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

Should you visit Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn 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.

Tallinn

Tallinn is a historical, charming, and quaint city. You'll find world class beauty in Tallinn as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Tallinn travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a coastal, colorful, and laid-back town. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Tallinn and Puerto Vallarta: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Puerto Vallarta than Tallinn. While Tallinn is larger than Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Tallinn is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tallinn is more touristy than Puerto Vallarta and is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Puerto Vallarta is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to the Malecon.

How is Tallinn different from Puerto Vallarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tallinn
Puerto Vallarta

Tallinn 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 Tallinn specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are beautiful historic churches, particularly in the city's old town. A highlight is the stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You'll also find some unique museums around town as well as Toompea Castle.

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 Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tallinn
Puerto Vallarta

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

Puerto Vallarta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Tallinn area. Food is affordable and hearty. Many dishes incorporate rye bread, pork, smoked fish, potatoes, or dairy products. You'll also find a lot of variation in dishes between seasons.

Is Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta Better for Nightlife?

Tallinn
Puerto Vallarta

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

Tallinn has a large number of nightlife venues. As it's grown in popularity with tourists, the city has put itself on the map as a top party destination in Eastern Europe. There's an active bar and club scene, but there are also art venues and other creative activities for everyone.

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 Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta Better for Resorts?

Tallinn
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Tallinn 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.

Tallinn is not a resort destination.


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

Tallinn
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Tallinn 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.

Tallinn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta Better for Beaches?

Tallinn
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for the beach. However, Tallinn 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.

Tallinn is not a beach destination.

Is Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn
Puerto Vallarta

Tallinn is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Tallinn is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's medieval old town is at the heart of it's tourist attractions. The Gothic architecture, local restaurants, and cobblestone streets give the city a fairytale charm.

Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta?

Tallinn
Puerto Vallarta

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

Tallinn is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of quirky shops and recognizable brands around town. Old town is a popular shopping area, as is nearby Kalamaja. Visitors enjoy picking up marzipan, local crafts, and unique art.

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

Is Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta More Beautiful?

Tallinn
Puerto Vallarta

Tallinn 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 Tallinn as well. The beautiful architecture and impressive old town makes this a top tourist destination in Eastern Europe.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta Better for Families?

Tallinn
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Puerto Vallarta is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Tallinn. Your kids will feel like they stepped into a fairytale in this beautiful city. It has countless museums including an open air museum and a zoo. There's also nearby Pirita Beach, where you and your kids can enjoy ice cream in a seaside setting.


Is Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta Better for Couples?

Tallinn
Puerto Vallarta

Tallinn and Puerto Vallarta are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Tallinn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with gardens, romantic walks, and impressive views, this city makes for a great couple's getaway. Base yourself in the city's beautiful old town and dine in one of the many local restaurants. There are also nice hotels around town that are great for couples.

Couples visit Puerto Vallarta frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn
Puerto Vallarta

Tallinn is renowned for backpackers. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tallinn is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city is both affordable and unique, which is perfect for travelers on a budget. There are plenty of hostels around town as well as casual places to grab a cheap bite to eat.

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 Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta Better for Students?

Tallinn
Puerto Vallarta

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

Tallinn is a good city to visit for students. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.


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

Tallinn
Puerto Vallarta

Tallinn is a well-known place 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.

The public transit in Tallinn can get you to most places easily. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

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

Is Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta a more walkable city?

Tallinn
Puerto Vallarta

Tallinn 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 Tallinn on foot. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, particularly in the most touristy areas.

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 Tallinn Worth Visiting? and Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Puerto Vallarta or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta?

In either Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Tallinn because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 3-5 days is enough time in Puerto Vallarta.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Tallinn. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tallinn 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 Tallinn.


  • How many days in Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallinn 2-4 
    Puerto Vallarta 3-5

One day in Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta?

The charming destination of Tallinn 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 not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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.


A weekend in Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta?

The quaint city of Tallinn 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.

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.

Five days in Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta?

Tallinn 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.

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.

A week in Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tallinn. 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.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, and The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Puerto Vallarta or Tallinn?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Tallinn Prices
    Estonia Prices
    Puerto Vallarta Prices
    Mexico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tallinn 121
    Puerto Vallarta 109

The average daily cost (per person) in Tallinn is €121, 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 Tallinn and Puerto Vallarta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallinn 47
    Puerto Vallarta 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallinn 94
    Puerto Vallarta 98
Compare Hotels in Tallinn and Puerto Vallarta

Looking for a hotel in Tallinn 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.

Hotels in Tallinn


Hotels in Puerto Vallarta


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: Tallinn Hotel Prices and Puerto Vallarta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallinn 12
    Puerto Vallarta 15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tallinn

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Tallinn:


  • Tram Around Town for Two
    1.66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tallinn

Also for Tallinn, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer from Tallinn Airport or Port to Tallinn by Sedan: $30
  • Private Transfer from Tallinn Airport to Tallinn city center: $34
  • Transfer service in Tallinn: $35
  • Tallinn hotels to Tallinn Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Tallinn Cruise Port to Tallinn hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $41
  • Private Transfer from Tallinn Cruise Port to Tallinn Airport(TLL): $41
  • Private Transfer from Tallinn Cruise Port to Tallinn hotels : $41
  • Private Transfer from Tallinn hotels to Tallinn Cruise Port : $41
  • Private Transfer from Tallinn Airport to Tallinn city center: $46
  • Private Airport Transfer: $47
  • Talinn Airport and City Private Transfer: $48
  • Highlights Shore Excursion with Return Transfer: $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Vallarta

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Sayulita hotels to Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) – Private Departure Transfer : $155
  • Puerto Vallarta Roundtrip Shuttle Airport Transfer: $32
  • Private Transfer from Punta de Mita Area to PVR Airport: $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta?

Prices for flights to both Puerto Vallarta and Tallinn 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tallinn 62
    Puerto Vallarta 49
Typical Food Prices in Tallinn

For Tallinn, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    7.68
  • Dessert
    1.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tallinn

For Tallinn, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Tallinn old town: Estonian Cuisine Cooking Class: $81
  • Estonian cuisine Cooking Class: $83
  • Tallinn 3-Hour Estonian Food Tour: $139

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Puerto Vallarta

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Puerto Vallarta.

  • Winner 2025 Downtown Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
  • Mexican Cooking Class, Tequila Tasting & Unlimited Margaritas: $89
  • Sayulita Tacos and Tequila Food Tour : $99
  • Puerto Vallarta- Market tour and Cooking Experience : $134
  • Rhythms of the night, sunset cruise, open bar & oceanfront dinner: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallinn 5.63
    Puerto Vallarta 14

Tours and Activities in Tallinn

For Tallinn, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Audio Self Tour Guide with 10 Sightseeing Points: $1.16
  • Tales of Reval Walking Tour with Smartphone App: $7.02
  • Tales of Reval GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $7.17
  • Audio Tour of the Toompea Hill (Cathedral Hill) in Tallinn: $8.20
  • Tallinn Medieval Magic Exploration Game and Tour: $8.98
  • Aegna Island: Self-Guided Discovery Tour: $9.37
  • Private Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Tallinn Old Town: $9.58
  • Discover Terrific Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Tour to the Paljassaare Special Protection Area: $15
  • Virtual Time Travel Experience VR Tallinn 1939/44 I: $18
  • Time Travel Experience "VR Tallinn 1939/44": $18
  • 1-Hour Good Morning Tallinn Running Tour: $18

Tours and Activities in Puerto Vallarta

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Vallarta are as follows:

  • Sayulita Minivan Transportation Service Tour: $165
  • ATV Tour Rio Cuale Sierra Madre Mountains and tequila tasting: $73
  • ATV and RZR Jorullo Bridge Experience in Puerto Vallarta: $167
  • Beachfront Massage Experience in Mismaloya: $42
  • Bioluminescence & sunset local boat tour to Los Arcos Sanctuary: $67
  • Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos: $46
  • Cachasol Raicilla and Tequila Tour: $83
  • Canopy Tour Experience in Sayulita, Nuevo Nayarit.: $68
  • City tour express; butterfly, tequila, and beach an ecological day: $22
  • EcoHike experience through the jungle, mountains and hidden beach: $30
  • Edenva Ecotourist Park in Puerto Vallarta: $69
  • Food & Mixology Tour:Tequila,Tacos, Mezcal and Agave Cocktails: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallinn 15
    Puerto Vallarta 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Tallinn

Also in Tallinn, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Telliskivi Bar Crawl with games, drinks, discounts: $19
  • Old Town Bar Crawl - Shots, Games, Deals & Club: $21
  • Bar Crawl with Shots, Beer, and Nightclub Entry: $23
  • Tallinn Exclusive Pub & Bar Crawl - Free Drink, Local Guide: $46
  • Tallinn Brewery Fiesta: $79
  • Old Town Walking Tour, Pub Crawl and Accommodation in Tallinn : $119


When comparing the travel costs between Tallinn and Puerto Vallarta, we can see that Tallinn is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Tallinn is in Europe and Puerto Vallarta is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Puerto Vallarta?

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