Best areas in Border Towns? Planning my first trip

Planning my first trip to Border Towns. Read through the older threads but wanted to check if info is still current.

My main questions:
1. Best area to stay for easy access to the scene?
2. Realistic daily budget including accommodation?
3. Any areas to avoid?
4. How is the quality compared to the Philippines?
5. Best time of day to go out?

Coming from the UK with experience in Latin America but first time in Border Towns.

Any recent reports or recommendations appreciated. Thanks!

Can confirm. Was there recently and everything checks out.

Spot on with the prices. Matches what I paid recently.

Thanks for the detailed write-up. Very helpful for planning my upcoming trip.

Adding my experience: scene has improved since pre-COVID. Biggest change: better quality.

Spot on with the prices. Matches what I paid recently.

Good info. Going during the week is much better — less crowded and better prices.

Quick question — how was the ATM situation?