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

Should you visit Vieques Island or Charleston?

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 Charleston 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 Charleston?

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!

Charleston

Charleston is a beautiful, southern city and seaport town in South Carolina. It has a wonderful, historic downtown area that the city government works hard to maintain. Located on a peninsula that is created by two rivers, the city is a stunning setting with much character. It is a popular place to visit for its culture, architecture and cuisine. In recent years Charleston has gained popularity and it continues to grow as both a regional and international travel destination. With its rising popularity comes increasing costs. Travel costs continue to go up as restaurants and hotels raise their prices, particularly during the peak travel season and holiday periods.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Charleston or Vieques Island?

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

  • Vieques Island Prices
    Puerto Rico Prices
    Charleston Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Vieques Island $210
    Charleston $212

The average daily cost (per person) in Vieques Island is $210, while the average daily cost in Charleston is $212. 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 Charleston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vieques Island $92
    Charleston $90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vieques Island $184
    Charleston $180
Compare Hotels in Vieques Island and Charleston

Looking for a hotel in Vieques Island or Charleston? 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 Charleston


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: Charleston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vieques Island $30
    Charleston $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charleston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:

  • Charleston Airport (CHS) to Charleston city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $268
  • Kiawah/Seabrook Islands to Charleston Airport (CHS) – Departure Private Transfer: $208
  • Folly Beach to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $147
  • Charleston city to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $134
  • Private Transfer from Charleston Airport (CHS) to Charleston Port: $134
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $80
  • From Boone Hall Plantation Entry with Transfers: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Vieques Island or Charleston?

Prices for flights to both Charleston 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 $94
    Charleston $100

Typical Food Prices in Charleston

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


  • Lunch in downtown Charleston for two
    $21
  • Breakfast
    $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charleston

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

  • Charleston Sunset Blues & BBQ Dinner Cruise: $72
  • Hands-on Cooking Class in Charleston: $89
  • Tastes Through Time - Charleston's Best Food Tour!: $96
  • Tastes Through Time - Charleston's Best Food Tour: $98
  • Charleston Harbor Luxury Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $100
  • Charleston French Quarter or Brunch Food Tour with 7+ Tastings: $110
  • Downtown Charleston Food Tour: $110
  • Small Group Food Tour – Savor the Flavors: $111
  • Savor the Flavors Upper King Street Food Tour: $111
  • Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise: $111
  • Historic Downtown Food Tour: $112
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $116

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vieques Island $34
    Charleston $22

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Charleston

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


  • Patriots Point (for 2)
    $60

Tours and Activities in Charleston

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

  • 1.5-Hour Charleston Harbor Cruise with Live Narration: $42
  • 2 Hours Shem Creek Safari Kayak Tour: $52
  • 2-Hour Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Charleston: $54
  • 2-Hour Tiki Boat Tour in Folly Beach: $75
  • 2hr Private River Cruise with stop at Morris Island: $325
  • 300 Years of War and Peacetime in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • 90 Minute Sightseeing Bus Tour of Historic Charleston: $32
  • 90-Minute Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour : $37
  • A Ghost Tour with 10 ORIGINAL Stories AND Equipment!: $35
  • Afternoon Charleston Harbor Boat Cruise: Family Friendly Scenic: $58
  • Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor: $44
  • Beat The Heat! Evening Walking History Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vieques Island $30
    Charleston $36

Sample the Local Flavors in Charleston

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

  • Charleston Bar Hunt: Charleston Chase Bar Crawl: $13
  • Striped Pig Distillery Tour and Tasting: $22
  • Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Charleston Women and Wine Tour: $34
  • Women and Wine Tour: $34
  • Charleston Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl: $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl for the Broken-Hearted: $35
  • Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl Shared Tour in Charleston : $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl for the Broken-Hearted: $35
  • Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl: $35
  • 108 Elemental Presents Spirits & Spirits: Pub Crawl w/ Adam Miles: $36


When comparing the travel costs between Vieques Island and Charleston, we can see that Charleston 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 Vieques Island is in Caribbean Islands and Charleston is in North America, 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 Vieques Island Expensive? and Is Charleston Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vieques Island or Charleston?

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

Charleston 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 Charleston in the Summer?

Both Charleston 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. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Charleston because of the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Charleston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. In the summer, Vieques Island often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston. Vieques Island gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 293 hours of full sun.

Charleston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vieques Island usually gets less rain in July than Charleston. Vieques Island gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Vieques Island or Charleston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vieques Island and Charleston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round. Furthermore, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.

In October, Vieques Island is generally a little warmer than Charleston. Daily temperatures in Vieques Island average around 28°C (82°F), and Charleston fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vieques Island usually receives more sunshine than Charleston during autumn. Vieques Island gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Vieques Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Vieques Island usually receives more rain than Charleston. Vieques Island gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F) 
    Charleston 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Charleston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vieques Island as well as Charleston. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Charleston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Vieques Island is much warmer than Charleston in the winter. The daily temperature in Vieques Island averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Charleston fluctuates around 47°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. In the winter, Vieques Island often gets more sunshine than Charleston. Vieques Island gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charleston receives 188 hours of full sun.

Vieques Island usually gets less rain in January than Charleston. Vieques Island gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F) 
    Charleston 47°F (9°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Charleston in the Spring?

Both Charleston 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, many visitors come to Charleston in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Vieques Island is a little warmer than Charleston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vieques Island in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Charleston averages at about 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Charleston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. Vieques Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Charleston during spring. Vieques Island gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Charleston receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vieques Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charleston. Vieques Island gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F) 
    Charleston 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Charleston and Vieques Island

Vieques Island Charleston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 58°F (14°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 64°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in) 76°F (25°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in) 58°F (15°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 51°F (10°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)