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

Should you visit Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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: Jacksonville or Vieques Island?

Jacksonville

As the sky above you darkens, the city around you glows with a vividness of a thousand colors as you hear the soft swell of waves upon the shore. Such an urban paradise is none other than Jacksonville, Florida. Located on the northeastern side of the sunshine state, Jacksonville stands where the St. John's River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Estimated to be the 12th most populous city in the United States, Jacksonville works as the cultural, commercial and financial hive of north Florida. The large city is known for its exquisite beaches, interactive museums, and golf course areas. Surf, shop, and socialize in one of Florida's most popular metropolitan areas.

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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Jacksonville?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $220, 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 Jacksonville and Vieques Island in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville


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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jacksonville $53
    Vieques Island $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville

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

  • Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $336
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
  • JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Place/ St. Johns Town Center: $164
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $123
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
  • Carnival Cruise Port to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vieques Island

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or Vieques Island?

Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and Jacksonville 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
    Jacksonville $96
    Vieques Island $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $18

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jacksonville $20
    Vieques Island $34

Tours and Activities in Jacksonville

For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 2-Flights Indoor Skydiving Experience in Jacksonville: $91
  • 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
  • 90 Minute Self-Guided Arcimoto FUV Adventure: $125
  • Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
  • Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60
  • Big Talbot Island Self Guided Tour with Smart Helmets: $115
  • CraigCat Boat Tour from Fernandina Beach: $145
  • Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
  • Eight Flags Road Tour: $50
  • Electric Bike Art and Architecture Guided Tour in Jacksonville : $60
  • Electric Bike Tour with Free Application for Navigation: $50

Tours and Activities in Vieques Island

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

  • 1-Hour Bioluminescent Boat Tour in Mosquito Bay, Vieques : $128
  • Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $65
  • Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $72
  • Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayaking Tour in Laguna Grande Fajardo: $65
  • Culebra Island Snorkel with Turtles Adventure - Ferry Tickets Included: $135
  • El Yunque Waterfalls and Waterslide River Tour: $50
  • Fajardo Afternoon Snorkeling Boat Tour: $110
  • Full-Day Snorkeling Tour to Culebra Island with Lunch: $139
  • Half Day Adventure Private Tour in El Yunque Rainforest: $234
  • Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $45
  • Icacos Island All-Inclusive Snorkel and Boat Tour : $125
  • Isla de Vieques Beach Sightseeing Day Tour: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jacksonville $20
    Vieques Island $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:

  • Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jacksonville and Vieques Island, we can see that Jacksonville is more expensive. And not only is Vieques Island much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jacksonville is in North 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 Vieques Island would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vieques Island 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 Jacksonville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jacksonville than you might in Vieques Island.

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


Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Vieques Island?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Vieques Island?

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Vieques Island in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Vieques Island. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Jacksonville is generally around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 82°F (28°C), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island during summer. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jacksonville 82°F (28°C) 
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Vieques Island. The autumn months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.

Jacksonville is cooler than Vieques Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the autumn, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than Vieques Island. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vieques Island. Jacksonville usually gets less rain in October than Vieques Island. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jacksonville 70°F (21°C) 
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Vieques Island in the Winter?

Both Vieques Island and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Jacksonville is much colder than Vieques Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jacksonville in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Vieques Island averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. Jacksonville usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during winter. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jacksonville usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jacksonville 53°F (12°C) 
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Jacksonville or Vieques Island in the Spring?

Both Vieques Island and Jacksonville during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.

In April, Jacksonville is generally cooler than Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 68°F (20°C), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the spring, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Vieques Island. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jacksonville 68°F (20°C) 
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Jacksonville

Jacksonville Vieques Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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