vs
Medellinis 48% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (39/10) vs Puerto Vallarta "Pricey" (35/10). Dorms avg $20/night vs $24/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇨🇴 Medellin
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
5 hostels, avg 8.9 rating
—
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $70/night
—
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $1.92, dorms avg $20
—
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $1.90, 5 hostels
—
First-time Europer
★★★★★
28 attractions
—
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇨🇴 Medellin | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $23 cheaper | $45 | $22/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $41 cheaper | $58 | $17/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $74 | — | — |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇨🇴 Medellin | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $6.78 | $6 12% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $17.61 2% less | $18 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $1.90 37% less | $3 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $1.92 36% less | $3 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.94 | $0.60 36% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇨🇴▼
Medellin
Colombia
39
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $20/night). Plenty to see (28 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelBlack Sheep Hostel Medellin (9.6)
Annual dorm avg$20/night
Total hostels5
🇲🇽▼
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
🇨🇴 Medellin
🇲🇽 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 Medellin & Puerto Vallarta
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇨🇴 Medellin
27°C
High
/
17°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 288mm/month
Best months: Mar
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
No weather data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Medellin or Puerto Vallarta cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Medellin vs Puerto Vallarta?+
Do I need a visa for Medellin or Puerto Vallarta?+
When is the best time to visit Medellin or Puerto Vallarta?+
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