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

Should you visit Geneva 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 Geneva 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: Geneva or Ponce?

Geneva

Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Geneva?

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 Geneva is $288, 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 Geneva and Ponce in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Geneva $168
    Ponce $151
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Geneva $336
    Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Geneva and Ponce

Looking for a hotel in Geneva 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 Geneva


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: Geneva Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:

  • Transfer from Geneva to Chamonix: $18
  • From One-Way Transfer from Geneva Airport to Morzine: $23
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) Private Transfer to Geneva/Lausanne/Chamonix: $48
  • Transfer from Geneva airport to hotel or home: $50
  • VIP Transfer: $82
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Geneva - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Geneva to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Hotels to Geneva Airport: $102
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Geneva Hotels : $104
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Cornavin station CFF to Hotels: $106
  • Geneva hotel to Geneva Gare Cornavinof Station CFF Transfer: $106
  • Airport Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Luxury Van: $112

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:

  • Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
  • Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
  • Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
  • Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
  • Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
  • San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
  • Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
  • Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170

Is it cheaper to fly into Geneva or Ponce?

Prices for flights to both Ponce and Geneva 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
    Geneva $105
    Ponce $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva

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

  • City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class, Swiss Folklore: $223
  • Taste Geneva – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $226
  • Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $227

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.
    Geneva $35
    Ponce $56

Tours and Activities in Geneva

Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $13
  • Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $18
  • Guided Tour of Capital of Peace ( Outside ): $20
  • 50-Minute Lake Geneva Cruise: $24
  • Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $24
  • Unusual Audio Tour of Geneva: $30
  • Open-Top Sightseeing Bus Tour: $33
  • International & Panoramic Tours Geneva: $33
  • Scenic Lake Cruise with Snacks and Wine: $36
  • (STTG04) - Sightseeing Cruise at Geneva with Wine and Aperitif: $37
  • Hop-on Hop-Off Bus & Scenic Mini-Train Tour: $42

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
    Geneva $26
    Ponce $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Geneva

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Geneva:

  • Geneva Countryside Wine tasting, Aperitif, Castle By E-bike: $175
  • Swiss Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour in Vaud: $263
  • Lavaux, Chexbres, and Valais Wine Tasting Tour: $450
  • Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting by TukTuk: $541

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 Geneva and Ponce, we can see that Geneva is more expensive. And not only is Ponce much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Geneva 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 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Geneva or Ponce?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva or Ponce?

Geneva 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 Geneva or Ponce in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Ponce. Most visitors come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Geneva is cooler than Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Geneva in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Geneva, it's very sunny this time of the year. Geneva usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives less rain than Ponce. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Geneva 22°C (71°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Ponce in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Ponce. The autumn months attract visitors to Geneva because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.

In October, Geneva is generally much colder than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 14°C (56°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In the autumn, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ponce. Geneva usually gets less rain in October than Ponce. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Geneva 14°C (56°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Ponce in the Winter?

Both Ponce and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Geneva in the winter. Geneva is much colder than Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Ponce. Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Geneva usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ponce. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Geneva 4°C (39°F) 
    Ponce 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Ponce in the Spring?

Both Ponce and Geneva during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.

In the spring, Geneva is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Geneva in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Ponce averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ponce. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Geneva 11°C (53°F) 
    Ponce 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Ponce and Geneva

Geneva Ponce
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)