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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Savannah?

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

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a cultural, coastal, and colorful town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Savannah

Savannah is a historic, beautiful, and charming city. Savannah offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Savannah travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Savannah: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Savannah?

You'll generally find more things to do in Puerto Vallarta than Savannah. Puerto Vallarta is bigger than Savannah, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Puerto Vallarta is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Savannah is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Savannah and is known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Also, Puerto Vallarta is famous for the Malecon. Savannah is well known for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Savannah?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Savannah 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 Savannah specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.

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 Savannah? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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 Savannah. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Savannah Better for Nightlife?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Savannah are great 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.

Savannah has a large number of nightlife venues. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Savannah Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Savannah is not a resort destination.

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.

Savannah is not a resort destination.

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

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

Savannah is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Savannah Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beach.

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.

Many people head to Savannah to enjoy the beach. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Savannah Better for its Old Town?

Savannah is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Savannah. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Savannah?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Savannah 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 Savannah. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Savannah More Beautiful?

Savannah is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Savannah offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is filled with historic buildings and streets lined with trees draped in Spanish Moss.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Savannah Better for Families?

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

Puerto Vallarta is 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.

Savannah is a family-friendly town. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Savannah Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Savannah are great destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Savannah makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Savannah is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Savannah Better for Students?

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

Savannah is a good city to visit for students. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for its public transit. However, Savannah 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 Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Savannah a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta and Savannah 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.

Savannah is very walkable. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Savannah or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Savannah?

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

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

The town of Puerto Vallarta offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The historic destination of Savannah offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Savannah?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The city of Savannah offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Savannah?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Puerto Vallarta, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Savannah is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Savannah?

Puerto Vallarta is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Savannah. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Savannah?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Savannah. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Savannah, 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.