A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vieques Island vs. Bar Harbor for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Vieques Island or Bar Harbor?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Vieques Island and Bar Harbor 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: Vieques Island or Bar Harbor?

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!

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a seafront town located on Mount Desert Island just off the coast of Maine. The Wabanaki Indians who seasonally fished, hunted and gathered berries, clams, and other shellfish in the area, called it the ‘clam-gathering' or ‘clambake' place. Eventually the area was settled by Europeans who established industries in fishing, lumbering, shipbuilding, and agriculture. Its maritime scenery even attracted artists of the Hudson River School like Thomas Cole, and the area soon became a seasonal resort for the affluent, comparable to that of Newport, Rhode Island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bar Harbor or Vieques Island?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vieques Island is $170, while the average daily cost in Bar Harbor is $202. 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 Vieques Island and Bar Harbor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vieques Island $92
    Bar Harbor $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vieques Island $184
    Bar Harbor $234
Compare Hotels in Vieques Island and Bar Harbor

Looking for a hotel in Vieques Island or Bar Harbor? 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.

Hotels in Vieques Island


Hotels in Bar Harbor


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: Bar Harbor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vieques Island $30
    Bar Harbor $35

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 Vieques Island or Bar Harbor?

Prices for flights to both Bar Harbor and Vieques Island 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 day
    Vieques Island $54
    Bar Harbor $57

Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vieques Island $34
    Bar Harbor $39

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • Acadia National Park Entrance Fee
    $25
  • Sunset Cruise (for 4)
    $96

Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bar Harbor are as follows:

  • 3 Hour Private Tour: Insiders tour of Acadia National Park: $675
  • 4 Hour Private Tour: Acadia, Fjord, Gardens & Mansions: $775
  • 6 Hour Private Tour: Ultimate Acadia Tour with Lobster Lunch: $1,000
  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $30
  • Acadia Full Day Small Group Tour: $299
  • Acadia Half Day Private Bike Tour: $548
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia NP & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour: $21
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Acadia National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $279
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vieques Island $30
    Bar Harbor $30


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vieques Island and Bar Harbor, we can see that Bar Harbor is more expensive. And not only is Vieques Island much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vieques Island is in Caribbean Islands and Bar Harbor is in North America, 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 Vieques Island would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vieques Island 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 Bar Harbor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bar Harbor than you might in Vieques Island.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vieques Island Expensive? and Is Bar Harbor Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vieques Island or Bar Harbor?

Vieques Island has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Vieques Island and Bar Harbor, 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 Vieques Island or Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor 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 Vieques Island or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

Both Bar Harbor and Vieques Island during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

In July, Vieques Island is generally a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Vieques Island average around 29°C (83°F), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Vieques Island usually gets less rain in July than Bar Harbor. Vieques Island gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F) 
    Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vieques Island and Bar Harbor. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round. Also, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Vieques Island is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vieques Island averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Vieques Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Vieques Island usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Vieques Island gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F) 
    Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vieques Island as well as Bar Harbor. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Bar Harbor can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Vieques Island is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vieques Island in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Bar Harbor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

Vieques Island usually gets less rain in January than Bar Harbor. Vieques Island gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F) 
    Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Vieques Island are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Vieques Island is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Vieques Island average around 27°C (80°F), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Vieques Island usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Vieques Island gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F) 
    Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Vieques Island

Vieques Island Bar Harbor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)


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