Antiguais 44% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (47/10) vs Puerto Vallarta "Pricey" (35/10). Dorms avg $18/night vs $24/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇬🇹 Antigua
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
22 hostels, avg 8.9 rating
—
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $65/night
—
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $3.38, dorms avg $20
—
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $3.26, 22 hostels
—
First-time Europer
★★★★★
24 attractions
—
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇬🇹 Antigua | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $25 cheaper | $45 | $20/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $55 cheaper | $58 | $3/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $99 | — | — |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇬🇹 Antigua | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $5.86 2% less | $6 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $26.71 | $18 33% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $3.26 | $3 8% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3.38 | $3 11% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $2 | $0.60 70% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇬🇹▼
Antigua
Guatemala
47
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $18/night). Strong hostel scene (22 hostels). Plenty to see (24 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelBarbara S Boutique Hostel (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$18/night
Total hostels22
🇲🇽▼
Puerto Vallarta
Mexico
35
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $24/night). Strong hostel scene (15 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelVive Alegria Hostel (9.3)
Annual dorm avg$24/night
Total hostels15
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇬🇹 Antigua
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (180d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Antigua & Puerto Vallarta
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇬🇹 Antigua
28°C
High
/
17°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 34mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
No weather data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Antigua or Puerto Vallarta cheaper for backpackers?+
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