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

Should you visit Vieques Island or Big Sur?

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 Big Sur 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 Big Sur?

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!

Big Sur

Big Sur is the 90-mile stretch of the California Central Coast which runs from the Carmel River in Monterey County south to San Carpoforo Creek in San Luis Obispo County and 20 miles east into the Santa Lucius Foothills.

However you look at it, California's Central Coast is beautiful and undoubtedly a huge tourist trap. If you're not willing to fork over big bucks for overnight stays on coastal hotels, be prepared ahead of time with your camping gear and get ready to go off the beaten track to avoid crowds as best you can and save your wallet.

While the weather in Central Coast is overall, mild and temperate, between 50 and 70 degrees year-round. The highs and lows during the year are in August and January, respectively, with dry summers and wet winters, making April through October the best times to visit but be warned: there will be crowds.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vieques Island and Big Sur, we can see that Vieques Island is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vieques Island is in Caribbean Islands and Big Sur 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 Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur 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 Big Sur.

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 Big Sur Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Vieques Island or Big Sur?

Big Sur 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 Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and Vieques Island are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Vieques Island is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vieques Island in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Big Sur averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In July, Vieques Island usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Vieques Island gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vieques Island or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and Vieques Island during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Vieques Island is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Vieques Island average around 28°C (82°F), and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. Vieques Island usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. Vieques Island gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vieques Island or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vieques Island and Big Sur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round. Furthermore, the cuisine are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

Vieques Island is much warmer than Big Sur in the winter. The daily temperature in Vieques Island averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Vieques Island usually receives less rain than Big Sur. Vieques Island gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vieques Island or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vieques Island as well as Big Sur. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Vieques Island is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vieques Island in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Big Sur averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Vieques Island usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. Vieques Island gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Vieques Island