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

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Vieques Island?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Vieques Island? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: West Palm Beach or Vieques Island?

West Palm Beach

One of Florida's most dynamic cities, West Palm Beach encapsulates the best of a metropolitan city all while nestled in the warm serenity of a tropical paradise. Located in southern Florida, about an hour's drive north of Miami, West Palm Beach holds a population of 99,919 and is one of the three main cities in South Florida. This city is known for its unique culture, world-class dining, and extensive shopping districts. From young to old, everyone can find their own niche in such a pleasant, diverse city. No matter what time of the year it may be, you can be assured that it is gorgeously sunny in West Palm Beach!

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!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or West Palm Beach?

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

  • West Palm Beach Prices
    USA Prices
    Vieques Island Prices
    Puerto Rico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    West Palm Beach $378
    Vieques Island $210

The average daily cost (per person) in West Palm Beach is $378, while the average daily cost in Vieques Island is $210. 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 West Palm Beach and Vieques Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    West Palm Beach $234
    Vieques Island $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    West Palm Beach $468
    Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in West Palm Beach and Vieques Island

Looking for a hotel in West Palm Beach or Vieques Island? 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 West Palm Beach


Hotels in Vieques Island


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: West Palm Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    West Palm Beach $49
    Vieques Island $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in West Palm Beach

Also for West Palm Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $213
  • Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach Arrival Private Transfer: $155
  • Private Transfer from PBI to Palm Beach City : $149
  • Limo Service Transfer To or From Palm Beach Airport and Hotels: $139
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Palm Beach Airport PBI to Palm Beach in Luxury SUV: $119
  • Palm Beach hotels to Cruise Port of Palm Beach - Departure Private Transfer : $109
  • Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $109
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Palm Beach Airport PBI to Palm Beach in Business Car: $103
  • Palm Beach Intl Airport (PBI) to Port of Palm Beach - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $84
  • Private Transfer from Palm Beach to Palm Beach Cruise Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Palm Beach Airport (PBI) to Palm Beach Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Cruise Port of Palm Beach to Palm Beach: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into West Palm Beach or Vieques Island?

Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and West Palm Beach 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
    West Palm Beach $114
    Vieques Island $94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in West Palm Beach

For West Palm Beach, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Mornings in the Market Food Tour: $75
  • Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour: $94
  • Downtown Food Tour: $94
  • Food Tour of Historic West Palm Beach Neighborhoods: $105
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $110
  • Prohibition Dinner & Drinks Tour: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    West Palm Beach $19
    Vieques Island $34

Tours and Activities in West Palm Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for West Palm Beach.

  • 2 ½ - Hour Guided Snorkel Tour of Phil Foster park, Free Videos!: $44
  • 3 Hour Cruise & Swimming Excursion from Downtown West Palm Beach: $77
  • Beginner Scuba Diving Experience With Videos in West Palm Beach: $99
  • Blue Heron Bridge Guided Snorkel Tour : $80
  • Bulk Candy Store Tour: $13
  • Clear Kayak Eco Tour in Jupiter, Florida: $75
  • Clear Kayak Peanut Island Guided Tour Palm Beach Singer Island: $90
  • Cruise the Palm Beach Intracoastal on a 90 minute Tour : $65
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures: $50
  • Experience Peanut Island Adventures with Go Pro : $300
  • Flamingle Happy Hour Cruise: $40
  • Guided Clear Kayak Eco-Tour of Jupiter: $89

Tours and Activities in Vieques Island

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vieques Island.

  • Vieques Island Rich History Tour : $125
  • 1-Hour Bioluminescent Boat Tour in Mosquito Bay, Vieques : $100
  • Bio Bay Tour Vieques – Full Clear Canoes Experience: $65
  • Biobay Vieques Tour Kayak Night Tour: $65
  • CLEAR BOTTOM KAYAKS Tour in Bioluminescent, Mosquito Bay: $67
  • El Yunque Rainforest Tour: Natural Waterslides Adventure : $65
  • Fajardo, Puerto Rico: Morning Snorkeling Beach Tour : $133
  • Full Clear Kayak Bioluminescent Experience Vieques, Puerto Rico: $110
  • Isla de Vieques Beach Hopper Sightseeing Tour: $90
  • Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island: $66
  • Unforgettable One Day Bioluminescent Kayak Adventure in Vieques: $60
  • Vieques Biobay Kayaking Tour: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    West Palm Beach $39
    Vieques Island $30


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


Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Vieques Island?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and Vieques Island, 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 West Palm Beach or Vieques Island?

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Vieques Island in the Summer?

Both Vieques Island and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

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

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Vieques Island during summer. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. In July, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

Both Vieques Island and West Palm Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.

In October, West Palm Beach is generally around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 78°F (25°C), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the autumn, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Vieques Island. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun.

Vieques Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in October than Vieques Island. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    West Palm Beach 78°F (25°C) 
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Vieques Island in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Vieques Island. The winter months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the cuisine. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

West Palm Beach is cooler than Vieques Island in the winter. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. In West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vieques Island during winter. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Vieques Island. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    West Palm Beach 65°F (19°C) 
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Vieques Island in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Vieques Island. The beaches are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.

In the spring, West Palm Beach is cooler than Vieques Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in West Palm Beach in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Vieques Island averages at about 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the spring, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Vieques Island. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in April than Vieques Island. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    West Palm Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach Vieques Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)