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

Should you visit Wilmington or Vieques Island?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Vieques Island, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Wilmington or Vieques Island?

Wilmington

Wilmington is a port city in southeastern North Carolina. It's a great city to visit for it's nearby beaches, large historic district, and quaint atmosphere. The city has a population of about 115,000 and it's the eighth largest city in the state.

Wilmington is also home to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington as well as the EUE Screen Gems Studios. This is the largest domestic television and movie production facility outside of California. The studio, which opened in 1984, helped grow Wilmington into a major base for film and television production. The city has been the backdrop for many movies and tv shows including Iron Man 3, Sleepy Hollow, One Tree Hill, and Revolution.

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!

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, Vieques Island or Wilmington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Wilmington is $204, 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 Wilmington and Vieques Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wilmington $120
    Vieques Island $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wilmington $240
    Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Wilmington and Vieques Island

Looking for a hotel in Wilmington 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.

Hotels in Wilmington


Hotels in Vieques Island


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: Wilmington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wilmington $47
    Vieques Island $30

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 Wilmington or Vieques Island?

Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and Wilmington 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
    Wilmington $56
    Vieques Island $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wilmington $17
    Vieques Island $34

Tours and Activities in Wilmington

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

  • 2-Hour Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour: $50
  • 2-Hour Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour: $55
  • 2.5 Hr E-Bike tour of Wilmington's History, Haunts & one Haunted Pub: $65
  • 4.5 Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Adventure Tour: $85
  • 4.5-Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Adventure Tour: $85
  • Black Water Adventure Cruise: $33
  • Craft Beer and History Crawl Shared Experience in Wilmington: $30
  • Eagles Island 50 minute Narrated Boat Cruise: $21
  • Eco Kayak Tour in Wrightsville Beach: $75
  • Half Day Carolina Beach E-Bike Tour: $75
  • Half-Day E-Bike Tour of Wilmington's History, Haunts & Breweries: $85
  • Half-Day E-Bike Tour of the Filming Locations in One Tree Hill: $85

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wilmington $39
    Vieques Island $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Wilmington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Wilmington:

  • 2-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Bar Crawl: $55
  • 2-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Bar Crawl: $55


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wilmington and Vieques Island, we can see that Wilmington is more expensive. And not only is Vieques Island much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Wilmington is in North America and Vieques Island is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Wilmington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wilmington 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 Wilmington Expensive? and Is Vieques Island Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Vieques Island?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington 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 Wilmington or Vieques Island?

Wilmington 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 Wilmington or Vieques Island in the Summer?

Both Vieques Island and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Wilmington is around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wilmington in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Vieques Island averages at about 29°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island during summer. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Wilmington. In July, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Wilmington 81°F (27°C) 
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Wilmington or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

Both Vieques Island and Wilmington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.

In October, Wilmington is generally much colder than Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 65°F (18°C), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wilmington. In the autumn, Wilmington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun.

Vieques Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Wilmington usually gets less rain in October than Vieques Island. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Wilmington 65°F (18°C) 
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Wilmington or Vieques Island in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Vieques Island. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Wilmington is much colder than Vieques Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. Wilmington usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during winter. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Wilmington 45°F (7°C) 
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Wilmington or Vieques Island in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Vieques Island. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the beaches during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.

In the spring, Wilmington is much colder than Vieques Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wilmington in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Vieques Island averages at about 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington this time of the year. In the spring, Wilmington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Vieques Island. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Wilmington 63°F (17°C) 
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Wilmington

Wilmington Vieques Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 47°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 56°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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