Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Cartagena?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cartagena or Vieques Island?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cartagena and Vieques Island can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Cartagena or Vieques Island?
Cartagena
The capital of the Bolivar Department of Colombia, Cartagena is one of the most visited cities in the country. It sits on Colombia's northern coast by the Caribbean Sea. It's a port city with a population of almost 900,000, making it the fifth largest city in Colombia. The city has a rich history and was the first Spanish colony on the American continent. It was also one of the first sanctuaries for freed African slaves in the Americas.
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 Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCartagena $48Vieques Island $170
The average daily cost (per person) in Cartagena is $48, 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 Cartagena and Vieques Island in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCartagena $27Vieques Island $92
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCartagena $54Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Cartagena and Vieques Island
Looking for a hotel in Cartagena 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.
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: Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cartagena $7.64Vieques Island $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- 15. Transfer to SANTA MARTA from Cartagena Private or vice versa.: $290
- Cartagena to Santa Marta Private Transfer Service: $268
- Cartagena to Santa Marta (or vice versa) Private Transfer : $265
- Cartagena to or from Tayrona Park Private Transfer: $153
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minibus: $129
- Cartagena Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG): Transfer to Cartagena: $108
- Full-Day Beach at the Bora Bora Club with Transfer (Adults only): $105
- Departure Private Transfer Cartagena City to Cartagena Airport CTG by Minivan: $93
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $93
- Cartagena International Airport - Private Transfer From or To Cartagena City: $91
- Cholon Island Tour with Transfer Service: $90
- Transfer High-end - Kia Quoris: $90
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 Cartagena or Vieques Island?
Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and Cartagena 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 dayCartagena $10Vieques Island $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Featured in NYTimes > Arepas and Dancing: Danceable Cooking Class in Cartagena: $32
- Cooking class of typical food at the beach and sunset view: $39
- Taste Cartagena Food tour: $40
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $42
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $43
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $50
- Cooking Class: Street food & Mojito making: $50
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $58
- Cartagena Gourmet: Cooking Class with a View, Elegance & Flavor: $59
- Street food tour: $61
- 2 hours Sibarita Express Dinner: $63
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cartagena $22Vieques Island $34
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Exciting Beach Buggy ATV Tour in Cartagena : $165
- Private Beach Tour in Barú and Optional Bird Aviary: $120
- Private Tour & the best coffee of the world in Cartagena (Also for cruisers): $250
- "Luxury Day in Tierra Bomba Exclusive Tour to the best Beach Club": $154
- 16. Punta Arena Tour (Tierra Bomba Island): $25
- 17. Transportation for private CITY TOURS CARTAGENA: $105
- 2 and a half hour Chiva Disco and Rumba Tour: $14
- 2-Hour Color and Art Tour in Getsemani: $90
- 2-Hour Tour of Getsemani Color and Art: $63
- 2-hour tour in Cartagena Sunset View in party boat: $26
- 4-Hour Fishing Experience with Locals Near Cartagena: $233
- 4X1 ADVENTURE-ISLAS, CHOLON, PLAYA Y PLANCTON desde cartagen: $55
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 dayCartagena $9.39Vieques Island $30
Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena
Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots: $18
- Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $23
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cartagena and Vieques Island, we can see that Vieques Island is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cartagena is in South America and Vieques Island is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cartagena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cartagena and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Vieques Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vieques Island than you might in Cartagena.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cartagena Expensive? and Is Vieques Island Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cartagena or Vieques Island?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Cartagena 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 Cartagena or Vieques Island?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Cartagena or Vieques Island in the Summer?
Both Vieques Island and Cartagena during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.
Cartagena usually gets less rain in July than Vieques Island. Cartagena gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cartagena. In the summer, Cartagena often gets less sunshine than Vieques Island. Cartagena gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun.
Cartagena is around the same temperature as Vieques Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyCartagena 29°C (84°F)Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Vieques Island in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cartagena and Vieques Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Vieques Island receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cartagena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cartagena usually receives around the same amount of rain as Vieques Island. Cartagena gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. Cartagena usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during autumn. Cartagena gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Cartagena is around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cartagena in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCartagena 27°C (81°F)Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Vieques Island in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cartagena as well as Vieques Island. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.
Cartagena usually gets less rain in January than Vieques Island. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In the winter, Cartagena often gets more sunshine than Vieques Island. Cartagena gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun.
In January, Cartagena is generally around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Cartagena average around 27°C (81°F), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCartagena 27°C (81°F)Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Cartagena or Vieques Island in the Spring?
Both Vieques Island and Cartagena are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Cartagena usually receives less rain than Vieques Island. Cartagena gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. Cartagena usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during spring. Cartagena gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
Cartagena is around the same temperature as Vieques Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Cartagena averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilCartagena 28°C (82°F)Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Cartagena
| Cartagena | Vieques Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.