Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Islamorada?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamorada or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada 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: Islamorada or Ponce?
Islamorada
From its thriving coral reefs to its miraculous botanical gardens, you will find adventure on both land and sea at Islamorada, Florida. Islamorada, or "Village of Islands," is located in Monroe County and holds a population of no more than 6,119. As Islamorada's village is occupied within a cluster of nearby islands, Islamorada is located on Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key and Plantation Key in the Florida Keys. The village is relatively small, expanding to about 7.2 square miles total. Approximately an hour and a half-drive from Miami and a two hour-drive from Key West, Islamorada works swimmingly for those who seek to acquaint themselves with the tropical pleasures of the Keys.
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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamorada $145Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamorada is $145, 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 Islamorada and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamorada $79Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamorada $158Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Islamorada and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Islamorada 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: Islamorada Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamorada $28Ponce $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $279
- Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $189
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- 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 Islamorada or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Islamorada 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 dayIslamorada $47Ponce $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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamorada $19Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Islamorada
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamorada.
- Snorkeling Experience : $80
- 2-Hour Snorkeling Adventure on Pontoon : $80
- Day Tour Glass Bottom Boat In Islamorada: $80
- Night Tour Glass Bottom Boat in Islamorada: $80
- Islamorada Florida Keys Sunset Sightseeing Cruise Music : $86
- Snorkeling Adventure in Islamorada : $90
- Snorkeling and Beach Adventure from Cheeca Spa: $90
- Snorkeling and Beach Adventure: $90
- Guided Tour with Local Highlights: $95
- Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip: $130
- Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip from Cheeca Spa: $140
- Snorkel adventure & Sandbar Trip : $150
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
- 90 Minute Portrait Photoshoot Experience in the Caribbean: $129
- ATV Adventure at Hacienda Campo Rico: $136
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamorada $15Ponce $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 Islamorada and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Islamorada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Islamorada 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 Islamorada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamorada 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 Islamorada.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamorada Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Ponce?
Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Islamorada during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In the summer, Islamorada is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamorada in July average around 84°F (29°C), 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 Islamorada. In the summer, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Ponce. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
Islamorada usually gets less rain in July than Ponce. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamorada 84°F (29°C)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Islamorada or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Ponce. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Islamorada is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 80°F (27°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during autumn. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Ponce receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Islamorada gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Islamorada usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ponce. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamorada 80°F (27°C)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Islamorada or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Ponce. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Islamorada is cooler than Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 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 Islamorada this time of the year. In the winter, Islamorada often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.
Islamorada usually gets less rain in January than Ponce. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamorada 70°F (21°C)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Islamorada or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Islamorada for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Islamorada is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamorada in April average around 77°F (25°C), 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 Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during spring. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Ponce. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamorada 77°F (25°C)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Islamorada
| Islamorada | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 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.