A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bergen vs. Ponce for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bergen or Ponce?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Bergen 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: Bergen or Ponce?

Bergen

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.

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 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Bergen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bergen is $144, 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 Bergen and Ponce in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bergen $74
    Ponce $151
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bergen $148
    Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Bergen and Ponce

Looking for a hotel in Bergen 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.

Hotels in Bergen


Hotels in Ponce


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: Bergen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bergen $11
    Ponce $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • BGO Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $37
  • Premium Transfer Service Bergen Norway: $71
  • Bergen Airport BGO Private Transfer to Starefossen Bergen Hotels: $85
  • Private Transfer From Bergen Hotel to Bergen Airport: $90
  • Private transfer between Bergen Airport to/from Bergen City.: $102
  • Private Transfer From Bergen Airport to City Centre: $103
  • Private Transfer from Bergen Airport to City Center: $112
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Sedan: $114
  • Private One-Way Bergen Airport and City Transfers: $114
  • Private Transfer from Bergen Airport (BGO): $115
  • Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen (BGO) Airport to City centre: $115
  • Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen city centre to Bergen airport: $115

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:

  • San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
  • Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
  • 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
  • Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
  • Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
  • Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
  • Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
  • Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
  • Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Bergen or Ponce?

Prices for flights to both Ponce and Bergen 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 day
    Bergen $58
    Ponce $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.

  • Ulriken Enjoy a 5-course dinner with panoramic views: $162
  • Bergen Food Tour: $174
  • Half Day Fishing and Outdoor Cooking in Bergen: $225
  • Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $262

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.
    Bergen $18
    Ponce $56

Tours and Activities in Bergen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:

  • 2 Hour Shared Walking Tour of Bergen: $3.57
  • Off the Beaten Track in A Private Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
  • The Headless Horseman in A Self Guided Walking Tour Game: $8.59
  • Pocket Bergen A Self-guided Tour to the Unesco Site of Bryggen: $8.99
  • Bergen's Landmarks and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Walk with a Witch in 16th Century A Self-Guided Fictional Tour: $8.99
  • Bergen Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $9.51
  • Audio Walking Tour in Bergen Famous Ghosts Location : $9.75
  • Bergen's University District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Guided Walking Tour with Local Guide: $15
  • Authentic Morning Walking Tour: $20
  • Troll Museum Entry Ticket: $25

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bergen $7.56
    Ponce $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 Bergen and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Bergen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bergen is in Europe 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 Bergen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bergen 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 Bergen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bergen Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bergen or Ponce?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Bergen 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 Bergen or Ponce?

Bergen 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 Bergen or Ponce in the Summer?

Both Ponce and Bergen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bergen in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Bergen is generally much colder than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 15°C (58°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. In July, Bergen usually receives more rain than Ponce. Bergen gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bergen 15°C (58°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Bergen or Ponce in the Autumn?

Both Ponce and Bergen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.

Bergen is much colder than Ponce in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Ponce gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. Bergen usually gets more rain in October than Ponce. Bergen gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bergen 9°C (48°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Bergen or Ponce in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bergen and Ponce. The winter months attract visitors to Bergen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

The weather in Bergen can be very cold. In the winter, Bergen is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bergen in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Ponce averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bergen usually receives more rain than Ponce. Bergen gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bergen 2°C (35°F) 
    Ponce 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Bergen or Ponce in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bergen as well as Ponce. The small town charm are the main draw to Bergen this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.

In April, Bergen is generally much colder than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 6°C (43°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bergen usually gets more rain in April than Ponce. Bergen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bergen 6°C (43°F) 
    Ponce 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Ponce and Bergen

Bergen Ponce
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)