A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Atlantic City vs. Vieques Island for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Atlantic City or Vieques Island?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Atlantic City and Vieques Island. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Atlantic City or Vieques Island?

Atlantic City

Atlantic City, on the southeastern coast of New Jersey, is a popular destination for gambling, partying, and generally having fun. The beach is lined with casinos, many with famous names, and there's a boardwalk that offers a diverse experience. Most people don't head to Atlantic City for the beaches - it's the casinos and partying that draws a crowd. This is a popular spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties, or anybody looking for an affordable place to gamble.

Vieques Island

Amidst the melodious chorus of coqui frogs and gentle whispers of palm trees blowing in an evening breeze, you will find that the waters around you glow just as brightly as the stars above. This tropical paradise is none other than Vieques, Puerto Rico. Tropical forests, bioluminescent bays, coral reefs--this island attracts visitors from all around the world who seek to see the wonders and beauties of the tropics. This island suits those from all walks of life, from history buffs seeking to learn about its unique past to nature-lovers wanting to admire its untouched wilderness. Vieques is the place for a perfect vacation!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Atlantic City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Atlantic City is $154, while the average daily cost in Vieques Island is $170. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Atlantic City and Vieques Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Atlantic City $73
    Vieques Island $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Atlantic City $146
    Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Atlantic City and Vieques Island

Looking for a hotel in Atlantic City or Vieques Island? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Atlantic City


Hotels in Vieques Island


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Atlantic City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Atlantic City $40
    Vieques Island $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vieques Island

Also for Vieques Island, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Fajardo or Ceiba to San Juan Airport: $150
  • Taxi Transfer From San Juan Airport to El Conquistador Hotel: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Atlantic City or Vieques Island?

Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and Atlantic City change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Atlantic City $50
    Vieques Island $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Atlantic City $44
    Vieques Island $34

Tours and Activities in Atlantic City

Here are a few actual costs in Atlantic City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 75-Minute Ocean Parasailing Adventure Above Ocean City, MD: $70
  • Atlantic City Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $27
  • Absecon Lighthouse Admission Ticket: $10
  • Dolphin Watching Ocean Cruise Adventure: $53
  • Morning or Afternoon Skyline Ocean Cruise: $27
  • Parasailing Experience: $95
  • Quiet Bay Cruise With Happy Hour Options: $27
  • Sunset Party Cruise with DJ: $33
  • Bay Hopper Breakfast Sandwich Cruise: $35
  • Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour: $119
  • Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour: $110
  • OC Bay Hopper - Assateague Island Cruise (Departs 118th): $45

Tours and Activities in Vieques Island

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vieques Island.

  • Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $45
  • El Yunque Waterfalls and Waterslide River Tour: $50
  • Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island: $56
  • Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $65
  • Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayaking Tour in Laguna Grande Fajardo: $65
  • Isla de Vieques Beach Sightseeing Day Tour: $70
  • Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $72
  • Private Tour to the East Side of Puerto Rico: $95
  • Snorkeling Tour to Vieques Island: $100
  • Fajardo Afternoon Snorkeling Boat Tour: $110
  • Mosquito Bay Kayak Experience in Vieques: $115
  • Icacos Island All-Inclusive Snorkel and Boat Tour : $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Atlantic City $39
    Vieques Island $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlantic City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Atlantic City:

  • Little Water Distillery Spirit Tasting: $15


When comparing the travel costs between Atlantic City and Vieques Island, we can see that Vieques Island is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Atlantic City is in North America and Vieques Island is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Atlantic City Expensive? and Is Vieques Island Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Vieques Island?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Vieques Island, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Atlantic City or Vieques Island?

Atlantic City has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vieques Island experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Atlantic City or Vieques Island in the Summer?

Both Vieques Island and Atlantic City during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.

In the summer, Atlantic City is cooler than Vieques Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlantic City in July average around 75°F (24°C), and Vieques Island averages at about 29°C (83°F).

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the summer, Atlantic City often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually gets more rain in July than Vieques Island. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Atlantic City 75°F (24°C) 
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Vieques Island. The autumn months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the shopping scene. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Atlantic City is generally much colder than Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 56°F (13°C), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during autumn. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Vieques Island receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Atlantic City usually receives less rain than Vieques Island. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Atlantic City 56°F (13°C) 
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Vieques Island in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Vieques Island. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Atlantic City in the winter. Atlantic City is much colder than Vieques Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. In the winter, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than Vieques Island. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun.

Atlantic City usually gets more rain in January than Vieques Island. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Atlantic City 31°F (-0°C) 
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Atlantic City or Vieques Island in the Spring?

Both Vieques Island and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the beaches. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Atlantic City is much colder than Vieques Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlantic City in April average around 51°F (10°C), and Vieques Island averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during spring. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Atlantic City 51°F (10°C) 
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Atlantic City

Atlantic City Vieques Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 51°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 74°F (23°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 67°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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