La Pazis 66% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (48/10) vs Puerto Vallarta "Pricey" (35/10). Dorms avg $19/night vs $24/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇧🇴 La Paz
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
6 hostels, avg 7.8 rating
—
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $47/night
—
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $2.79, dorms avg $19
—
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $2.17, 6 hostels
—
First-time Europer
★★★★★
20 attractions
—
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇧🇴 La Paz | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $15 cheaper | $45 | $30/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $27 cheaper | $58 | $31/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $55 | — | — |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇧🇴 La Paz | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $2.89 52% less | $6 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $8.68 52% less | $18 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.17 28% less | $3 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.79 7% less | $3 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.29 52% less | $0.60 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇧🇴▼
La Paz
Bolivia
48
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $19/night). Stable year-round pricing. Plenty to see (20 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelEsterito Hostel (9.5)
Annual dorm avg$19/night
Total hostels6
🇲🇽▼
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
🇧🇴 La Paz
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Req.
Visa Free (180d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Req.
Visa Free (180d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Req.
Visa Free (180d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Req.
Visa Free (180d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Req.
Visa Free (180d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between La Paz & Puerto Vallarta
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇧🇴 La Paz
15°C
High
/
6°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 90mm/month
Best months: Oct, Nov
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
No weather data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is La Paz or Puerto Vallarta cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in La Paz vs Puerto Vallarta?+
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