A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. Santa Barbara for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara 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.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a pristine, affluent, and scenic coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. You'll find world class beauty in Santa Barbara as well. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Barbara than Puerto Vallarta. While Puerto Vallarta is larger than Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Barbara is very popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Puerto Vallarta attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Santa Barbara is famous for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also well known for The Old Mission Santa Barbara.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

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 Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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 Santa Barbara. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town 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 Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its resorts. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Puerto Vallarta is a great choice. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Santa Barbara. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is renowned for the beach. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Santa Barbara is a very popular vacation destination. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

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.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

Santa Barbara offers a nice historic old town area. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Santa Barbara specifically for its hiking. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Santa Barbara is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara More Beautiful?

Santa Barbara is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Santa Barbara as well. The city is beautifully situated right by the ocean and offers stunning views and and an amazing setting. It is also filled with opulent houses and grand estates, giving it an air of grandeur.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara.

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.

Santa Barbara is a very family-friendly destination. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is renowned for couples. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Santa Barbara has plenty to offer. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

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.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town 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.

Santa Barbara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city isn't really known as a budget friendly destination, but there are a couple of hostels in the area. There's also a large student population with a fun nightlife scene.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

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

Santa Barbara is very popular with students. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Both Puerto Vallarta and Santa Barbara offer nice public transit options.

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

Santa Barbara has some public transit options. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta and Santa Barbara both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Santa Barbara is very walkable. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Santa Barbara than Puerto Vallarta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Santa Barbara that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the cultural destination of Puerto Vallarta. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The scenic destination of Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The coastal town of Santa Barbara offers food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the coastal destination of Puerto Vallarta. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Santa Barbara is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the town of Puerto Vallarta. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Barbara. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 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 Santa Barbara, we can see that Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Santa Barbara?

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