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

Should you visit Vieques Island or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge?

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!

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a popular destination in the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest. The region's close proximity to Portland, which is just 30 minutes away, makes it a popular weekend destination.

The gorge is formed by the Columbia River, with an 80 mile stretch designated as a National Scenic Area. The area has many beautiful cliffs with a number of tall waterfalls and its protected status means that most new development must occur within one of the already established towns.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Vieques Island and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vieques Island or Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Vieques Island and Columbia River Gorge, 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

Both Columbia River Gorge 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 summer months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Vieques Island is generally a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Vieques Island average around 29°C (83°F), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. In the summer, Vieques Island often gets less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Vieques Island gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun.

Vieques Island usually gets more rain in July than Columbia River Gorge. Vieques Island gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vieques Island or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vieques Island and Columbia River Gorge. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

Vieques Island is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vieques Island averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vieques Island usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during autumn. Vieques Island gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 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 Columbia River Gorge. Vieques Island gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vieques Island or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vieques Island as well as Columbia River Gorge. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbia River Gorge. In the winter, Vieques Island is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vieques Island in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 40°F (4°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 Columbia River Gorge. Vieques Island gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Columbia River Gorge. Vieques Island usually gets less rain in January than Columbia River Gorge. Vieques Island gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vieques Island or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

Both Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Vieques Island is generally much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Vieques Island average around 27°C (80°F), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia River Gorge. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. Vieques Island usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during spring. Vieques Island gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vieques Island usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Vieques Island gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Vieques Island