Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Ponce, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Aqaba or Ponce?
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
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 Luxury Tours to Jordan, and The Best Budget Tours to Jordan.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $230. 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 Aqaba and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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: Aqaba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Ponce $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
- Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba : $35
- Private Transfers from Aqaba Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $47
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Petra hotels: $49
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $49
- Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $51
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Port to King Hussein Airport (AQJ): $56
- Private Transfer from Aqaba city hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $56
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ)to Aqaba Port : $56
- Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Petra: $59
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Wadi Rum: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- 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 Departure Share Transfer: $27
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Aqaba 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
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Food Meals for one dayAqaba $73Ponce $61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
- Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
- 4h Jeep Tour + Bedouin Night (Dinner & Breakfast): $61
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $84
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $111
- Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
- Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.
- Latin Night with Dinner and Local Music with Transportation: $59
- Puerto Rico Art and Wine Dinner with One Way Transportation: $89
- Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
- Private Half-Day Island Authentic Food Tour : $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sightseeing Bike Rental in Aqaba: $7.00
- Turgut camp with tour: $15
- Aqaba : All Water Sports Adventure in the Red Sea: $22
- Wadi Rum Jeep Tours - Full Day Jeep Tour: $24
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $30
- 4 Hour Jeep Tour Wadi Rum Nature Desert morning or sunset: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $30
- Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
- Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
- Wadi Rum: Explorer Jeep Tour PASS + Local Food + Optional Stay: $38
Tours and Activities in Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Private Sunset Walking Tour in San Juan: $25
- Guided Walking Tour in Ponce: $30
- Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
- La Perla Cultural Tour: $35
- Prive Tours in Puerto Rico: $40
- Las Tinajas Waterfall: Guided Short Hike Adventure from Fajardo: $55
- Walking Guided Tour of History and Myths of Old San Juan : $60
- 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
- Half-Day Small-Group River Experience in El Yunque with Local : $68
- El Yunque Rainforest, Waterslides & Beach Tour from San Juan: $75
- Party Bus Experience in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Ponce $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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Aqaba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East 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 Aqaba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aqaba 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 Aqaba.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Ponce?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Aqaba or Ponce in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Ponce. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Ponce. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Ponce. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Ponce. Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Ponce. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Ponce. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Ponce in the Winter?
Both Ponce and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Ponce. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Aqaba is generally much colder than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce and Aqaba during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Ponce. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the spring, Aqaba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.
Aqaba is around the same temperature as Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.