Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Blue Ridge?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge 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: Blue Ridge or Ponce?
Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge is a resort town, located in the northern part of Georgia in the vicinity of the Blue Ridge Mountain region of the Appalachian Mountain chain. It is a popular destination for outdoor adventures like hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and even whitewater rafting. Whether you wish to stay in a cozy cabin or luxury resort, the environment is one enveloped by the natural beauty of mountain scenery.
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 United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBlue Ridge $124Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Blue Ridge is $124, 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 Blue Ridge and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBlue Ridge $67Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBlue Ridge $134Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Blue Ridge and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Blue Ridge 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: Blue Ridge Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Blue Ridge $34Ponce $10
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 Blue Ridge or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Blue Ridge 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 dayBlue Ridge $35Ponce $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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Blue Ridge $18Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Blue Ridge
For Blue Ridge, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen: $25
- 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour: $29
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 dayBlue Ridge $20Ponce $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
- 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 Blue Ridge and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Blue Ridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Blue Ridge Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Ponce?
Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Ponce in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Ponce. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
In the summer, Blue Ridge is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Blue Ridge in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the summer, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the summer. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in July than Ponce. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBlue Ridge 81°F (27°C)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Blue Ridge or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Blue Ridge is generally much colder than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 63°F (17°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during autumn. Blue Ridge gets 211 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 October, Blue Ridge usually receives less rain than Ponce. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBlue Ridge 63°F (17°C)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Blue Ridge or Ponce in the Winter?
Both Ponce and Blue Ridge during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
It's quite cold in Blue Ridge in the winter. Blue Ridge is much colder than Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Blue Ridge gets 145 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 Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Ponce. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBlue Ridge 40°F (5°C)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Blue Ridge or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Ponce. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Blue Ridge is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Blue Ridge in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Ponce averages at about 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during spring. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Ponce. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBlue Ridge 62°F (17°C)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Blue Ridge
| Blue Ridge | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 44°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 53°F (12°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 70°F (21°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (133 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.