Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Recife?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Recife 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 Recife 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: Recife or Vieques Island?
Recife
One of the largest cities on Brazil's northeast coast, Recife is also the capital of the state of Pernambuco. The city gets its name from the Portuguese word for "reef," as it was built around a landscape of natural reef beaches. Many people visit to enjoy these beaches, experience the culture, and explore the history of this important Brazilian 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!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRecife $166Vieques Island $170
The average daily cost (per person) in Recife is $166, 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 Recife and Vieques Island in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRecife $88Vieques Island $92
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRecife $176Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Recife and Vieques Island
Looking for a hotel in Recife 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: Recife Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Recife $8.47Vieques Island $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Recife
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Recife:
- Private Transfer from Recife to Carneiros Beach: $114
- Private Transfer from Recife to Tamandare Beach: $114
- Private Transfer from Igarassu to Recife (REC) Airport : $101
- Private Transfer from Recife to Serrambi Beach: $101
- Departure Transfer from Olinda to Recife Airport: $100
- Airport to Maragogi Hotels Private Transfer: $85
- Recife Boat Tour with Transfers: $72
- Airport to Porto de Galinhas Transfer: $65
- Private Transfer from Recife to Olinda: $46
- Private Transfer from Olinda to Recife (REC) Airport: $46
- Instituto Ricardo Brennand with transfers from Recife: $41
- Shared Transfer from Recife to Cabo de Santo Agostinho: $33
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 Recife or Vieques Island?
Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and Recife 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 dayRecife $70Vieques Island $54
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Recife $11Vieques Island $34
Tours and Activities in Recife
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Recife are as follows:
- City Tour Recife with Catamaran included: $150
- Colonial North Coast beaches - Full-Day Tour: $35
- Olinda City Tour and Instituto Ricardo Brennand: $94
- Olinda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.82
- Recife (Historic Centre) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
- City Tour Recife & Olinda: $27
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 dayRecife -Vieques Island $30
When comparing the travel costs between Recife 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 Recife is in South 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 Recife Expensive? and Is Vieques Island Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Recife or Vieques Island?
Recife has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Recife 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 Recife or Vieques Island?
Recife 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 Recife or Vieques Island in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Recife as well as Vieques Island. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.
Recife is around the same temperature as Vieques Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Recife averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Recife this time of the year. In the summer, Recife often gets less sunshine than Vieques Islandin July. Recife gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun.
Recife receives a lot of rain in the summer. Recife usually gets more rain in January than Vieques Islandin July. Recife gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyRecife 26°C (79°F)Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Recife or Vieques Island in the Autumn?
Both Vieques Island and Recife are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Recife is around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Recife in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 28°C (82°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. Recife usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during autumn. Recife gets 185 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 Recife. In April, Recife usually receives more rain than Vieques Islandin October. Recife gets 338 mm (13.3 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberRecife 26°C (79°F)Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Recife or Vieques Island in the Winter?
Both Vieques Island and Recife during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.
In July, Recife is generally around the same temperature as Vieques Islandin January. Daily temperatures in Recife average around 24°C (76°F), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Recife often gets less sunshine than Vieques Islandin January. Recife gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Recife. Recife usually gets more rain in July than Vieques Islandin January. Recife gets 388 mm (15.3 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryRecife 24°C (76°F)Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Recife or Vieques Island in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Recife and Vieques Island. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Recife is around the same temperature as Vieques Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Recife averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. In Recife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Recife usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during spring. Recife gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Recife usually receives less rain than Vieques Islandin April. Recife gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilRecife 25°C (77°F)Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Recife
| Recife | Vieques Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 338 mm (13.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 25°C (78°F) | 319 mm (12.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 378 mm (14.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 388 mm (15.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 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.