Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Jacksonville?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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: Jacksonville or Ponce?
Jacksonville
As the sky above you darkens, the city around you glows with a vividness of a thousand colors as you hear the soft swell of waves upon the shore. Such an urban paradise is none other than Jacksonville, Florida. Located on the northeastern side of the sunshine state, Jacksonville stands where the St. John's River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Estimated to be the 12th most populous city in the United States, Jacksonville works as the cultural, commercial and financial hive of north Florida. The large city is known for its exquisite beaches, interactive museums, and golf course areas. Surf, shop, and socialize in one of Florida's most popular metropolitan areas.
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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJacksonville $220Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Jacksonville is $220, 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 Jacksonville and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJacksonville $92Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJacksonville $184Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Jacksonville and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Jacksonville 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: Jacksonville Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jacksonville $53Ponce $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jacksonville
Also for Jacksonville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Carnival Cruise Port to Jacksonville Airport (JAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville Cruise Port -Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
- Jacksonville Airport (JAX) to Jacksonville City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $123
- JAX Airport Transfer to Hyatt Place/ St. Johns Town Center: $164
- JAX Airport Transfer to Amelia Island: $195
- Carnival Cruise Port Transfer to Jacksonville: $336
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $189
- San juan Puerto Rico PrivateTransfers Airport,Hotels,Cruise Ports: $60
- San Juan hotels to San Juan PR Cruise Port - Departure Transfer: $46
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $92
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Jacksonville or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Jacksonville 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 dayJacksonville $96Ponce $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1 Hour of Chocolate Pizza Making Class in Jacksonville: $18
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.Jacksonville $20Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Jacksonville
For Jacksonville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 20 Minutes Chocolate & Candy Factory Tour in Jacksonville: $6.00
- Murray Hill Walking Mural Tour: $25
- Downtown Fernandina Historical Walking Tour: $30
- Jacksonville Ghosts and Ghouls Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- Amelia Island Area Kayak Rental on Lofton Creek with Adventures Up The Creek: $36
- 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $41
- Self-Guided Kayaking: Real Florida Adventure: $45
- Self Guided Family Friendly Kayak Rental Experience Old Florida : $48
- Eight Flags Road Tour: $50
- Electric Bike Tour with Free Application for Navigation: $50
- Guided Kayak Eco Tour: Real Florida Adventure: $55
- Amelia Island Guided Kayak Tour of Lofton Creek : $60
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 dayJacksonville $20Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Jacksonville
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jacksonville:
- Jax Brewery Tour (Drinks Included): $135
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 Jacksonville and Ponce, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Ponce?
Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Ponce?
Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Ponce in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Ponce. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
In July, Jacksonville is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 82°F (28°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jacksonville this time of the year. In the summer, Jacksonville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
Jacksonville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Jacksonville usually gets more rain in July than Ponce. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 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 JulyJacksonville 82°F (28°C)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Jacksonville or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Jacksonville is cooler than Ponce in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during autumn. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In October, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Ponce. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJacksonville 70°F (21°C)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Jacksonville or Ponce in the Winter?
Both Ponce and Jacksonville during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In the winter, Jacksonville is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jacksonville in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Ponce averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.
Jacksonville usually gets more rain in January than Ponce. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 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 JanuaryJacksonville 53°F (12°C)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Jacksonville or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Ponce. Many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Jacksonville is generally cooler than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 68°F (20°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during spring. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ponce. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJacksonville 68°F (20°C)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Jacksonville
| Jacksonville | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 53°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 56°F (13°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 62°F (17°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 74°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 5.7 inches (146 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.8 inches (199 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 7.1 inches (180 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 70°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 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.