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

Should you visit Nags Head or Vieques Island?

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

Should I visit Nags Head 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: Nags Head or Vieques Island?

Nags Head

Nags Head is a popular tourist destination in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The town, with a population of almost 3,000, has many nice beaches and is also where you'll find Jockey's Ridge, which has the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States. It's also the most visited park within the North Carolina park system.

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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Nags Head?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $149, 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 Nags Head and Vieques Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Vieques Island $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Vieques Island

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head 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 Nags Head


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: Nags Head Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $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 Nags Head or Vieques Island?

Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $41
    Vieques Island $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Vieques Island $34

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.

  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $57
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Corolla Kayak Adventure: $59
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • Manteo Historic Walking Tour: $28
  • OBX Ghost Tours: $25
  • Outer Banks Audio Driving Tour: $13
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15

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
    Nags Head $12
    Vieques Island $30


When comparing the travel costs between Nags Head 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head Expensive? and Is Vieques Island Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Vieques Island?

Vieques Island has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Vieques Island?

Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Vieques Island in the Summer?

Both Vieques Island and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nags Head in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Nags Head is cooler than Vieques Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nags Head in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Vieques Island averages at about 29°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island during summer. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Nags Head. In July, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. Nags Head 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
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Nags Head or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

Both Vieques Island and Nags Head during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.

In October, Nags Head is generally much colder than Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 62°F (16°C), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nags Head. In the autumn, Nags Head often gets less sunshine than Vieques Island. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun.

Vieques Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nags Head usually gets less rain in October than Vieques Island. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Nags Head or Vieques Island in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Vieques Island. The winter months attract visitors to Nags Head because of the cuisine. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

The weather in Nags Head can be very cold. Nags Head is much colder than Vieques Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. Nags Head usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during winter. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nags Head gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nags Head usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Nags Head or Vieques Island in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Vieques Island. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.

In the spring, Nags Head is much colder than Vieques Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nags Head in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Vieques Island averages at about 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In the spring, Nags Head often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun.

Nags Head usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Vieques Island. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Nags Head

Nags Head Vieques Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)