vs
Zipoliteis 33% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (17/10) vs Puerto Vallarta "Pricey" (35/10). Dorms avg $24/night vs $28/night.
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta | 🇲🇽 Zipolite | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $45 | $30 cheaper | $15/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $58 | $40 cheaper | $18/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | — | — | — |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta | 🇲🇽 Zipolite |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $6 | $4.50 25% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $18 | $12 33% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $3 | $2.50 17% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3 | $2 33% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.60 | $0.50 17% less |
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
🇲🇽▼
Zipolite
Mexico
17
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $28/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelCHE Zipolite Hostel & Beach Club (9.5)
Annual dorm avg$28/night
Total hostels3
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
🇲🇽 Zipolite
🇪🇺 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 Puerto Vallarta & Zipolite
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
No attraction data
🇲🇽 Zipolite
1. Centro Mexicano de la TortugaFree
2. Letras gigantes ZipoliteFree
3. MiradorFree
4. Rancho Los MangosFree
5. Whales tourFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Puerto Vallarta or Zipolite cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Puerto Vallarta vs Zipolite?+
Do I need a visa for Puerto Vallarta or Zipolite?+
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