Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Salvador or Vieques Island?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Vieques Island, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Salvador or Vieques Island?
Salvador
Salvador de Bahia was the first capital of Brazil, founded by the Portuguese in 1549. Also known as "Brazil's capital of happiness," Salvador is famous for its plentiful and spirited street festivals. The third most populous city in Brazil, Salvador is also well-known for its Afro-Brazilian culture and Portuguese colonial architecture.
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 Contiki Tours to Brazil, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $44Vieques Island $170
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $44, 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 Salvador and Vieques Island in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $24Vieques Island $92
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $48Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Vieques Island
Looking for a hotel in Salvador 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: Salvador Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $6.02Vieques Island $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Salvador:
-
Bus from Airport$1.17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:
- Transfer Salvador to Barra Grande Round Trip: $300
- Ivan Bahia, Private Transfer Salvador BA to Lençois (Chapada Diamantina): $300
- Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $285
- Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $160
- Transfer Grand Palladium - Private Executive Van: $150
- Private Transfer to/from Salvador Airport to/from Praia do Forte: $140
- Transfer in Salvador: $140
- Private Transfer from Salvador Airport: $136
- Private Transfer to/from Sauipe Resort By Minivan one way: $130
- Shared Transfer Salvador / Morro de São Paulo / Salvador: $130
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $128
- One-Way Private Transfer to Boipeba Island: $120
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 Salvador or Vieques Island?
Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and Salvador 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 daySalvador $13Vieques Island $54
Typical Food Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Salvador:
-
Dinner for 2$1.37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salvador.
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- Private Cooking Experience with local in Salvador: $130
- Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $132
- Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $140
- Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $152
- Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.67Vieques Island $34
Tours and Activities in Salvador
Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Afro-Brazilian Roots city Tour in Salvador with lunch at Favela: $150
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Salvador Capital Afro-Brazilian: $60
- Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador": $102
- Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
- Bike Rentals and Bike Tours: $142
- Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $160
- Candomblé Cerimony Tour: $61
- Candomble Religion Mysteries Private Tour in Salvador: $80
- City Tour in Salvador Discover the first capital of Brazil - En: $140
- Cruise Ship Special Private Tour Salvador da Bahia Historic Old Town Bonfim and Barra: $152
- Culinary Traditions Tour: $180
- Easy Diving - Lord Beach Snorkeling - Leaving Forte Beach by Emytour: $33
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 daySalvador $5.38Vieques Island $30
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:
-
Beers for 2$1.37
-
Drinks$2.74
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Vieques Island, we can see that Vieques Island is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salvador is in South 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 Salvador would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salvador 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 Vieques Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vieques Island than you might in Salvador.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salvador Expensive? and Is Vieques Island Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or Vieques Island?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 290 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Salvador 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 Salvador or Vieques Island?
Salvador 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 Salvador or Vieques Island in the Summer?
Both Vieques Island and Salvador during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.
In January, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Vieques Islandin July. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 27°C (81°F), 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 Salvador. In the summer, Salvador often gets less sunshine than Vieques Islandin July. Salvador gets 246 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 Salvador. Salvador usually gets more rain in January than Vieques Islandin July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySalvador 27°C (81°F)Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Vieques Island in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Vieques Island. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Salvador is around the same temperature as Vieques Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during autumn. Salvador gets 190 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. Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Salvador usually receives more rain than Vieques Islandin October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSalvador 26°C (80°F)Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Vieques Island in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Vieques Island. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.
In the winter, Salvador is around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salvador in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. In the winter, Salvador often gets less sunshine than Vieques Islandin January. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun.
Salvador receives a lot of rain in the winter. Salvador usually gets more rain in July than Vieques Islandin January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySalvador 24°C (75°F)Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Vieques Island in the Spring?
Both Vieques Island and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Vieques Islandin April. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (78°F), 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 Salvador. Salvador usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during spring. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Salvador. In October, Salvador usually receives more rain than Vieques Islandin April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSalvador 26°C (78°F)Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Salvador
| Salvador | Vieques Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 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.