Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or San Juan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan $192Vieques Island $170
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan is $192, 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 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:
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $270
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $270
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Oneway Transfer from San Juan (SJU, hotel, airbnb, port) to Ponce: $125
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $104
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
- Oneway Transfer San Juan to Ceiba: Ferry, Vieques/Culebra Airport: $80
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Tesla S Lux Sedan, Select Zone: $79
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 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 $36Vieques Island $54
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:
- Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
- City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
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.
- Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Black Sand Beach- See The Southeast of Puerto Rico Private Tour: $150
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Cave Day Tour From San Juan: $109
- Culebra Beach Day Tour with Snorkeling from San Juan by Ferry: $200
- Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
- Discover El Yunque: Half-Day Rainforest Tour: $115
- Discover Old In-App Audio Tour of History: $11
- El Yunque National Forest and Luquillo Beach Tour: $75
Tours and Activities in Vieques Island
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vieques Island.
- 1-Hour Bioluminescent Boat Tour in Mosquito Bay, Vieques : $135
- Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $65
- Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Fajardo: $72
- Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayaking Tour in Laguna Grande Fajardo: $65
- Culebra Island Snorkel with Turtles Adventure - Ferry Tickets Included: $135
- El Yunque Waterfalls and Waterslide River Tour: $50
- Fajardo Afternoon Snorkeling Boat Tour: $110
- Full-Day Snorkeling Tour to Culebra Island with Lunch: $139
- Half Day Adventure Private Tour in El Yunque Rainforest: $234
- Icacos Island All-Inclusive Snorkel and Boat Tour : $125
- Isla de Vieques Beach Sightseeing Day Tour: $70
- Mosquito Bay Kayak Experience in Vieques: $115
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:
- Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50
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.