Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Grand Cayman vs. Ponce for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman 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: Grand Cayman or Ponce?
Grand Cayman
When people think of the Cayman Islands, they typically think of offshore bank accounts and sunny, cruise ship ports. Grand Cayman has more to offer travelers than a playground for the wealthy or a short stopover for cruise passengers. This tropical island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, it is a shopper's heaven, a center for global finance and an ideal vacation spot.
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).
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $215Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $215, 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 Grand Cayman and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman 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: Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Ponce $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $15
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $15
- Privat Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport GCM: $15
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $54
- George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $54
- George Town to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Transfer: $54
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $54
- Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $54
- Airport Transfer to West Bay Accommodations (GCM - Grand Cayman): $80
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
- Airport Transfers to East End Accommodations - Round Trip: $265
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $171
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Transfer Service FROM/TO Rio Grande/Conquistador/Ferry/Dorado: $40
- Transfer SJU Airport to Ponce and Juana Diaz. Hotels and Airbnb Vice Versa 1 Way: $260
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- San Juan hotels to San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $24
- San Juan hotels to San Juan PR Cruise Port - Departure Transfer: $24
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $48
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU)- Departure Transfer: $24
- San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $24
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Grand Cayman 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 dayGrand Cayman $39Ponce $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.
- Private Authentic Puerto Rican Cooking Class with a Local Couple: $128
- Private Half-Day Food Tour : $130
- Cooking and Connecting with a Local in Puerto Rico: $165
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman
For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Skip the Line: Pedro St. James Castle Self Guided Tour Ticket: $19
- Skip the Line: Pedro St. James Castle Guided Tour Ticket: $25
- Skip the Line: Guided Tour and Rum Tasting Experience: $35
- West Bay Sightseeing Tour Plus Seven Mile Beach Visit: $45
- Stingray City, Coral Gardens, and Starfish Beach Tour: $66
- Reagan’s Honey Beekeeping Adventure: $67
- Starfish and Stingray City Fun Tour with Reef Snorkeling- 3 stops: $69
- Cruise Ship Shore Tour - Stingray City, Reef Snorkel and Starfish: $69
- 2-stop Adventure: Stingray City and snorkeling at Cayman Reefs: $69
- Stingraycity Adventure: $69
- Stingray City Experience Plus One Snorkeling Stop: $69
- Stingray City Sandbar, Coral Gardens and 7-Mile Beach Tour: $70
Tours and Activities in Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Enchanted Cave River Private Adventure: $160
- *Private* El Yunque Tour 7am/8am/9am/11am/Transportation included: $105
- *SMALL GROUPS* El Yunque Adventure-Transportation included: $114
- *SMALL GROUPS* El Yunque Tour-Transportation included: $105
- 1 Hour Bull Maze Adventure at Toroverde Urban Park San Juan: $45
- 1-Hour Pedal Kayak Guided Adventure Tour in Condado Lagoon: $69
- 1-Hour Private Paddle Board Tour in Condado Lagoon: $26
- 2 Hour adventure UTV Can-am in San Juan Puerto Rico: $219
- 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
- 3-Hour Historical Old San Juan Opulent Coffee /Art/ Rum Walking Tour: $79
- 4 Hour Private Charters Tour in Fajardo : $850
- 5 Hour Private Puerto Rico Yacht Boat Experience: $2,500
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Ponce $16
Typical Alcohol prices in Grand Cayman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:
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Beer$4.98
Sample the Local Flavors in Grand Cayman
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Grand Cayman:
- Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery Tour Pass Ticket Only: $15
- Distillery & Rum Tasting Tour in Grand Cayman: $67
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
- Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
- Bacardi Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Combo Tour: $99
- 4HR Premium Private Old San Juan & Barrilito Rum Distillery Tour : $200
When comparing the travel costs between Grand Cayman and Ponce, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Caribbean Islands, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Ponce?
Ponce is bigger, and its population is about 5.2 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the population of Grand Cayman vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Grand Cayman or Ponce?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Ponce in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Ponce. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in July than Ponce. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 28°C (83°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ponce. It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In October, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Ponce. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Ponce in the autumn. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Ponce in the Winter?
Both Ponce and Grand Cayman during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
Grand Cayman usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Ponce. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the winter temperatures in Grand Cayman in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Ponce averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Ponce. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Ponce. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 26°C (79°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
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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.
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