Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Auckland?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Auckland or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Ponce can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Auckland or Ponce?
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.
-
Auckland Prices
New Zealand PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAuckland $170Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $170, 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 Auckland and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAuckland $99Ponce $151
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAuckland $198Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Auckland 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: Auckland Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Auckland $17Ponce $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
-
Bus from Airport$9.47
-
Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Departure Transfer: Auckland Central City Centre to Auckland Airport: $25
- Arrival Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland Central City Centre: $25
- AKL Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $26
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Airport: $26
- Auckland:City Hotel Transfers to/from Cruise Ship in Minivan: $32
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Auckland HTL-APT (AKL): $38
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Auckland APT-HTL (AKL): $38
- Airport Private Transfer: $43
- Auckland City Hotel to Cruise Ship Transfer by SUV: $48
- Auckland Cruise Port Private Transfer to City Hotels: $54
- Auckland:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Minivan: $58
- Private One-Way Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland City Hotel: $59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Auckland 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 dayAuckland $46Ponce $61
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Breakfast$4.73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $102
- Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
- Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
- From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Auckland $27Ponce $56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$33
-
Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$119
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $9.27
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $12
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour: $14
- Explore Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Vibrosaun Therapy Experience: $18
- Waitematā Harbour Cruise with Live Commentary: $20
- Gallery Highlights Tour and General Admission: $22
- Auckland Takapuna: Escape Game Adventure: $23
- Scenic Boat Cruise to the Riverhead Tavern: $25
- Auckland CBD: Escape Game Adventure: $26
- Scenic Harbour Cruise in Auckland : $27
Tours and Activities in Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
- Scuba Boat Diving Experience in Gilligan's Island at Copamarina: $160
- 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
- 5 hours Tour in La Parguera Private Boat Charter: $200
- 7 Hours River Tour with Beach and Learn to Make Piña Colada : $195
- 8 Hours Private Tours in Puerto Rico: $150
- Adventure in Cave and the Guayaney Spring: $99
- Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140
- Aguadilla 6 Hour Local Tour: $150
- Camuy Caves Experience Tour with transportation: $130
- Cave Hopping Tour: $198
- Caves Coastlines and Beach; Cueva del Indio, Arecibo Adventure : $125
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAuckland $13Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
- Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $119
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
- Kumeu Wine Tour: $165
- Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $180
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
- City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
- Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278
- Waiheke Island Scenic Wine Tour: $301
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 Auckland and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Auckland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific 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 Auckland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auckland 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 Auckland.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Auckland or Ponce?
Auckland has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Auckland 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 Auckland or Ponce?
Auckland 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 Auckland or Ponce in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Ponce. Many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Auckland is cooler than Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auckland this time of the year. In the summer, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Poncein July. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
Auckland usually gets less rain in January than Poncein July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyAuckland 20°C (68°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Auckland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Auckland is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Auckland in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (82°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Ponce. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during autumn. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In April, Auckland usually receives less rain than Poncein October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberAuckland 16°C (61°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Ponce in the Winter?
Both Ponce and Auckland during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In July, Auckland is generally much colder than Poncein January. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 11°C (52°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Poncein January. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Auckland. Auckland usually gets more rain in July than Poncein January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAuckland 11°C (52°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Ponce. The spring months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Auckland is much colder than Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 14°C (58°F) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during spring. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Auckland usually receives more rain than Poncein April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilAuckland 14°C (58°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Auckland
| Auckland | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.