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

Should you visit Vieques Island or San Diego?

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 San Diego 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 San Diego?

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!

San Diego

For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vieques Island $92
    San Diego $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vieques Island $184
    San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Vieques Island and San Diego

Looking for a hotel in Vieques Island or San Diego? 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 San Diego


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 Diego Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vieques Island $30
    San Diego $24

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego

Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $240
  • San Diego Airport (SAN): Private Transfer to San Diego: $188
  • Private Transfer Airport Tijuana/Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada) or back.: $176
  • Private Transfer from Tijuana to Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe: $149
  • San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego hotel/address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
  • San Diego Airport (SAN) to Carlsbad - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
  • Arrival Private Transfer San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego by Executive SUV: $134
  • RoundTrip transfer in private car from-to San DiegoAirport in San Diego Downtown: $127
  • Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $120
  • Private Transfer from San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Executive SUV: $115
  • Departure Private Transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Luxury SUV: $115
  • Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Luxury SUV: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Vieques Island or San Diego?

Prices for flights to both San Diego 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
    San Diego $45

Typical Food Prices in San Diego

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:


  • Mexican Lunch for Two
    $27
  • Breakfast at Starbucks
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego

For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
  • Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $81
  • San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
  • Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
  • Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
  • San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
  • San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
  • Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
  • Guided Secret Food Tour: $102
  • Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
  • San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
  • Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vieques Island $34
    San Diego $48

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 : $128
  • 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
  • Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $45
  • Icacos Island All-Inclusive Snorkel and Boat Tour : $125
  • Isla de Vieques Beach Sightseeing Day Tour: $70

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego

For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • San Diego Zoo
    $15
  • Sea World Parking
    $12

Tours and Activities in San Diego

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.

  • Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $24
  • "Drink, Ride, Sing, & Dance!" Bar Tour (4 bars included): $33
  • 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
  • 1-Hour Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour in San Diego: $99
  • 1-Hour Voodoo Escape Room Experience in San Diego: $35
  • 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
  • 1Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $63
  • 4 Hour Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour or Rental: $87
  • A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • All Day San Diego Scenic Tour: $125
  • Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Balboa Park Puzzling Adventure: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vieques Island $30
    San Diego $21

Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego

Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
  • History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
  • Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
  • Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $119
  • Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $131
  • Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
  • Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
  • Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
  • Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
  • California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
  • Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vieques Island and San Diego, we can see that San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vieques Island or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Vieques Island and San Diego, 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 San Diego?

San Diego 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 San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego 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, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Vieques Island is a little warmer than San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in Vieques Island averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. Vieques Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during summer. Vieques Island gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F) 
    San Diego 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego 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, many visitors come to San Diego in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Vieques Island is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vieques Island in October average around 28°C (82°F), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. In the autumn, Vieques Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego. Vieques Island gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. Vieques Island usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Vieques Island gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F) 
    San Diego 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vieques Island and San Diego. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Vieques Island is generally much warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Vieques Island average around 26°C (78°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vieques Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during winter. Vieques Island gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vieques Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Diego. Vieques Island gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F) 
    San Diego 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vieques Island as well as San Diego. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Vieques Island is much warmer than San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in Vieques Island averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. In the spring, Vieques Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego. Vieques Island gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Vieques Island usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Vieques Island gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F) 
    San Diego 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for San Diego and Vieques Island

Vieques Island San Diego
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.8 inches (46 mm)
Feb 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 67°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 71°F (22°C) 0 inches (1 mm)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in) 71°F (22°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 68°F (20°C) 0.4 inches (9 mm)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)