Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Raleigh?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Raleigh or Vieques Island?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Raleigh 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: Raleigh or Vieques Island?
Raleigh
Raleigh is the capital city of the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of about 450,000 and is home to many colleges and university including North Carolina State University, Shaw University, Saint Augustine's College, Meredith College and Peace University. The city has a wide range of museums, restaurants, theaters, and parks. There's also an extensive greenway system that is great for biking or running.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRaleigh $189Vieques Island $170
The average daily cost (per person) in Raleigh is $189, 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 Raleigh and Vieques Island in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRaleigh $104Vieques Island $92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRaleigh $208Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Raleigh and Vieques Island
Looking for a hotel in Raleigh 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: Raleigh Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Raleigh $37Vieques Island $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Raleigh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Raleigh:
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Durham - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $124
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Durham - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
- Durham to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $62
- Raleigh to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $59
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh Arrival Private Transfer: $59
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 Raleigh or Vieques Island?
Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and Raleigh 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 dayRaleigh $57Vieques Island $54
Typical Food Prices in Raleigh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Raleigh:
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The Pit Authentic BBQ (for 3)$84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Raleigh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Raleigh.
- Private Cooking Class in Durham with an Expert Home Cook: $104
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Raleigh $37Vieques Island $34
Tours and Activities in Raleigh
Here are a few actual costs in Raleigh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Create Your Own Lipstick or Lip Gloss Class Experience in Raleigh: $60
- Guided Walking Historian Tour in Downtown Durham: $16
- Murder Mystery Detective Experience Chapel Hill, NC: $15
- Private Pedicab Tour of Downtown Raleigh: $60
- Raleigh African American History Tour: $16
- Raleigh Downtown: Historic Walking Tours: $16
- Raleigh Ghost and Urban Legend Tour: $16
- Raleigh Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Tour: $33
- Raleigh Historian-Guided Downtown Walking Tour: $16
- Raleigh Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Walking Tour: $26
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRaleigh $27Vieques Island $30
When comparing the travel costs between Raleigh and Vieques Island, we can see that Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh Expensive? and Is Vieques Island Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Raleigh or Vieques Island?
Raleigh has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Vieques Island?
Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Vieques Island in the Summer?
Both Vieques Island and Raleigh during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Raleigh in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.
In July, Raleigh is generally around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 79°F (26°C), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Raleigh. In the summer, Raleigh often gets less sunshine than Vieques Island. Raleigh gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. Raleigh usually gets more rain in July than Vieques Island. Raleigh gets 5.1 inches (129 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 JulyRaleigh 79°F (26°C)Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Raleigh or Vieques Island in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Raleigh and Vieques Island. Most visitors come to Raleigh for the city's sights and attractions during these months. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Raleigh is much colder than Vieques Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Raleigh averages around 61°F (16°C) in October, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. In Raleigh, it's very sunny this time of the year. Raleigh usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during autumn. Raleigh gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Vieques Island receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Raleigh usually receives less rain than Vieques Island. Raleigh gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberRaleigh 61°F (16°C)Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Raleigh or Vieques Island in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Raleigh as well as Vieques Island. The winter months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the museums and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.
The weather in Raleigh can be very cold. In the winter, Raleigh is much colder than Vieques Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Raleigh in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Vieques Island averages at about 26°C (78°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. In the winter, Raleigh often gets less sunshine than Vieques Island. Raleigh gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun.
Raleigh usually gets more rain in January than Vieques Island. Raleigh gets 3.2 inches (82 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 JanuaryRaleigh 40°F (5°C)Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Raleigh or Vieques Island in the Spring?
Both Vieques Island and Raleigh are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Raleigh this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Raleigh is generally much colder than Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Raleigh average around 60°F (16°C), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. Raleigh usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during spring. Raleigh gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Raleigh usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. Raleigh gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilRaleigh 60°F (16°C)Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Raleigh
| Raleigh | Vieques Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 52°F (11°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 60°F (16°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 76°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 73°F (23°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 61°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 53°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 3.1 inches (78 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.