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

Should you visit San Jose or Puerto Vallarta?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Puerto Vallarta, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

San Jose

San Jose is a colorful, bustling, 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 San Jose travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a coastal, colorful, and laid-back town. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

San Jose and Puerto Vallarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Jose or Puerto Vallarta?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Puerto Vallarta than San Jose. While San Jose is larger than Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while San Jose is more popular for its big city activities. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than San Jose and is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Also, Puerto Vallarta is famous for the Malecon. San Jose is well known for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country.

How is San Jose different from Puerto Vallarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Puerto Vallarta and San Jose. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Jose or Puerto Vallarta?

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either San Jose or Puerto Vallarta.

San Jose is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

Puerto Vallarta offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in San Jose. Most people miss out on local cuisine during their time in Costa Rica, but the capital city offers the best opportunities to eat like a local. You can sample favorite local dishes such as chifrijo, gallo pinto, rondón, and casado. You should also wander through the Central Market and dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Is San Jose or Puerto Vallarta Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in San Jose and Puerto Vallarta.

San Jose has a large number of nightlife venues. This city has the best nightlife in all of Costa Rica. You'll find a diversity of clubs and bars that are fun to explore. Check out the reggae bars, dance clubs, and sports bars (where you can enjoy a soccer game) while you're in town.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 San Jose or Puerto Vallarta Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, San Jose 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.

San Jose is not a resort destination.

Is San Jose or Puerto Vallarta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, San Jose 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.

San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Jose or Puerto Vallarta Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its beaches. However, San Jose 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.

San Jose is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Jose or Puerto Vallarta?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both San Jose and Puerto Vallarta.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting San Jose. There are a number of unique things you can buy in the city including jewelry, handbags, and wood workings. Make sure you check out the Central Market.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Is San Jose or Puerto Vallarta Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

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.

San Jose doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Most people pass through the city quickly, but if you have a day or two to explore, you can visit the Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños), Spirogyra Butterfly Gardens, or explore the Central Market.

Is San Jose or Puerto Vallarta Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of San Jose as a couple's destination. While Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination, the capital city is often overlooked for the beaches and rainforests around the country.

Is San Jose or Puerto Vallarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Jose and Puerto Vallarta are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

San Jose is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers appreciate the affordability of the city and the wide range of hostels that you can choose from. The city also offers an authentic glimpse of life in Costa Rica.

Puerto Vallarta is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is San Jose or Puerto Vallarta Better for Students?

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

San Jose is a good city to visit for students. Many students come to Costa Rica to study the country's amazing environment and unique ecological systems. San Jose makes a good base as its easy to travel to other parts of this small country.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both San Jose and Puerto Vallarta.

San Jose has some public transit options. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

You'll find some public transit in Puerto Vallarta, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Is San Jose or Puerto Vallarta a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

San Jose is a somewhat walkable place. It can feel a bit chaotic, but it's relatively easy to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Vallarta or San Jose?

How long in San Jose or Puerto Vallarta?

In either San Jose or Puerto Vallarta, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than San Jose because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for San Jose, and 3-5 days is enough time in Puerto Vallarta.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than San Jose 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 San Jose or Puerto Vallarta?

The colorful destination of San Jose offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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.

A weekend in San Jose or Puerto Vallarta?

The city of San Jose 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.

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.

Five days in San Jose or Puerto Vallarta?

San Jose 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.

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.

A week in San Jose or Puerto Vallarta?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting San Jose. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, and The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Jose and Puerto Vallarta, we can see that Puerto Vallarta is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Jose is in Central America 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 San Jose would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Jose 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 Puerto Vallarta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Puerto Vallarta than you might in San Jose.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Jose Expensive? and Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Jose or Puerto Vallarta?

San Jose has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of San Jose 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.