El Calafateis 20% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (40/10) vs Puerto Vallarta "Pricey" (35/10). Dorms avg $20/night vs $24/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇦🇷 El Calafate
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
14 hostels, avg 8.5 rating
—
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $62/night
—
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $6.15, dorms avg $20
—
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $3.28, 14 hostels
—
First-time Europer
★★★★★
20 attractions
—
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇦🇷 El Calafate | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $36 cheaper | $45 | $9/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $49 cheaper | $58 | $9/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $72 | — | — |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇦🇷 El Calafate | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $11.20 | $6 46% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $17.55 2% less | $18 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $3.28 | $3 9% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $6.15 | $3 51% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.75 | $0.60 20% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇦🇷▼
El Calafate
Argentina
40
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $20/night). Strong hostel scene (14 hostels). Plenty to see (20 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelI Keu Ken Hostel (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$20/night
Total hostels14
🇲🇽▼
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
🇦🇷 El Calafate
🇲🇽 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 El Calafate & Puerto Vallarta
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇦🇷 El Calafate
14°C
High
/
7°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 62mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
No weather data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is El Calafate or Puerto Vallarta cheaper for backpackers?+
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