Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Key West?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Key West or Vieques Island?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Key West or Vieques Island? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Key West or Vieques Island?
Key West
Key West is both a city and an island as well as the southern most Florida Key. It is also the southern most city in the continental United States. The island is only about four miles long and one mile wide. The total land mass covers just 4.2 square miles. The most famous street in town is Duval Street, which runs just 1.1 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. There are 14 blocks. The size of the island doubled during the 1950s when many of the salt ponds along the eastern side of the island were filled in.
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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.
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Key West Prices
USA PricesVieques Island Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKey West $832Vieques Island $210
The average daily cost (per person) in Key West is $832, while the average daily cost in Vieques Island is $210. 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 Key West and Vieques Island in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKey West $132Vieques Island $92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKey West $264Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Key West and Vieques Island
Looking for a hotel in Key West 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: Key West Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Key West $51Vieques Island $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Key West
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:
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Rental Car for One Day$38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:
- Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer: $164
- Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $164
- Key West Int Airport EYW to Key West Hotels Arrival Transfer: $156
- Key West hotels to Key West Int Airport (EYW) Departure Transfer: $156
- Private Transfer from Key West hotels to Key West Cruise Port: $114
- Private Transfer from Key West Airport (EYW) to Key West Port: $113
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Key West or Vieques Island?
Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and Key West 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
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Food Meals for one dayKey West $667Vieques Island $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Key West.
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music: $74
- Exploring and Walking Food Tour of Cayo Hueso: $80
- Key West Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
- Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
- Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner, Live Music & Drinks Included: $84
- Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $90
- Key West Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise with Open Bar and Live Music: $100
- Secret Walking Food Tour: $115
- Sunset Sail Full Bar, Live Music & Dinner & Early Morning Snorkeling: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Key West $33Vieques Island $34
Tours and Activities in Key West
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Key West are as follows:
- 2 Hour Key West Mini Catamaran Eco Tour: $285
- 2-Hour Live Music Guided Tour in Key West: $35
- Day Sailing Adventure in the Florida Marine Sanctuary: $99
- Day in Key West - Private SUV Tour From Miami: $1,300
- Florida Key West Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Florida Keys: Aquarium Encounters Day Tour with Lunch: $182
- Florida Keys: Dolphin Research Center Day Tour with Lunch: $182
- Florida Keys: Up The Keys Nature Tour: $128
- From Dolphin Watching Tour with Lunch & Drinks: $150
- From Sandbar Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar (18+): $151
- Guided Mangrove Eco Tours Kayak or Paddleboard Adventure: $75
- Guided Night Kayak Adventure Tour in Luminous Lagoon: $90
Tours and Activities in Vieques Island
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vieques Island.
- Vieques Biobay Kayaking Tour: $60
- Unforgettable One Day Bioluminescent Kayak Adventure in Vieques: $60
- El Yunque Rainforest Tour: Natural Waterslides Adventure : $65
- Bio Bay Tour Vieques – Full Clear Canoes Experience: $65
- Biobay Vieques Tour Kayak Night Tour: $65
- Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island: $66
- CLEAR BOTTOM KAYAKS Tour in Bioluminescent, Mosquito Bay: $67
- Isla de Vieques Beach Hopper Sightseeing Tour: $90
- 1-Hour Bioluminescent Boat Tour in Mosquito Bay, Vieques : $100
- Full Clear Kayak Bioluminescent Experience Vieques, Puerto Rico: $110
- Vieques Island Rich History Tour : $125
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKey West $16Vieques Island $30
Sample the Local Flavors in Key West
Also in Key West, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Key West Bar Crawl: $15
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour with Free T-Shirt: $32
- Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key West and Vieques Island, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Vieques Island much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Key West 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West 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 Key West Expensive? and Is Vieques Island Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Key West or Vieques Island?
Key West has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Key West 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 Key West or Vieques Island?
Key West 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 Key West or Vieques Island in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Key West as well as Vieques Island. Many visitors come to Key West in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.
Key West is around the same temperature as Vieques Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the summer, Key West often gets more sunshine than Vieques Island. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun.
Key West usually gets more rain in July than Vieques Island. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKey West 84°F (29°C)Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Key West or Vieques Island in the Autumn?
Both Vieques Island and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Key West for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Key West is around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key West in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Vieques Island averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Vieques Island during autumn. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. It's quite rainy in Key West. In October, Key West usually receives less rain than Vieques Island. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKey West 80°F (27°C)Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Key West or Vieques Island in the Winter?
Both Vieques Island and Key West during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.
In January, Key West is generally cooler than Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 70°F (21°C), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key West. In the winter, Key West often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun.
Key West usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Vieques Island. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKey West 70°F (21°C)Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Key West or Vieques Island in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Vieques Island. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Key West is around the same temperature as Vieques Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Vieques Island during spring. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Key West usually receives less rain than Vieques Island. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Key West is June to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKey West 77°F (25°C)Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Key West
| Key West | Vieques Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 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.