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

Should you visit Pensacola or Vieques Island?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pensacola and Vieques Island can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pensacola or Vieques Island?

Pensacola

With sands as white as sugar grain and a sky devoid of grey clouds and innumerable downpours, Pensacola is known by many as the "Western Gate to the Sunshine State." Located in northern Florida, Pensacola is a waterfront city known for its pristine beaches and rich Floridian history. As one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., Pensacola is riddled with museums and landmarks that commemorate the state's history, making the city quite appetizing for history buffs and students alike. However, if you are simply looking to get the most out of the all-around good weather of Florida, Pensacola's protected beaches complemented with high-class restaurants and stores make this a vacation capital for many.

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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Pensacola?

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

  • Pensacola Prices
    USA Prices
    Vieques Island Prices
    Puerto Rico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Pensacola $234
    Vieques Island $210

The average daily cost (per person) in Pensacola is $234, 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 Pensacola and Vieques Island in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Pensacola 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 Pensacola


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: Pensacola Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pensacola $64
    Vieques Island $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:


  • Boca Grande Causeway Toll
    $5.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Pensacola or Vieques Island?

Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and Pensacola 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
    Pensacola $84
    Vieques Island $94
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Two Ice Creams
    $6.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pensacola.

  • Palafox Palete Food Tour: $50
  • Seville Haunted Luncheon or Dinner and Ghost Tour: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pensacola $13
    Vieques Island $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $16

Tours and Activities in Pensacola

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:

  • 1hr Segway Tour Downtown : $57
  • 2hr Segway Tour of Downtown : $72
  • 3 Hour Sandbar Adventure on Motorized Floats: $69
  • Bay Cruise: $65
  • Condor Sailing Fun, Relaxing Public Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise: $99
  • Daily Dolphin Cruise + Sightseeing Tour on Pensacola Beach: $35
  • Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49, Pensacola: $50
  • Frisky Mermaid Fireworks Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $65
  • Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $39
  • Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $40
  • Ghosts of Haunted Trolley Tour: $35
  • Half Day Pontoon Boat Rental – Fun & Relaxing Water Adventure: $299

Tours and Activities in Vieques Island

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pensacola $44
    Vieques Island $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola

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

  • Walking Ghost Tour Pub Crawl - Boos with Booze : $20
  • Walking Pub Tour : $21
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl of Downtown Pensacola : $45


When comparing the travel costs between Pensacola and Vieques Island, we can see that Pensacola is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Pensacola is in North America and Vieques Island is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pensacola Expensive? and Is Vieques Island Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Vieques Island?

Pensacola has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Vieques Island?

Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Vieques Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Vieques Island. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.

Pensacola is around the same temperature as Vieques Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pensacola usually gets more rain in July than Vieques Island. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Pensacola or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

Both Vieques Island and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Pensacola in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Pensacola is cooler than Vieques Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pensacola in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Vieques Island averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In October, Pensacola usually receives less rain than Vieques Island. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.


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

Should I visit Pensacola or Vieques Island in the Winter?

Both Vieques Island and Pensacola during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.

In January, Pensacola is generally much colder than Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 51°F (10°C), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in January than Vieques Island. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pensacola 51°F (10°C) 
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Pensacola or Vieques Island in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Vieques Island. The spring months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the beaches. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Pensacola is cooler than Vieques Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 67°F (20°C) in April, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In April, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pensacola 67°F (20°C) 
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Pensacola

Pensacola Vieques Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 74°F (24°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)