Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Belize City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Belize City or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Belize City 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: Belize City or Ponce?
Belize City
Belize City is the largest city in Belize. It was once the capital of the country, but due to massive hurricane damage in 1961, the country decided to relocate it capital. With a population of 57,000 people, Belize City is located right at the mouth of the Haulover Creek.
This gorgeous tropical city experiences a monsoon climate – meaning there are warm and humid conditions throughout the course of the year. There is a wet season from May to January, so plan for a little bit of rain in that time.
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 G Adventures Tours to Belize, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belize.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBelize City $88Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Belize City is $88, 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 Belize City and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBelize City $49Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBelize City $98Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Belize City and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Belize 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: Belize City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Belize City $5.82Ponce $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belize City
Also for Belize City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Belize city water taxi terminal to Airport transfer: $30
- We do transfers from airport to any where in Belize.: $49
- Transfer Belize city to bacalar: $50
- Private Transfer from Belize City Port to Belize Airport (BZE): $60
- Belize: Belize City to/from San Ignacio Shuttle Transfer: $68
- Belize City to/from Placencia/Hopkins Shuttle Transfer: $113
- Private Transfer from Belize City and Airport to Placencia: $150
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
- Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $189
- San juan Puerto Rico PrivateTransfers Airport,Hotels,Cruise Ports: $60
- San Juan hotels to San Juan PR Cruise Port - Departure Transfer: $46
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $92
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Belize City or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Belize 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
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Food Meals for one dayBelize City $27Ponce $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belize City
For Belize City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour: $80
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Belize City $29Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Belize City
For Belize City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Belize City Tour: $40
- Belizean Bits & Bites Food Tastings and City Tour in Belize: $50
- Hassle free Cave Tubing Adventure from Belize City with Lunch: $55
- Charlie's Cave Tubing Tour for cruisers (lunch included): $65
- Second largest Barrier Reef Adventure Snorkeling: $70
- Guided Cave Kayaking Tour with Pickup: $77
- Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and River Wallace and Manatee Watch Tour: $85
- Cave Tubing Experience from Belize City: $85
- Altun Ha Mayan Site tour from Belize City: $85
- Half-Day Altun Ha Temple & Belize City Tour: $86
- Turtle Garden Snorkeling Tour and Island Break : $90
- Howler Monkey Sanctuary Tour from Belize City: $90
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
- 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
- 2-Hour Private UTV Can-Am Beach Tour in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $264
- 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
- 90 Minute Portrait Photoshoot Experience in the Caribbean: $129
- ATV Adventure at Hacienda Campo Rico: $136
- Adventure Trail Tour in the foothills of the National Rainforest: $110
- Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140
- All Inclusive Cordillera Cay’s Sailing Catamaran Beach & Snorkeling Tour: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBelize City $12Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Belize City
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Belize City:
- Belize: City Highlights Tour with Rum Distillery Visit: $49
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 Belize City and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Belize City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Belize City is in Central 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 Belize City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Belize 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 Belize City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Belize City Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Belize City or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Belize City. When comparing the sizes of Belize 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 Belize City or Ponce?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Belize City or Ponce in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Belize City as well as Ponce. Belize City attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Belize City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Belize City usually gets more rain in July than Ponce. Belize City gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 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 Belize City this time of the year. In the summer, Belize City often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Belize City gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
In July, Belize City is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Belize City average around 28°C (82°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBelize City 28°C (82°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Belize City or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and Belize City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Belize City throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ponce. It's quite rainy in Belize City. In October, Belize City usually receives more rain than Ponce. Belize City gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Ponce. Belize City usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during autumn. Belize City gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Belize City is around the same temperature as Ponce in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belize City averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBelize City 26°C (80°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Belize City or Ponce in the Winter?
Both Ponce and Belize City during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Belize City because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Belize City. Belize City usually gets more rain in January than Ponce. Belize City gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Belize City often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Belize City gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Belize City is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belize City in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Ponce averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBelize City 24°C (74°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Belize City or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Belize City and Ponce. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Belize City year-round. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Belize City usually receives less rain than Ponce. Belize City gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Belize City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Belize City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during spring. Belize City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Belize City is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Belize City average around 27°C (80°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBelize City 27°C (80°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Belize City
| Belize City | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.