A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vieques Island vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Vieques Island or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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!

Carmel-by-the-Sea

A small, beach town on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its idyllic natural scenery and artistic history. Carmel's village, just one square mile in size, is unlike any other in California with its picturesque views, European style and unusual laws.

Clint Eastwood served as mayor of Carmel from 1986-88. Without a single fast food or chain restaurants, visitors can easily feel that Carmel still preserves its slow and easy lifestyle, with all private-owned restaurants, coffee shops and pubs. This town is undoubtedly charming, even with its anti-high heel laws (though they aren't strictly enforced and permits are free at the City Hall), lack of street addresses and has been named the top destination for dog-friendly towns in the country. Grab your furry friends, leave your heels at home and get ready to explore this quaint and lovely town by the sea.

If you want to avoid the heat, Carmel is the perfect place to go, with year-round mild temperatures. Even during the summer seasons, you may not feel the heat through the fog and cool coastal weather. Peak seasons for travel are during summer months in August and September, (especially popular for weddings) and even then, the highs are still in the low 70s. Winter season lows dip only down to low 50s, with the Pacific Oceans maintaining moderate temperatures.

If you're driving to the city, keep in mind that the businesses do not have numbers in their addresses. To get directions or arrange a meeting, be sure to remember the name of the business and grab a map from the Carmel Chamber of Commerce.

Some famous artists who have resided in Carmel are Upton Sinclair, Jack London and Mary Austin. Carmel is known to be particularly dog-friendly, as almost all hotels allow guests to bring their dogs.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vieques Island and Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Vieques Island is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vieques Island is in Caribbean Islands and Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Vieques Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vieques Island than you might in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vieques Island or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Vieques Island has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Vieques Island and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Vieques Island during the summer 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 beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

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

Vieques Island usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Vieques Island gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vieques Island or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vieques Island and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round. Also, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Vieques Island is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Vieques Island average around 28°C (82°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Vieques Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Vieques Island usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Vieques Island gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vieques Island or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vieques Island as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Vieques Island is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter. The daily temperature in Vieques Island averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Vieques Island usually gets less rain in January than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Vieques Island gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vieques Island or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Vieques Island are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Vieques Island is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vieques Island in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In April, Vieques Island usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Vieques Island gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Vieques Island