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

Should you visit Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton 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: Boca Raton or Ponce?

Boca Raton

An affluent city with a reputation for catering to the well-to-do, Boca Raton is a beautiful city in Southern Florida with plenty to offer for all tastes and budgets. Boca's warm weather climate has visitors flocking to its many beaches and parks each day, while others take advantage of the golf courses, spas, annual events, festivals, live shows, museums, shopping, dining, and more.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Boca Raton?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Boca Raton is $283, 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 Boca Raton and Ponce in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boca Raton $171
    Ponce $151
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boca Raton $342
    Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Boca Raton and Ponce

Looking for a hotel in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton


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: Boca Raton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boca Raton $76
    Ponce $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boca Raton

Also for Boca Raton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Delray Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Boynton Beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
  • Boca Raton to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $45
  • Delray Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $51
  • Boca Raton to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)- Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Boynton Beach to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Private Delray Beach Transfer and Fort Lauderdale Airport: $84
  • Private Transfer from West Palm Beach to (FLL) Airport: $115

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:

  • Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $279
  • Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
  • Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $179
  • Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $109
  • Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $92
  • 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
  • Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
  • Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
  • Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Boca Raton or Ponce?

Prices for flights to both Ponce and Boca Raton 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
    Boca Raton $67
    Ponce $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boca Raton

For Boca Raton, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Delray Beach Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109

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 Island Authentic Food Tour : $130
  • Private San Juan Cooking Class with a Local Expert: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boca Raton $28
    Ponce $56

Tours and Activities in Boca Raton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Boca Raton.

  • Boca Raton Bash Amazing Race & Tour: $24
  • Boomers Park Admission Tickets: $50
  • Delray Beach Food & Drinks Tour: $104
  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $150
  • Boca Raton on High Speed Train with Millionaire Home Boat Tour: $160
  • Boca Raton-Delray Beach 1-Hour Private Jet Ski Guided Tour: $165
  • Private Jet Ski Tour with Optional Snorkeling: $250
  • 23ft Boat Tour with Snorkeling/Tubing/Island: $535

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
  • 8 Hours Private Tours in Puerto Rico: $150
  • 90 Minute Portrait Photoshoot Experience in the Caribbean: $129
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boca Raton $40
    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
  • 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 Boca Raton and Ponce, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is Ponce much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Boca Raton 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 Ponce would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ponce 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 Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton than you might in Ponce.

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


Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Ponce?

Ponce has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton or Ponce?

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton or Ponce in the Summer?

Both Ponce and Boca Raton during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.

In July, Boca Raton is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 82°F (28°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the summer, Boca Raton often gets more sunshine than Ponce. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in July than Ponce. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Boca Raton 82°F (28°C) 
    Ponce 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Ponce in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Ponce. The autumn months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Ponce in the autumn. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 78°F (25°C) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during autumn. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ponce receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Boca Raton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Ponce. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Boca Raton 78°F (25°C) 
    Ponce 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Ponce in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Ponce. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.

In the winter, Boca Raton is cooler than Ponce. Typically, the winter temperatures in Boca Raton in January average around 65°F (19°C), and Ponce averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the winter, Boca Raton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in January than Ponce. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Boca Raton 65°F (19°C) 
    Ponce 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Boca Raton or Ponce in the Spring?

Both Ponce and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the beaches. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Boca Raton is generally cooler than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 74°F (23°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during spring. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Ponce. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Boca Raton 74°F (23°C) 
    Ponce 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Ponce and Boca Raton

Boca Raton Ponce
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 65°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 66°F (19°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 74°F (23°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 78°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (166 mm) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 9.8 inches (250 mm) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 78°F (25°C) 8.7 inches (222 mm) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 72°F (22°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)