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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Seattle?

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 Seattle 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.

Seattle

Seattle is a outdoorsy, laid-back, and bustling city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Seattle offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food. See Seattle travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Seattle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seattle than Puerto Vallarta. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Seattle is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, music, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Puerto Vallarta attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Seattle is famous for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also well known for The Space Needle.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Seattle 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 Seattle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

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 Puerto Vallarta or Seattle Better for Theater?

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

Seattle offers a number of shows and performances. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Puerto Vallarta is not a theatre destination.

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

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

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 Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Seattle 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.

Seattle has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Seattle is very popular with diverse venues. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Seattle Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its resorts. However, Seattle 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.

Seattle is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Seattle 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.

Seattle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for the beach. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Seattle. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Seattle is a popular spot for hiking. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Seattle?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Seattle More Beautiful?

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

Seattle offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier, the city has both natural and architectural beauty. It's also beautifully situated on the water with lots of parks and vegetation throughout.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Seattle Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Seattle is a family-friendly town. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Seattle Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

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

Puerto Vallarta is notable for backpackers. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Seattle is a good town to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Seattle Better for Students?

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

Seattle is very popular with students. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Both Puerto Vallarta and Seattle offer nice public transit options.

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

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Seattle a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta and Seattle both are excellent 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.

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Seattle?

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

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

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.

Seattle is a big city with plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Seattle?

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.

Seattle is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Seattle?

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.

Seattle is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Seattle?

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 live music and food when visiting Seattle. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Seattle?

Seattle has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Seattle, 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.