Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Istanbul?
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 Istanbul or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul 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: Istanbul or Ponce?
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
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 Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.
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Istanbul Prices
Turkey PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $179Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $179, 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 Istanbul and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $83Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $166Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul 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: Istanbul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $39Ponce $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $19
- Sapanca and Masukiye Day Trip with Lunch and Hotel Transfer: $23
- Princes' Islands Cruise with Lunch and Transfer Full-Day Tour: $25
- Narita Airport to Tokyo one way Transfer : $28
- Transfer Istanbul City Center to Istanbul Ataturk Airport: $29
- Transfer Istanbul Ataturk Airport (ISL) to City Center: $29
- Bursa Uludağ Mountain Tour From Istanbul w/Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $29
- Private Istanbul Cruise Port(Galataport) Transfer hotel-airport: $30
- Istanbul Airport (IST) Private Arrival and Departure Transfer: $30
- Galataport Private Transfer to Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia: $30
- Guided Byzantine & Bosphorus Tour with Transfer In Istanbul: $30
- Private Istanbul Airport Transfer to Blue Mosque Sultan Ahmet: $30
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 Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $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
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Istanbul 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 dayIstanbul $66Ponce $61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $24
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show and Private Table: $30
- Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner, Shows and Party : $30
- Budget Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Party: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Dance Shows with Private Table: $31
- Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Dinner, Drinks & Show with Pickup: $32
- Dinner Cruise On The Bosphorus with Turkish night show: $34
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Entertaintment & Private Table & Wi-Fi: $36
- Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Private Table: $36
- Luxury Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Shows Private Table & Free Wi-Fi: $36
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Drinks and Shows: $41
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folk Dance and Live Performances: $42
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.Istanbul $43Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- Istanbul Culture History and UNESCO Treasures Kickstart Tour: $3.59
- Highlights of Istanbul Walking Tour: $3.61
- Istanbul Self Guided Walking Tour : $5.00
- Alternative Tour; Daily Life, Customs, Stories - Tip Based Tour: $5.00
- Istanbul Sites: Peel back the layers of Turkish history a self-guided audio tour: $5.40
- Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit: $7.21
- Bosphorus Boat Tour 3 Hour with Asian Side Stop in Istanbul: $7.21
- Istanbul Bosphorus Tour With Whirling Dervish Show: $7.55
- Kadikoy's history, theatres and sweet shops: a self-guided audio tour: $8.99
- Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Istanbul Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Audio Guide: $9.02
- Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar Walk Tour: $9.61
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $12Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Istanbul Nightlife Pub Crawl Pub and İstanbul Club Adventure: $30
- Pub Crawl Istanbul / Rooftop Clubs & Party Bus: $30
- Istanbul Pub Crawl: Adults-Only Nightlife Adventure: $31
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $210
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 Istanbul and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul 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 Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Ponce?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Ponce?
Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Istanbul is cooler than Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), 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 Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Ponce. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In October, Istanbul is generally much colder than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Istanbul gets 169 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. Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Ponce. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Ponce. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Istanbul is much colder than Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) 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. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Ponce. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Ponce. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
In the spring, Istanbul is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Ponce averages at about 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In the spring, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Ponce. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 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 | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 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.