Which place is cheaper, Puerto Vallarta or Rome?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Rome or Puerto Vallarta?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rome and Puerto Vallarta can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Rome
Rome is a fun-filled, popular, and ancient city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. You'll find world class beauty in Rome as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Rome travel costs.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a colorful, laid-back, and cultural town. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.
Rome and Puerto Vallarta: Pros and Cons
Rome
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Known for its beauty
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Colosseum
Puerto Vallarta
Pros- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less museums and historical sights
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Rome or Puerto Vallarta?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Rome than Puerto Vallarta. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rome is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Puerto Vallarta attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Rome is more touristy than Puerto Vallarta and is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also well known for The Colosseum. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife.
The Colosseum
How is Rome different from Puerto Vallarta?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Puerto Vallarta and Rome. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rome or Puerto Vallarta?
Rome
Puerto Vallarta
Rome is renowned 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.
You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Rome on the map. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.
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 Rome or Puerto Vallarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Rome
Puerto Vallarta
Rome is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.
Rome has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.
The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Puerto Vallarta. 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.
Is Rome or Puerto Vallarta Better for Nightlife?
Rome
Puerto Vallarta
Rome is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.
Rome is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.
Puerto Vallarta has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.
Is Rome or Puerto Vallarta Better for Music?
Rome
Puerto Vallarta
Rome is renowned for its music scene. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.
In Rome you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.
Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.
Is Rome or Puerto Vallarta Better for Resorts?
Rome
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Rome is not a resort destination.
Puerto Vallarta is a world class resort vacation destination. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.
Rome is not a resort destination.
Is Rome or Puerto Vallarta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Rome
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Puerto Vallarta is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.
Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Rome or Puerto Vallarta Better for Beaches?
Rome
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.
The beaches at Puerto Vallarta attract visitors from all over. 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.
Rome is not a beach destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Rome or Puerto Vallarta?
Rome
Puerto Vallarta
Rome is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.
Rome is a world class destination for shoppers. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.
Is Rome or Puerto Vallarta More Beautiful?
Rome
Puerto Vallarta
Rome 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 Rome as well. With its many beautiful landmarks and impressive architecture, this city has a lot of attractive places to visit. Don't miss Villa Borghese Park, Trastevere, Palazzo Madama, the Appian Way, and Piazza Navona.
Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.
Is Rome or Puerto Vallarta Better for Families?
Rome
Puerto Vallarta
Both Rome and Puerto Vallarta are superb to visit with kids.
Rome is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.
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 Rome or Puerto Vallarta Better for Couples?
Rome
Puerto Vallarta
Both Rome and Puerto Vallarta are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.
Couples visit Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.
Puerto Vallarta is a great city 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.
Is Rome or Puerto Vallarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Rome
Puerto Vallarta
Rome is renowned for backpackers. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Rome is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).
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.
Is Rome or Puerto Vallarta Better for Students?
Rome
Puerto Vallarta
Rome is renowned for students. However, Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.
Students come from all over the world to visit Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.
Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.
Is Rome or Puerto Vallarta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Rome
Puerto Vallarta
Rome is renowned for its public transit. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.
Rome has a great public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.
Puerto Vallarta has some public transit options. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.
Is Rome or Puerto Vallarta a more walkable city?
Rome
Puerto Vallarta
Rome is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.
It is easy to get around Rome on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.
Puerto Vallarta is very walkable. There are several walkable neighborhoods in town such as 5 de Diciembre, el Centro, and Zona Romantica.
For even more information, also check out Is Rome Worth Visiting? and Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Puerto Vallarta or Rome?
How long in Rome or Puerto Vallarta?
In either Rome or Puerto Vallarta, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than Puerto Vallarta because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Rome, and 3-5 days is enough time in Puerto Vallarta.
Couples should spend more time in Rome than Puerto Vallarta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rome that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome than Puerto Vallarta 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 Rome.
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How many days in Rome or Puerto Vallarta? Ideal Length of StayRome 3-7Puerto Vallarta 3-5
One day in Rome or Puerto Vallarta?
Rome is a big city with plenty to do. 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.
Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Puerto Vallarta. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
A weekend in Rome or Puerto Vallarta?
Rome is a big city with plenty to do. 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.
Puerto Vallarta is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Five days in Rome or Puerto Vallarta?
Rome is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.
Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the coastal destination of Puerto Vallarta. This town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.
A week in Rome or Puerto Vallarta?
Rome is a big city with plenty to do. 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.
The coastal town of Puerto Vallarta offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, and The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico.
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Rome Prices
Italy PricesPuerto Vallarta Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRome €207Puerto Vallarta €109
The average daily cost (per person) in Rome is €207, while the average daily cost in Puerto Vallarta is €109. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Rome and Puerto Vallarta in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRome €90Puerto Vallarta €49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRome €180Puerto Vallarta €98
Compare Hotels in Rome and Puerto Vallarta
Looking for a hotel in Rome or Puerto Vallarta? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Rome Hotel Prices and Puerto Vallarta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rome €21Puerto Vallarta €15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:
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Metro Ride (for Two)€2.00
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Train to the Airport€15
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Taxi to Airport€45
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Bicycle Rental (Full Day)€10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:
- Bus Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Vatican City: $7.17
- Transfer Fiumicino Airport - Rome City Centre : $8.36
- Transfer Ciampino Airport - Rome center: $8.36
- Transfer Rome center - Ciampino Airport: $8.36
- Bus Transfer from Rome to Milan or Vice Versa: $9.30
- Fiumicino Airport from/to Vaticano Transfer: $9.56
- Rome from Civitavecchia Transfer with Optional Open Bus: $36
- Transfer from Civitavecchia by train with Rome HopOnHopOff Option: $39
- Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA) Private Departure transfer from Rome Hotels: $41
- Ciampino Transfer: $44
- Transfer between Rome and the Fiumicino Airport FCO: $45
- Rome’s Bone Chapel with Panoramic Transfer: $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Vallarta
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Vallarta:
- Airport-Hotel Transfers: $89
- PVR VIP Round trip transfer Airport Conrad Punta Mita Airport: $299
- PVR VIP Round trip transfers - Airport - Marina hotels - Airport: $49
- PVR VIP Round trip transfers - Airport - Zona Hotelera - Airport: $54
- PVR VIP Round trip transfers Airport Conchas Chinas Airport: $74
- PVR VIP Roundtrip Transfer from Airport - Nuevo Nayarit - Airport: $64
- Privat Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport PVR to Punta de Mita: $184
- Private AC Airport Transfer to Sayulita: $200
- Private Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) for 4-7 people to Nayarit: $102
- Private Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Puerto Vallarta hotels: $141
- Private Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport(PVR) to Cruise Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Puerto Vallarta to Puerto Vallarta Port: $56
Is it cheaper to fly into Rome or Puerto Vallarta?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Vallarta and Rome change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayRome €84Puerto Vallarta €49
Typical Food Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)€14
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4 Ice Cream Sandwiches€2.99
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Cafe e doce€4.00
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Pizza (Fast Food)€2.65
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Sitdown Lunch (for Two)€32
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Cheese and bread€10
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Espresso€2.00
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Dinner€58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.
- Pizzas and Piazzas: A Self-Guided Walk of Rome’s Culinary Culture: $20
- Hard Rock Cafe Rome with Set Lunch or Dinner: $34
- Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $35
- Rome City Center Largest Farmers Market and Street Food Tour : $35
- Vatican Street Food Tour around the Biggest Fresh Market in Rome: $35
- Street Food tour : Eat like a real local: $40
- Tasty Trionfale Farmers Market Food Tour and Local Wines Tasting: $42
- Vatican Street Food Tour and Wine Experience with Local Guide: $47
- Fettuccine Pasta Cooking Class in Rome City Center: $52
- Trastevere Ultimate Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $52
- Trastevere & Campo de' Fiori Street Food Tour, Eat Like a Local: $53
- Rome Street Food Tour Eat Like a Local: $53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Puerto Vallarta
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Puerto Vallarta.
- Taco Adventure Evening Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $55
- Seafood Lover's Tour with Vallarta Food Tours : $59
- Winner 2025 Downtown Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
- Mexican Cooking Class, Tequila Tasting & Unlimited Margaritas: $89
- Mexican Cooking Class and Tequila Tasting: $95
- Sayulita Tacos and Tequila Food Tour : $99
- Market Visit and Mexican Cooking Class: $106
- Private Mexican Cooking Class & Tequila Cocktail at Tanya’s Home: $108
- Authentic Cooking Class in Puerto Vallarta with Local Chef, Manu: $119
- Puerto Vallarta- Market tour and Cooking Experience : $134
- Rhythms of the night, sunset cruise, open bar & oceanfront dinner: $159
- Night Rhythms - Alma - Show and Dinner in Puerto Vallarta: $209
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rome €36Puerto Vallarta €14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome
Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)€69
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Coliseum Tickets (for Two)€33
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Roma Pass€30
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Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)€20
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Segway Tour€75
Tours and Activities in Rome
Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Rome and Tuscany Secret Treasures Self Guided Walking Tour: $4.17
- Vatican Night Tour: $4.54
- Pantheon Entry Ticket or Guided Tour options: $4.78
- Colosseum and Roman Forum Sightseeing Area Night Walking Tour: $4.78
- Pantheon Entry Ticket and Optional Guided Tour: $4.78
- Pantheon Entry Ticket with Optional Guided Tour: $4.78
- Pantheon Entry Ticket and Optional Guided Tour: $4.78
- Tour of Rome to Visit the Most Iconic Monuments: $5.00
- Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Tour Rome: $5.38
- Rome Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.84
- Rome Empress Mystery: Self-Guided Adventure Game: $5.96
- Rome Kid Quest Restore the Senses Self Guided Adventure: $5.96
Tours and Activities in Puerto Vallarta
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Vallarta are as follows:
- Tequila Tasting Tour in Nuevo Vallarta: $5.00
- Puerto Vallarta City Tour: $20
- Butterfly Experience Nature Park Admission : $22
- City tour express; butterfly, tequila, and beach an ecological day: $22
- Private Bike City Tour with Photo Session in Puerto Vallarta: $22
- Hop On Hop Off Tour with Free Stops in Puerto Vallarta: $25
- Butterfly Sanctuary Guided Tour in Puerto Vallarta: $27
- Historic Downtown Ghost Walking Tour: $28
- Full-Day Puerto Vallarta City Highlights Tour: $29
- Puerto Vallarta City Tour: $29
- EcoHike experience through the jungle, mountains and hidden beach: $30
- Puerto Vallarta VIP Promotional Tour: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRome €18Puerto Vallarta €19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:
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Bottle of Wine€6.50
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Pint of Beer€6.34
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Beer€10
Sample the Local Flavors in Rome
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:
- Unique Wine Tasting in Enoteca in Rome San Pietro Area: $33
- Trionfale Farmers Market and Vatican Quarter Food and Wine Tour: $35
- Rome’s Exclusive Wine Tasting: Sip Near the Colosseum!: $39
- Tour of Rome with wine tasting: $54
- Wine Tasting in Trastevere with Food and Gelato: $54
- Guided Wine Tasting Experience in a Roman Vineyard: $59
- Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $60
- Dolce Vita Burlesque show: $60
- EAT AND DRINK LIKE A LOCAL - Wine Tasting in Trastevere w/ Gelato: $72
- Wine Tour in Romes Historic center: $82
- Devour Rome Food & Wine Tour of Trastevere: $84
- The greatest wine tour of Rome: $84
Sample the Local Flavors in Puerto Vallarta
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Puerto Vallarta:
- Premium Tequila Tasting Puerto Vallarta Distillery: $18
- Puerto Vallarta Pub Crawl: $22
- Mexican Wine Tasting Experience: $38
- Secret Agave Bar Crawl in Vallarta: $98
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rome and Puerto Vallarta, we can see that Rome is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Vallarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rome is in Europe and Puerto Vallarta is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome 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 Rome Expensive? and Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rome or Puerto Vallarta?
Rome has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Rome and Puerto Vallarta, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.