Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Acapulco de Juarez?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Ponce? 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: Acapulco de Juarez or Ponce?
Acapulco de Juarez
Located on the southwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico is the beautiful beach city of Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico, and it's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Known as simply "Acapulco" to many travelers, this region is a popular spot for cruise lines to stop and timeshares to grow. Thanks to those cruise lines and timeshares, tourist activities like water parks and jet skis have experienced considerable growth.
Ponce
Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAcapulco de Juarez $81Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $81, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $205. 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 Acapulco de Juarez and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAcapulco de Juarez $39Ponce $151
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAcapulco de Juarez $78Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Ponce? 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.
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: Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $16Ponce $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:
- Shared transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Acapulco: $6.00
- Acapulco Airport Transfer: $10
- Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $20
- Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32
- Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
- Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
- Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $279
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Acapulco de Juarez 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 dayAcapulco de Juarez $29Ponce $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.
- High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner +Three Drinks plus SUNSET: $49
- Cliff Diver De Luxe 3 Course Dinner at "La Quebrada" in Acapulco: $56
- Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $89
- Hands On Mexican Cooking Class with Food Tasting & Market Visit: $100
- Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
- Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $193
- Divers Show and Luxury Dinner in Acapulco: $199
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.
- Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
- Private Half-Day Food Tour : $130
- Private San Juan Cooking Class with a Local Expert: $146
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $18Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez
Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kayaks Tour to El Morro Islet: $25
- Sunset Adventures: $30
- Acapulco City Tour : $35
- Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $36
- 4hr City Tour For Cruises or Hotels Diver Peace Chapel & Mural: $40
- Combo 6 Hr Tour All City Highlights Divers Baby Turtle Release: $46
- 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $47
- 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $50
- Acapulco Malibu, Avenida Kids Tour : $50
- 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $51
- 6Hr City Tour Cruise or Hotel Turtle Nesting High Diver & Market: $51
- Historical City Tour of Acapulco: $53
Tours and Activities in Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Talking Buildings of Old San Juan: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Footsteps in San Juan Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $17
- Private Sunset Walking Tour in San Juan: $25
- Old San Juan Tour (1 Hour) by DUHO: $25
- Salsa Tours PR Sunset Salsa Beach Class in San Juan, Puerto Rico : $29
- Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
- Guided Walking Tour in Ponce: $30
- Guided City Walking Tour: $32
- La Perla Cultural Tour: $35
- Historic Old San Juan Sunset Walking Tour: $39
- Bio Bay Boat Tour with Swimming from La Parguera, Puerto Rico: $50
- Turtle spotting snorkeling adventure- no Jets : $50
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAcapulco de Juarez $11Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce
Also in Ponce, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
- Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
- Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Tour: $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Acapulco de Juarez is in North America and Ponce 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 Acapulco de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Ponce would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ponce than you might in Acapulco de Juarez.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Ponce?
Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Ponce, 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 Acapulco de Juarez or Ponce?
Acapulco de Juarez has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ponce experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Ponce in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Ponce. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 29°C (83°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during summer. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Acapulco de Juarez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Ponce. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAcapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Ponce. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the shopping scene during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Ponce in the autumn. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Ponce. Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ponce. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAcapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Ponce in the Winter?
Both Ponce and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the winter temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Ponce averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during winter. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Ponce. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAcapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce and Acapulco de Juarez during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In April, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 27°C (81°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.
Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in April than Ponce. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAcapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Acapulco de Juarez
| Acapulco de Juarez | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 341 mm (13.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.