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

Should you visit Vieques Island or Chicago?

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 Chicago 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 Chicago?

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!

Chicago

Located in the Midwest, Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. It has a population of almost 3 million and a metropolitan area that covers more than 10,000 square kilometers. It is also a hub for music, comedy and theater. It's skyline is beautiful with modern skyscrapers and Lake Michigan as a backdrop. It is easy to stay entertained in Chicago for weeks. There are world class museums, upscale or eclectic shopping opportunities, and impressive architecture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Chicago 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
    Chicago Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Vieques Island $210
    Chicago $323

The average daily cost (per person) in Vieques Island is $210, while the average daily cost in Chicago is $323. 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 Chicago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vieques Island $92
    Chicago $198
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vieques Island $184
    Chicago $396
Compare Hotels in Vieques Island and Chicago

Looking for a hotel in Vieques Island or Chicago? 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 Chicago


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: Chicago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vieques Island $30
    Chicago $37

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chicago

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chicago:


  • Parking
    $19
  • Taxi Ride
    $10
  • Taxi from Airport
    $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chicago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chicago:

  • Group Van Transfers from Chicago O'Hare and Midway Airports: $300
  • Meet and Greet Private SUV Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $300
  • Meet and Greet Private SUV Transfer from MDW to Downtown Chicago: $300
  • Departure Private Transfer: Chicago to O'Hare Airport ORD in Luxury Car: $257
  • Arrival Private Transfer: O'Hare Airport ORD to Chicago in Luxury Car: $255
  • Private SUV Transfer from Chicago Downtown to O'Hare airport: $240
  • Meet and Greet Private Sedan Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $240
  • Curbside SUV Transfer from O'Hare/Midway to Downtown Chicago: $240
  • Curbside SUV Transfer from ORD to Downtown Chicago: $240
  • SUV transfer from downtown Chicago to O'hare Midway Airport: $240
  • Meet and Greet Private Sedan Transfer from MDW to Downtown Chicago: $240
  • Private SUV Transfer from Chicago Downtown to Midway airport: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Vieques Island or Chicago?

Prices for flights to both Chicago 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
    Chicago $85

Typical Food Prices in Chicago

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Chicago:


  • Dinner for 1
    $24
  • Dinner for 3
    $118

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chicago

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

  • Traveling Spoon Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Private Online Cooking Class : $59
  • Downtown Pizza Guided Walking Tour with Tastings: $73
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Chicago: $75
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $75
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $75
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Chicago: $75
  • Downtown Family Food Tour by Bike with Sightseeing: $80
  • Chicago Food Tour & Solve a Murder: Interactive True Crime Tour: $82
  • Taste of Chicago's Chinatown Food Tours: $85
  • Vito's Vault Chicago finest dinner theatre speakeasy: $85
  • Downtown Classics Food Tour: Deep Dish, Beef Sandwich & More: $89
  • City Cruises Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vieques Island $34
    Chicago $47

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 Chicago

Here are a few typical costs in Chicago for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Sears Tower (family of 4)
    $102
  • Aquarium for 4
    $118
  • Water Taxi (family of 4)
    $22
  • IMAX Movie for Two
    $35
  • Shakespeare Play (2)
    $116
  • Art Institute (2)
    $36
  • U-Boat Tour (2)
    $8.00

Tours and Activities in Chicago

Here are a few actual costs in Chicago for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Field Museum of Natural History Early Access Ticket : $73
  • 2 Hour Chicago Landmarks & Lakefront E-Bike Tour: $69
  • 2 Hour Chicago Pier Fireworks & Evening Segway Tour: $78
  • 2 Hour Private Chicago Soul House Tour: $65
  • 2-Hour Chicago Lakefront & Museum Campus Segway Tour: $67
  • 3 Hours Chicago Architecture Tour - Skyscrapers and Photo Ops: $135
  • 360 Chicago Observation Deck Sip and View Ticket: $44
  • 90 minute Chicago's Chinatown History and Culture Tour: $30
  • African American Heritage Tour of Chicago : $125
  • Amazing Lakefront Segway Tour of Chicago: $52
  • American Writers Museum Admission Ticket: $16
  • Architectural and Historical Private Tour in Downtown Chicago: $199

For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Free Things to Do in Chicago, Chicago Bucket List: The Best Places to See, and The Best Museums in Chicago.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vieques Island $30
    Chicago $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Chicago

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

  • Chicago Bar Crawl: Chi-Town Showdown: $15
  • Chicago Local Brewery Expedition with Homemade Guacamole: $63
  • Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour: $100
  • Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus: $100
  • Chicago:Milwaukee City Highlights Day Trip with Brewery Tour: $106


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


Which is Bigger, Vieques Island or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Vieques Island and Chicago, 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 Chicago?

Chicago 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 Chicago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vieques Island as well as Chicago. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Vieques Island is a little warmer than Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vieques Island in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. In the summer, Vieques Island often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Vieques Island gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chicago. Vieques Island usually gets less rain in July than Chicago. Vieques Island gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F) 
    Chicago 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Chicago in the Autumn?

Both Chicago and Vieques Island are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chicago because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Vieques Island is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Vieques Island average around 28°C (82°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. Vieques Island usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Vieques Island gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Vieques Island. In October, Vieques Island usually receives more rain than Chicago. Vieques Island gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F) 
    Chicago 56°F (14°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Vieques Island during the winter 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 museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chicago in the winter. Vieques Island is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Vieques Island averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. In the winter, Vieques Island often gets more sunshine than Chicago. Vieques Island gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Vieques Island usually gets less rain in January than Chicago. Vieques Island gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F) 
    Chicago 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Chicago in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vieques Island and Chicago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round. Also, many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Vieques Island is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vieques Island in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vieques Island usually receives more sunshine than Chicago during spring. Vieques Island gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Vieques Island usually receives less rain than Chicago. Vieques Island gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F) 
    Chicago 52°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Chicago and Vieques Island

Vieques Island Chicago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 25°F (-4°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Feb 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 29°F (-2°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 41°F (5°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 52°F (11°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 77°F (25°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 76°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 56°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in) 44°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)