vs
Rio de Janeirois 47% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (44/10) vs Puerto Vallarta "Pricey" (35/10). Dorms avg $24/night vs $27/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro
Solo budget traveler
—
★★★★★
23 hostels, avg 8.9 rating
Couple on a budget
—
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $106/night
Digital nomad
—
★★★★★
Coffee $2.36, dorms avg $36
Nightlife seeker
—
★★★★★
Beer $1.85, 23 hostels
First-time Europer
—
★★★★★
26 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $45 | $24 cheaper | $21/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $58 | $38 cheaper | $20/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | — | $63 | — |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta | 🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $6 7% less | $6.45 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $18 | $15.55 14% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $3 | $1.85 38% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3 | $2.36 21% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.60 52% less | $1.25 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇲🇽▼
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
🇧🇷▼
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
44
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $27/night). Strong hostel scene (23 hostels). Plenty to see (26 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelChez Zany Santa Teresa (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$27/night
Total hostels23
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Puerto Vallarta & Rio de Janeiro
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
No weather data
🇧🇷 Rio de Janeiro
30°C
High
/
24°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 202mm/month
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Puerto Vallarta or Rio de Janeiro cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Puerto Vallarta vs Rio de Janeiro?+
Do I need a visa for Puerto Vallarta or Rio de Janeiro?+
When is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta or Rio de Janeiro?+
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