Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Hot Springs?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hot Springs or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hot Springs or Ponce? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Hot Springs or Ponce?
Hot Springs
Hot Springs is a popular resort city in central Arkansas. It's location in the Ouachita Mountains make it a convenient base for exploring the area's natural hot springs, from which the city gets its name. The city is also home to Hot Springs National Park, which have long been believed to have healing properties. Today many spas have popped up around the hot springs.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHot Springs $182Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Hot Springs is $182, 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 Hot Springs and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHot Springs $100Ponce $151
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHot Springs $200Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Hot Springs and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Hot Springs 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: Hot Springs Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hot Springs $47Ponce $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hot Springs
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hot Springs:
- Private Departure Transfer from Hot Springs Resort to Little Rock: $71
- Hot Springs Resorts to Memphis Airport (MEM) Departure Transfer: $142
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- San Juan hotels to San Juan PR Cruise Port - Departure Transfer: $46
- San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- San juan Puerto Rico PrivateTransfers Airport,Hotels,Cruise Ports: $60
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Hot Springs or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Hot Springs 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 dayHot Springs $52Ponce $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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hot Springs $30Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Hot Springs
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hot Springs are as follows:
- Hot Springs, AR: Magic Springs Theme & Water Park Ticket: $44
- Small-Group Zipline Tour in Hot Springs: $67
Tours and Activities in Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Talking Buildings of Old San Juan: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Footsteps in San Juan Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $17
- Private Sunset Walking Tour in San Juan: $25
- Old San Juan Tour (1 Hour) by DUHO: $25
- Salsa Tours PR Sunset Salsa Beach Class in San Juan, Puerto Rico : $29
- Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
- Guided Walking Tour in Ponce: $30
- Guided City Walking Tour: $32
- La Perla Cultural Tour: $35
- Historic Old San Juan Sunset Walking Tour: $39
- Bio Bay Boat Tour with Swimming from La Parguera, Puerto Rico: $50
- Turtle spotting snorkeling adventure- no Jets : $50
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHot Springs $22Ponce $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 comparing the travel costs between Hot Springs and Ponce, we can see that Ponce 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. Even though Hot Springs is in North America and Ponce is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hot Springs Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hot Springs or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs or Ponce?
Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Hot Springs are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Hot Springs is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hot Springs in July average around 83°F (28°C), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. Hot Springs usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during summer. Hot Springs gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Hot Springs usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ponce. Hot Springs gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHot Springs 83°F (28°C)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and Hot Springs during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In October, Hot Springs is generally much colder than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Hot Springs average around 64°F (18°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. In the autumn, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Ponce. Hot Springs gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.
Ponce gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hot Springs usually gets less rain in October than Ponce. Hot Springs gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHot Springs 64°F (18°C)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hot Springs and Ponce. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Hot Springs can be very cold. Hot Springs is much colder than Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Hot Springs averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hot Springs usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during winter. Hot Springs gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Hot Springs usually receives more rain than Ponce. Hot Springs gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHot Springs 40°F (4°C)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Hot Springs or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hot Springs as well as Ponce. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
In the spring, Hot Springs is cooler than Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hot Springs in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Ponce averages at about 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In the spring, Hot Springs often gets more sunshine than Ponce. Hot Springs gets 304 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.
Hot Springs receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hot Springs usually gets more rain in April than Ponce. Hot Springs gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHot Springs 65°F (18°C)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Hot Springs
| Hot Springs | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (4°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (121 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 64°F (18°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 5.1 inches (130 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 44°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches (118 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.