Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Faro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Faro or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Ponce, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Faro or Ponce?
Faro
Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.
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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.
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Faro Prices
Portugal PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFaro $187Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is $187, 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 Faro and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFaro $88Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFaro $176Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Faro and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Faro 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: Faro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Faro $11Ponce $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro
Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Faro Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Faro City Centre: $7.05
- Faro Airport (FAO): Shared One-Way Albufeira Bus Transfer: $13
- Faro Airport: Comfortable bus transfer to/from Portimão: $16
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Montenegro/Faro/Estoi: $18
- Faro Airport: Comfortable bus transfer to/from Lagos: $20
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Quarteira & Vilamoura: $26
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Santa Brabara/Olhão: $33
- Faro Airport:Private Transfer to Quinta do Lago/Vale do Lobo: $35
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Vilamoura/Quarteira: $37
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Vilamoura/Quarteira: $41
- Faro Airport:Private Transfer to São Brás Alportel: $41
- Faro airport: Private transfers (car up to 4pax): $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- 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
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- 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
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Faro 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 dayFaro $73Ponce $61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro
For Faro, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Faro food tour (with drinks) & city highlights - 10 tastings: $119
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Faro $11Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Faro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.
- City Sightseeing Tourist Train: $4.70
- Private & Flexible Walking Tour in Historic Center: $9.40
- CCVAlgarve Family Ticket | 2 adults + Children: $14
- Multimedia Museum and Restaurant Tour: $14
- Faro Story Spot - Multimedia Museum&Restaurant: Tour&Tasting: $23
- Ria Formosa Sunset Boat Tour: $29
- FOUR SENSES: The Immersive Experience in the Dark - Faro: $29
- Faro, Ria Formosa: 2 hour Sunset Cruise: $35
- Discover Algarve with Vamus 3-Day & 7-Day Tourist Passes: $41
- Kayak Tour in Ria Formosa - Olhão: $41
- Best of Faro - Guided Bike Tour (3h): $53
- From Benagil Cave and Seven Hanging Valleys Trail Tour: $53
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFaro $3.67Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Faro
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:
- City Segway Tour with Wine Tasting Experience: $106
- WINE TASTING & TAPAS IN THE HEART OF FARO: $115
- Algarve Private Wine Tour with Private Transportation: $228
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 Faro and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Faro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Faro 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 Faro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Faro 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 Faro.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Faro Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Faro or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro 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 Faro or Ponce?
Faro 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 Faro or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Faro during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In the summer, Faro is cooler than Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Faro in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (83°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Faro. In the summer, Faro often gets more sunshine than Ponce. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
Faro usually gets less rain in July than Ponce. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFaro 25°C (78°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Faro or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Ponce. Many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Faro is generally cooler than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 20°C (68°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during autumn. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Ponce receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Faro usually receives less rain than Ponce. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFaro 20°C (68°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Faro or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Faro as well as Ponce. Many visitors come to Faro in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Faro is much colder than Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In the winter, Faro often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.
Faro usually gets more rain in January than Ponce. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFaro 12°C (54°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Faro or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Faro for the beaches during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Faro is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Faro in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Ponce averages at about 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during spring. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Faro usually receives less rain than Ponce. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFaro 17°C (62°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Faro
| Faro | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (56°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (58°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.