Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Atlantic City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Atlantic City or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Atlantic City and Ponce. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Atlantic City or Ponce?
Atlantic City
Atlantic City, on the southeastern coast of New Jersey, is a popular destination for gambling, partying, and generally having fun. The beach is lined with casinos, many with famous names, and there's a boardwalk that offers a diverse experience. Most people don't head to Atlantic City for the beaches - it's the casinos and partying that draws a crowd. This is a popular spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties, or anybody looking for an affordable place to gamble.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAtlantic City $154Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Atlantic City is $154, 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 Atlantic City and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAtlantic City $73Ponce $151
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAtlantic City $146Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Atlantic City and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Atlantic City 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: Atlantic City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Atlantic City $40Ponce $10
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 Atlantic City or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Atlantic City 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 dayAtlantic City $50Ponce $35
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.Atlantic City $44Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Atlantic City
Here are a few actual costs in Atlantic City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Absecon Lighthouse Admission Ticket: $10
- Sea Rocket Sunrise Cruise Overlooking Ocean City: $22
- Sea Rocket Early Bird Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City: $25
- Sea Rocket Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City: $25
- Quiet Bay Cruise With Happy Hour Options: $27
- Morning or Afternoon Skyline Ocean Cruise: $27
- Atlantic City Adventure Scavenger Hunt: $27
- Sunset Party Cruise with DJ: $33
- Sea Rocket Sunset Cruise Overlooking Ocean City: $34
- Bay Hopper Breakfast Sandwich Cruise: $35
- OC Bay Hopper - Sunset Cruise: $40
- OC Bay Hopper - Ice Cream Cruise: $40
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 dayAtlantic City $39Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Atlantic City
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Atlantic City:
- Little Water Distillery Spirit Tasting: $15
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 Atlantic City and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Atlantic City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Atlantic City Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Ponce?
Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Ponce in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlantic City and Ponce. Most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Atlantic City is cooler than Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlantic City in July average around 75°F (24°C), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Atlantic City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlantic City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during summer. Atlantic City gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Atlantic City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Ponce. Atlantic City gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAtlantic City 75°F (24°C)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Atlantic City or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Atlantic City as well as Ponce. The autumn months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
In October, Atlantic City is generally much colder than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Atlantic City average around 56°F (13°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In the autumn, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Atlantic City gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Ponce. Atlantic City usually gets less rain in October than Ponce. Atlantic City gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAtlantic City 56°F (13°C)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Atlantic City or Ponce in the Winter?
Both Ponce and Atlantic City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Atlantic City in the winter. Atlantic City is much colder than Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlantic City averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. Atlantic City usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during winter. Atlantic City gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Atlantic City usually receives more rain than Ponce. Atlantic City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAtlantic City 31°F (-0°C)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Atlantic City or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce and Atlantic City during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Atlantic City for the beaches. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In the spring, Atlantic City is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlantic City in April average around 51°F (10°C), and Ponce averages at about 26°C (79°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. In the spring, Atlantic City often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Atlantic City gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.
Atlantic City usually gets more rain in April than Ponce. Atlantic City gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAtlantic City 51°F (10°C)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Atlantic City
| Atlantic City | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 31°F (-0°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 42°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 51°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 61°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 70°F (21°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 75°F (24°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 74°F (23°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 67°F (19°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 56°F (13°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 46°F (8°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 36°F (2°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) | 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.