Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or San Juan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit San Juan or Vieques Island?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit San Juan 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: San Juan or Vieques Island?
San Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
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!
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San Juan Prices
Puerto Rico PricesVieques Island Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan $218Vieques Island $210
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan is $218, 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 San Juan and Vieques Island in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Juan $124Vieques Island $92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Juan $248Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in San Juan and Vieques Island
Looking for a hotel in San Juan 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: San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Juan $14Vieques Island $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in Puerto Rico with Minivan from Airport: $280
- Transfer SJU Airport to Ponce and Juana Diaz. Hotels and Airbnb Vice Versa 1 Way: $260
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $200
- Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $195
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Transfer SJU Airport to Dorado. Hotels and Airbnb. Vice Versa One Way Trip.: $140
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Transfer from San Juan to Ponce or Ponce to San Juan: $125
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $120
- Arrival Private Transfer SJU Airport to Old San Juan by Sedan: $120
- SJU Airport Private Transfer to Dorado: $115
Is it cheaper to fly into San Juan or Vieques Island?
Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and San Juan 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 daySan Juan $62Vieques Island $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $165
- FlyDining: Sunset & City Lights Dinner Over Old San Juan: $165
- Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
- Cooking and Connecting with a Local in Puerto Rico: $173
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walking Food Tour: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Juan $49Vieques Island $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Culebra Swim with Turtles Adventure and Flamenco Beach by Ferry: $130
- El Yunque Rainforest Tour Half Day Earlybird/ Small Groups: $85
- Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
- Puerto Rican Food Experience: $99
- "Exclusive Tour": VIP Rum Tasting at San Juan Artisan Distillers: $150
- "Yo Soy de PfknR" Bad Bunny Party Bus Experience: $145
- 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
- 2 Tours in 1 Day: Rainforest Waterslides & Beach Tour w/Transport: $51
- 3 Tours in 1 Day: Old San Juan, Rainforest, Beach with Transport: $64
- 30-Minute Freestyle Jet Ski Adventure in the Bay: $100
- ATV Double Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $221
- ATV Single Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $149
Tours and Activities in Vieques Island
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vieques Island.
- Vieques Island Rich History Tour : $125
- 1-Hour Bioluminescent Boat Tour in Mosquito Bay, Vieques : $100
- Bio Bay Tour Vieques – Full Clear Canoes Experience: $65
- Biobay Vieques Tour Kayak Night Tour: $65
- CLEAR BOTTOM KAYAKS Tour in Bioluminescent, Mosquito Bay: $67
- Full Clear Kayak Bioluminescent Experience Vieques, Puerto Rico: $110
- Isla de Vieques Beach Hopper Sightseeing Tour: $90
- Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island: $66
- Unforgettable One Day Bioluminescent Kayak Adventure in Vieques: $60
- Vieques Biobay Kayaking Tour: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Juan $12Vieques Island $30
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
- The Pinones Pub crawl Bar crawl : $70
- Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
- Puerto Rico's First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour! : $99
When comparing the travel costs between San Juan and Vieques Island, we can see that San Juan 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 San Juan Expensive? and Is Vieques Island Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Juan or Vieques Island?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of San Juan 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 San Juan or Vieques Island?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit San Juan or Vieques Island in the Summer?
Both Vieques Island and San Juan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, San Juan usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. San Juan gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. San Juan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island during summer. San Juan gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, San Juan is around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Juan in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Juan 28°C (83°F)Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit San Juan or Vieques Island in the Autumn?
Both Vieques Island and San Juan during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.
Vieques Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan. San Juan usually gets less rain in October than Vieques Island. San Juan gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 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 San Juan. In the autumn, San Juan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island. San Juan gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun.
In October, San Juan is generally around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in San Juan average around 28°C (82°F), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Juan 28°C (82°F)Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit San Juan or Vieques Island in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan and Vieques Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, San Juan usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. San Juan gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Juan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island during winter. San Juan gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
San Juan is around the same temperature as Vieques Island in the winter. The daily temperature in San Juan averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Juan 25°C (77°F)Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit San Juan or Vieques Island in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Juan as well as Vieques Island. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.
San Juan usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Vieques Island. San Juan gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 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 San Juan this time of the year. In the spring, San Juan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island. San Juan gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun.
In the spring, San Juan is around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Juan in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Juan 26°C (79°F)Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Vieques Island and San Juan
| San Juan | 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) |
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.