Puerto Vallartais 13% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (35/10) vs Buenos Aires "Fair" (46/10). Dorms avg $21/night vs $24/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇦🇷 Buenos Aires
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
19 hostels, avg 8.9 rating
—
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $59/night
—
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $4.09, dorms avg $21
—
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $4.00, 19 hostels
—
First-time Europer
★★★★★
29 attractions
—
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇦🇷 Buenos Aires | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $51 | $45 cheaper | $6/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $75 | $58 cheaper | $17/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $114 | — | — |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇦🇷 Buenos Aires | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $20 | $6 70% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $34.89 | $18 48% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $4 | $3 25% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $4.09 | $3 27% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.70 | $0.60 14% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇦🇷▼
Buenos Aires
Argentina
46
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $21/night). Strong hostel scene (19 hostels). Plenty to see (29 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelPrimavera Hostel (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$21/night
Total hostels19
🇲🇽▼
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
🇦🇷 Buenos Aires
🇲🇽 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 Buenos Aires & Puerto Vallarta
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇦🇷 Buenos Aires
26°C
High
/
19°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 91mm/month
Best months: Jan, May, Aug, Sep
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
No weather data
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇦🇷 Buenos Aires
1. Club EspañolFree
2. El Ateneo Grand SplendidFree
3. Monumento GuardacostasFree
4. Monumento a los Caídos en MalvinasFree
5. Monumento al General San MartínFree
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Buenos Aires or Puerto Vallarta cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Buenos Aires vs Puerto Vallarta?+
Do I need a visa for Buenos Aires or Puerto Vallarta?+
When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires or Puerto Vallarta?+
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