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

Should you visit Vieques Island or San Francisco?

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 Francisco 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 Francisco?

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 Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, San Francisco 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 Francisco is $222. 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 Francisco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vieques Island $92
    San Francisco $130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vieques Island $184
    San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Vieques Island and San Francisco

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


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 Francisco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vieques Island $30
    San Francisco $16

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:


  • Taxi to SFO
    $45
  • Golden Gate Bridge Toll
    $6.00
  • Alcatraz Tour
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco

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

  • San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to Cruise Terminal: $557
  • Carmel 1-Way Transfer to/from San Francisco Airport: $535
  • SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from Sacramento: $410
  • Napa Valley 1-Way Transfer to/from the San Francisco Airport: $400
  • San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to San Francisco: $343
  • San Francisco (SFO) to Calistoga Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $295
  • Private Airport Transfer From SFO to Sonoma (One-way): $280
  • Sedan Airport Transfer from SFO to East Bay (one way): $262
  • Sedan Airport Transfer from Vallejo to SFO (one way): $259
  • Arrival Private Transfer SFO Airport to San Francisco City by SUV: $245
  • Departure Private Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport in a SUV: $203
  • San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Cruise Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer: $182

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

Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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 Francisco $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco

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

  • San Francisco Virtual Food Tour with Local Guide: $19
  • North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $79
  • Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay: $82
  • Secret Food Tours San Francisco: $83
  • Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $85
  • Farmers' Market & Ferry Building Food Tour: $87
  • Mission District Walking Food Tour: $89
  • Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $89
  • San Francisco North Beach Food Tour: $89
  • San Francisco North Beach and Chinatown - Secret Food Tours: $89
  • San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour: $89
  • San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vieques Island $34
    San Francisco $46

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

Tours and Activities in San Francisco

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

  • 2hr - SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
  • Private Walking Tour in Muir Woods and Tickets : $20
  • "Summer of Love" tour in Haight-Ashbury in French: $63
  • 1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $73
  • 2-Hour Double Decker City Tour of San Francisco: $73
  • 2HR Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Loop GoCar Tour: $172
  • 2hr - INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
  • 2hr - INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
  • 2hr - SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
  • 2hr PRIVATE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay 6 Guests: $695
  • 3 in 1 Tour: Muir Woods, Sausalito & Half Day Wine Country Visit: $189
  • 3-Hour Private Group San Francisco Open Top Jeep Tour: $249

For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vieques Island $30
    San Francisco $22

Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:

  • Chinatown San Francisco’s Bar Crawl: An Audio Tour: $4.99
  • SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $27
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
  • 2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco: $49
  • Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
  • Private Wine Tour Napa or Sonoma from $99 per person up to 7 & Concierge Service: $99
  • Small Group: The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $109
  • Big Bus Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour: $125
  • Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings: $126
  • From The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
  • The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $139


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


Which is Bigger, Vieques Island or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Vieques Island and San Francisco, 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 Francisco?

San Francisco 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 Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco 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, the summer months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In July, Vieques Island usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Vieques Island gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

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

Both San Francisco 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. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

In October, Vieques Island is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Vieques Island average around 28°C (82°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. Vieques Island usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Vieques Island gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F) 
    San Francisco 63°F (17°C)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vieques Island and San Francisco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Vieques Island is much warmer than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Vieques Island averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Vieques Island usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Vieques Island gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F) 
    San Francisco 50°F (10°C)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Vieques Island as well as San Francisco. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Vieques Island is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vieques Island in April average around 27°C (80°F), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).

Vieques Island usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Vieques Island gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F) 
    San Francisco 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Vieques Island

Vieques Island San Francisco
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)