Mexico Cityis 24% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (40/10) vs Puerto Vallarta "Pricey" (35/10). Dorms avg $20/night vs $24/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇲🇽 Mexico City
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
22 hostels, avg 8.9 rating
—
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $67/night
—
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $4.03, dorms avg $21
—
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $3.50, 22 hostels
—
First-time Europer
★★★★★
26 attractions
—
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇲🇽 Mexico City | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $34 cheaper | $45 | $11/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $58 cheaper | $58 | $0/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $98 | — | — |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇲🇽 Mexico City | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $11.67 | $6 49% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $27.73 | $18 35% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $3.50 | $3 14% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $4.03 | $3 26% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.35 42% less | $0.60 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇲🇽▼
Mexico City
Mexico
40
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $20/night). Strong hostel scene (22 hostels). Plenty to see (26 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelLa Selva Hostel (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$20/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
🇲🇽 Mexico City
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (180d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (180d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Mexico City & Puerto Vallarta
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇲🇽 Mexico City
25°C
High
/
10°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 38mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
No weather data
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇲🇽 Mexico City
1. Casa de CarranzaFree
2. AhuizotlFree
3. C47 - El MexicanoFree
4. Estatua del General Vicente GuerreroFree
5. IzcóatlFree
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Mexico City or Puerto Vallarta cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Mexico City vs Puerto Vallarta?+
Do I need a visa for Mexico City or Puerto Vallarta?+
When is the best time to visit Mexico City or Puerto Vallarta?+
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