Should I Visit Ponce or Vieques Island for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Ponce or Vieques Island?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Ponce and Vieques Island can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Ponce or Vieques Island?

Ponce

Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).

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!

Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Ponce?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Ponce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices

Vieques Island Prices
Puerto Rico Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Ponce $230

Vieques Island $210

The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $230, 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 Ponce and Vieques Island in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Ponce $151

Vieques Island $92
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Ponce $302

Vieques Island $184

Compare Hotels in Ponce and Vieques Island

Looking for a hotel in Ponce 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.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Ponce $10

Vieques Island $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:

Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $279
Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $179
Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $109
Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $92
San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70

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: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Vieques Island?

Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and Ponce 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

Ponce $61

Vieques Island $94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce

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

Latin Night with Dinner and Local Music with Transportation: $59
Puerto Rico Art and Wine Dinner with One Way Transportation: $89
Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
Private Half-Day Island Authentic Food Tour : $130
Private San Juan Cooking Class with a Local Expert: $146

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Ponce $56

Vieques Island $34

Tours and Activities in Ponce

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

El Yunque Rainforest Tour Half Day Earlybird/ Small Groups: $89
Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
Scuba Boat Diving Experience in Gilligan's Island at Copamarina: $160
1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
2-Hour Private UTV Can-Am Beach Tour in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $264
2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
5 hours Tour in La Parguera Private Boat Charter: $200
7 Hours River Tour with Beach and Learn to Make Piña Colada : $195
8 Hours Private Tours in Puerto Rico: $150
90 Minute Portrait Photoshoot Experience in the Caribbean: $129
Adventure Trail Tour in the foothills of the National Rainforest: $110
Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140

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 and Waterslide Guided Tour : $31
Vieques Biobay Kayaking Tour: $60
Charco Frío y Las Tinajas Experience with Provista Tours: $60
Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island: $66
Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $67
Isla de Vieques Beach Sightseeing Day Tour: $70
Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $72
Mosquito Bay Kayak Experience in Vieques: $87
Private Tour to the East Side of Puerto Rico: $95
Half-Day: Rainforest and Waterslide Adventure with Transportation: $105
Fajardo Afternoon Snorkeling Adventure Tour: $110
Icacos Island All-Inclusive Snorkel and Boat Tour : $125

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Ponce $16

Vieques Island $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce

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

Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50
Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Tour: $99

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Ponce and Vieques Island, we can see that Ponce 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. Since both cities are in Caribbean Islands, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Ponce or Vieques Island?

Ponce has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Ponce 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 Ponce 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 Ponce or Vieques Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Vieques Island. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.

Ponce usually gets more rain in July than Vieques Island. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 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 Ponce this time of the year. In the summer, Ponce often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island. Ponce gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun.

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

Summer Average Temperatures July

Ponce 28°C (83°F)

Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Ponce or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

Both Vieques Island and Ponce are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. It's quite rainy in Ponce. In October, Ponce usually receives less rain than Vieques Island. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island during autumn. Ponce gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Ponce is around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ponce in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Autumn Average Temperatures October

Ponce 28°C (82°F)

Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Ponce or Vieques Island in the Winter?

Both Vieques Island and Ponce during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.

Ponce usually gets more rain in January than Vieques Island. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 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 Ponce. In the winter, Ponce often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island. Ponce gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun.

In January, Ponce is generally around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 25°C (77°F), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Winter Average Temperatures January

Ponce 25°C (77°F)

Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Ponce or Vieques Island in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Vieques Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Ponce usually receives around the same amount of rain as Vieques Island. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ponce usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island during spring. Ponce gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ponce is around the same temperature as Vieques Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Spring Average Temperatures April

Ponce 26°C (79°F)

Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Ponce

	Ponce		Vieques Island
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	25°C (77°F)	58 mm (2.3 in)	26°C (78°F)	43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb	25°C (77°F)	41 mm (1.6 in)	26°C (78°F)	39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar	26°C (78°F)	45 mm (1.8 in)	26°C (79°F)	49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr	26°C (79°F)	69 mm (2.7 in)	27°C (80°F)	72 mm (2.8 in)
May	27°C (81°F)	120 mm (4.7 in)	28°C (82°F)	94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun	28°C (82°F)	82 mm (3.2 in)	28°C (83°F)	64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul	28°C (83°F)	95 mm (3.7 in)	29°C (83°F)	66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug	28°C (83°F)	130 mm (5.1 in)	29°C (84°F)	101 mm (4 in)
Sep	28°C (83°F)	130 mm (5.1 in)	28°C (83°F)	127 mm (5 in)
Oct	28°C (82°F)	135 mm (5.3 in)	28°C (82°F)	146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov	27°C (80°F)	132 mm (5.2 in)	27°C (81°F)	126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec	26°C (78°F)	92 mm (3.6 in)	26°C (80°F)	71 mm (2.8 in)

A Travel Price Comparison for Puerto Rico Ponce vs. Vieques Island for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ponce or Vieques Island?

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

Where Should I go: Ponce or Vieques Island?

Ponce

Vieques Island

Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Ponce?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Ponce and Vieques Island

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vieques Island

Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Vieques Island?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Ponce

Tours and Activities in Vieques Island

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce

Which is Bigger, Ponce or Vieques Island?

When is the best time to visit Ponce or Vieques Island?

Should I visit Ponce or Vieques Island in the Summer?

Should I visit Ponce or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

Should I visit Ponce or Vieques Island in the Winter?

Should I visit Ponce or Vieques Island in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Ponce

Related Articles for Ponce

Related Articles for Vieques Island

A Travel Price Comparison for Puerto Rico Ponce vs. Vieques Island for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ponce or Vieques Island?

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

Where Should I go: Ponce or Vieques Island?

Ponce

Vieques Island

Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Ponce?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Ponce and Vieques Island

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vieques Island

Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Vieques Island?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Ponce

Tours and Activities in Vieques Island

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce

Which is Bigger, Ponce or Vieques Island?

When is the best time to visit Ponce or Vieques Island?

Should I visit Ponce or Vieques Island in the Summer?

Should I visit Ponce or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

Should I visit Ponce or Vieques Island in the Winter?

Should I visit Ponce or Vieques Island in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Ponce

Related Articles for Ponce

Related Articles for Vieques Island

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