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

Should you visit Vieques Island or Ketchikan?

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 Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?

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!

Ketchikan

Ketchikan, Alaska is located at the southern end of the well-known Alaskan inside passage. It is often called the beginning of the last frontier, because of it's location near the southern entrance of Alaska. It is a beautiful and quaint town, that leaves you feeling like you may have gone back in time with its storefront lined streets and natural beauty. Ketchikan has been called some of the most beautifully stunning wilderness area in the world. It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World due to the superior century old fishing industry in the area. The Native Culture in Ketchikan is extremely rich and it is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. The nearby Tongass rainforest provides red cedar trees for the popular totem poles, which are abundant in the area.

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, Ketchikan 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
    Ketchikan Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Vieques Island $210
    Ketchikan $259

The average daily cost (per person) in Vieques Island is $210, while the average daily cost in Ketchikan is $259. 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 Ketchikan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vieques Island $92
    Ketchikan $136
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vieques Island $184
    Ketchikan $272
Compare Hotels in Vieques Island and Ketchikan

Looking for a hotel in Vieques Island or Ketchikan? 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 Ketchikan


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vieques Island $30
    Ketchikan $39

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ketchikan

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ketchikan are as follows:


  • Bus Ride
    $1.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Vieques Island or Ketchikan?

Prices for flights to both Ketchikan 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
    Ketchikan $92

Typical Food Prices in Ketchikan

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


  • Slice of Pie & Drink
    $5.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ketchikan

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

  • Alaskan Salmon Cooking Class & Dining Experience: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vieques Island $34
    Ketchikan $46

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 Ketchikan

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


  • Ticket to Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
    $35
  • Duck Tour (one person)
    $38
  • Bear Viewing Tour
    $83

Tours and Activities in Ketchikan

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

  • “OVER THE TOP TOURS” city highlights, wildlife and more!: $100
  • 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $95
  • 2 Hour Custom Wildlife and Historical Tour: $100
  • 2 Hour Private Tour with locals ( Price up to 5): $300
  • 2 hr Private Custom Tour of Ketchikan (14 people) Wildlife + More: $250
  • 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $85
  • 3 Hour Rainforest Walk & Totem Park Wild Wolf Tours: $125
  • Adventure Kart Expedition- Ketchikan, AK: $282
  • Alaska Bigfoot Adventures: $149
  • Alaska Historical Tour with Cruise Hike and Cultural Immersion: $260
  • Alaska Wildlife Safari and Sightseeing Tour: $137
  • Alaska Wildlife Waterfall Tours: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vieques Island $30
    Ketchikan $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Ketchikan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ketchikan:

  • Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience: $149
  • Distillery Tour with Infusion Class: $161


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vieques Island and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vieques Island or Ketchikan?

Vieques Island has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Vieques Island and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan in the Summer?

Both Ketchikan 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, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Vieques Island is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Vieques Island average around 29°C (83°F), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vieques Island usually gets less rain in July than Ketchikan. Vieques Island gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F) 
    Ketchikan 58°F (15°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vieques Island and Ketchikan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Vieques Island is much warmer than Ketchikan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vieques Island averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Vieques Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Vieques Island usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Vieques Island gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F) 
    Ketchikan 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Ketchikan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vieques Island as well as Ketchikan. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ketchikan in the winter. In the winter, Vieques Island is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vieques Island in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Ketchikan averages at about 34°F (1°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Vieques Island usually gets less rain in January than Ketchikan. Vieques Island gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F) 
    Ketchikan 34°F (1°C)

Should I visit Vieques Island or Ketchikan in the Spring?

Both Ketchikan 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 travelers come to Ketchikan for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Vieques Island is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Vieques Island average around 27°C (80°F), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In April, Vieques Island usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Vieques Island gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F) 
    Ketchikan 44°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Vieques Island

Vieques Island Ketchikan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 34°F (1°C) 14.9 inches (379 mm)
Feb 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 38°F (3°C) 13.2 inches (335 mm)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 39°F (4°C) 10.6 inches (270 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 44°F (6°C) 11.3 inches (286 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 49°F (9°C) 9.3 inches (237 mm)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 54°F (12°C) 8.2 inches (209 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 58°F (15°C) 7.6 inches (193 mm)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in) 59°F (15°C) 11.1 inches (281 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in) 54°F (12°C) 13.2 inches (335 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 46°F (8°C) 22.9 inches (581 mm)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in) 40°F (4°C) 17.3 inches (441 mm)
Dec 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 36°F (2°C) 15.7 inches (398 mm)


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