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

Should you visit New Orleans or Vieques Island?

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

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

New Orleans

New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, and it is a cultural city that is the home of jazz, unique cuisine, and Mardi Gras in the U.S. It was established in 1718 and is one of the oldest cities in the country. The culture of the city has a mix of French, Creole, African American, Caribbean, Irish, Haitian, German and Vietnamese. There's an energy and atmosphere that is unlike any place else.

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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or New Orleans?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • New Orleans Prices
    USA Prices
    Vieques Island Prices
    Puerto Rico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    New Orleans $271
    Vieques Island $210

The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $271, while the average daily cost in Vieques Island is $210. 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 New Orleans and Vieques Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Vieques Island $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Vieques Island

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans 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 New Orleans


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: New Orleans Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $51
    Vieques Island $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in New Orleans

Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans

Also for New Orleans, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $260
  • New Orleans Airport One way Transfer to Baton Rouge or Slidell: $250
  • New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport MSY Round-Trip Private Transfer: $226
  • Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
  • NOLA Cruise Port to New Orleans hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $209
  • One-Way Private New Orleans Arrival or Departure Transfer: $200
  • Transfer from New Orleans MSY or Port to New Orleans by Minibus: $190
  • Private Airport Transfer From New Orleans To Baton Rouge: $177
  • Airport Transfer in New Orleans: $175
  • Private Mercedes Sprinter Transfer NOLA, Airport, Cruise Ship: $175
  • Airport and City Transfers in New Orleans : $135
  • New Orleans Departure Transfers: $135

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Vieques Island?

Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and New Orleans 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
    New Orleans $78
    Vieques Island $94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New Orleans

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

  • New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $42
  • Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $58
  • Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $60
  • French Quarter Food Tour: Signature Tastes of New Orleans: $75
  • New Orleans Sunset Food Tour Experience: $85
  • Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
  • Lower Garden District Food Tour: $89
  • NOLA Carte Food Tours: $96
  • Voodoo, Vampires and Delicious Bites Food Tour: $97
  • New Orleans Cooking Class and Cocktail Walking Tour: $106
  • New Orleans Small-Group Food Walking Tour and Cooking Class: $109
  • Food Tour of New Orleans Garden District: Group of Nine or Less: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $55
    Vieques Island $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in New Orleans

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)
    $75
  • Riverboat Cruise
    $70
  • French Quarter City Tour
    $100

Tours and Activities in New Orleans

For New Orleans, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Bom Creole Dining Experience w/ Pool and Louisiana Native Chef : $135
  • Creole French Quarter Walking Tour: $35
  • 45-Minute French Quarter Highlights Tour in New Orleans: $23
  • 45-Minute Garden District Highlights Tour in New Orleans: $22
  • 45-Minute Marigny Triangle Highlights Tour in New Orleans: $22
  • 60-minute Tremé Walking Tour & Photo Experience: $15
  • 90-Minute Jean Lafitte Swamp and Bayou Tour with Transportation: $62
  • A Local's Garden District Tour: $165
  • A Locals' Drink Dat! Cocktail Tour: $200
  • A Walk in the Park: City Park New Orleans Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Adults-Only Garden District Cemetery Anne Rice True Crime Tour: $35
  • Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour: $37

Tours and Activities in Vieques Island

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

  • Vieques Island Rich History Tour : $125
  • 1-Hour Bioluminescent Boat Tour in Mosquito Bay, Vieques : $100
  • Bio Bay Tour Vieques – Full Clear Canoes Experience: $65
  • Biobay Vieques Tour Kayak Night Tour: $65
  • CLEAR BOTTOM KAYAKS Tour in Bioluminescent, Mosquito Bay: $67
  • El Yunque Rainforest Tour: Natural Waterslides Adventure : $65
  • Full Clear Kayak Bioluminescent Experience Vieques, Puerto Rico: $110
  • Isla de Vieques Beach Hopper Sightseeing Tour: $90
  • Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island: $66
  • Unforgettable One Day Bioluminescent Kayak Adventure in Vieques: $60
  • Vieques Biobay Kayaking Tour: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $60
    Vieques Island $30

Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:

  • Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party with Free Shot!: $24
  • New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
  • NOLA Distillery Tour: $30
  • New Orleans Spooky Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour: $30
  • Vixens and Villains Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • New Orleans Happy Hour Ghost Walking Tour Pub Crawl: $33
  • New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Till Death Do Us Part: Haunted Pub Crawl Where Love Meets Death: $35
  • Sin and Tonic Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $35
  • New Orleans Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Adults Only Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $37
  • New Orleans' Finest Haunted Pub Tour: $40


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


Which is Bigger, New Orleans or Vieques Island?

New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of New Orleans 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 New Orleans or Vieques Island?

New Orleans 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 New Orleans or Vieques Island in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New Orleans and Vieques Island. The summer months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, New Orleans is around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in New Orleans in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Vieques Island averages at about 29°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during summer. New Orleans gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. New Orleans gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    New Orleans 82°F (28°C) 
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit New Orleans or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New Orleans as well as Vieques Island. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.

In October, New Orleans is generally cooler than Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in New Orleans average around 69°F (21°C), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In the autumn, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island. New Orleans gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vieques Island. New Orleans usually gets less rain in October than Vieques Island. New Orleans gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    New Orleans 69°F (21°C) 
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit New Orleans or Vieques Island in the Winter?

Both Vieques Island and New Orleans are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

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

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. New Orleans usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during winter. New Orleans gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in New Orleans. In January, New Orleans usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. New Orleans gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    New Orleans 51°F (11°C) 
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit New Orleans or Vieques Island in the Spring?

Both Vieques Island and New Orleans during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to New Orleans in the spring for the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.

In the spring, New Orleans is cooler than Vieques Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in New Orleans in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Vieques Island averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in New Orleans. In the spring, New Orleans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island. New Orleans gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. New Orleans usually gets more rain in April than Vieques Island. New Orleans gets 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    New Orleans 68°F (20°C) 
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and New Orleans

New Orleans Vieques Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 62°F (16°C) 5 inches (126 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 75°F (24°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.5 inches (140 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)