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

Should you visit Pensacola 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 Pensacola and Vieques Island can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pensacola or Vieques Island?

Pensacola

With sands as white as sugar grain and a sky devoid of grey clouds and innumerable downpours, Pensacola is known by many as the "Western Gate to the Sunshine State." Located in northern Florida, Pensacola is a waterfront city known for its pristine beaches and rich Floridian history. As one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., Pensacola is riddled with museums and landmarks that commemorate the state's history, making the city quite appetizing for history buffs and students alike. However, if you are simply looking to get the most out of the all-around good weather of Florida, Pensacola's protected beaches complemented with high-class restaurants and stores make this a vacation capital for many.

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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Pensacola?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pensacola is $198, 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 Pensacola and Vieques Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pensacola $115
    Vieques Island $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pensacola $230
    Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Pensacola and Vieques Island

Looking for a hotel in Pensacola 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 Pensacola


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: Pensacola Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pensacola $64
    Vieques Island $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pensacola

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pensacola:

  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $142
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Pensacola to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure 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 Pensacola or Vieques Island?

Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and Pensacola 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
    Pensacola $48
    Vieques Island $54
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pensacola.

  • Seville Stroll Food Tour: $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pensacola $13
    Vieques Island $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:

  • 1hr Segway Tour Downtown : $57
  • 2hr Segway Tour of Downtown : $72
  • 3 Hour Sandbar Adventure on Motorized Floats: $69
  • 3 hours cruise with swimming: $81
  • Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise + Private Beach Stop: $64
  • Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise: $59
  • Frisky Mermaid Fireworks Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $64
  • Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $37
  • Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $34
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola : $35
  • Land Paddle Tour in Pensacola: $50
  • Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour: $39

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
    Pensacola $44
    Vieques Island $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola

Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Walking Pub Tour : $21


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pensacola and Vieques Island, we can see that Pensacola is more expensive. And not only is Vieques Island much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Pensacola 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 Pensacola would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pensacola 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 Pensacola Expensive? and Is Vieques Island Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Vieques Island?

Pensacola has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Vieques Island?

Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Vieques Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Vieques Island. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.

Pensacola is around the same temperature as Vieques Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pensacola usually gets more rain in July than Vieques Island. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Pensacola or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

Both Vieques Island and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Pensacola in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Pensacola is cooler than Vieques Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pensacola in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Vieques Island averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In October, Pensacola usually receives less rain than Vieques Island. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pensacola 69°F (21°C) 
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Pensacola or Vieques Island in the Winter?

Both Vieques Island and Pensacola during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.

In January, Pensacola is generally much colder than Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 51°F (10°C), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in January than Vieques Island. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pensacola 51°F (10°C) 
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Pensacola or Vieques Island in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Vieques Island. The spring months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the beaches. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Pensacola is cooler than Vieques Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 67°F (20°C) in April, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In April, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pensacola 67°F (20°C) 
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Pensacola

Pensacola Vieques Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 74°F (24°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)