh is larger than Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Pittsburgh attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and big city activities. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Pittsburgh is famous for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood".

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Pittsburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

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 Pittsburgh? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Pittsburgh Better for Nightlife?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Pittsburgh Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Pittsburgh Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is great for the beach. However, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Pittsburgh?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its shopping areas. Also, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh is a great destination for shopping. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Pittsburgh Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Pittsburgh Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is great for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination 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.

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

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

Puerto Vallarta is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's usually overlooked by backpackers, but there is some cheap accommodation in town.

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

Both Puerto Vallarta and Pittsburgh offer nice public transit options.

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

Pittsburgh has some public transit options. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Pittsburgh a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh is somewhat walkable. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pittsburgh or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Pittsburgh?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Puerto Vallarta and Pittsburgh. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than in Pittsburgh. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Pittsburgh.

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

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laid-back town of Puerto Vallarta, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The industrial destination of Pittsburgh offers nightlife and food. 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 Pittsburgh?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Puerto Vallarta, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh?

Puerto Vallarta, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pittsburgh. 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Pittsburgh, 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.