Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Key Largo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Key Largo or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Key Largo and Ponce can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Key Largo or Ponce?
Key Largo
As the lustrous emerald waters ebb and flow against your sandy toes, you find yourself cooled by the gentle breeze as you bask under a golden sun. To you, it's paradise. To everyone else, it's Key Largo. Located in the northernmost of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known as the dive capital of the world due to its well-preserved coral reefs and clear waters. Just an hour-drive from South Florida's major airports, Key Largo boasts in containing a vast biodiversity, such as tropical hardwoods, creeks, two state parks, a national park, and a portion of a national marine sanctuary. Besides its natural beauty, Key Largo is overflowing with top restaurants and chic boutiques. It is no wonder that Key Largo became a hotspot for Hollywood beach scenes, with even a movie holding its namesake! Whether you look to get your fun by land or by water, there is something for everyone at Key Largo!
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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKey Largo $212Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Key Largo is $212, 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 Key Largo and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKey Largo $117Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKey Largo $234Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Key Largo 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: Key Largo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Key Largo $56Ponce $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key Largo
Also for Key Largo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Key Largo Private Transfers (up to 14 passengers): $142
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 Key Largo or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Key Largo 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 dayKey Largo $60Ponce $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.Key Largo $27Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Key Largo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Key Largo.
- Florida Key West Self-Driving Tour (Overseas Highway, 7 Mile Bridge): $17
- Sunset Pontoon Boat Tour Around Key Largo: $36
- Ultimate Florida Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle: $40
- Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure : $45
- Small Group Florida Keys Eco Tour by Boat: $60
- Sunset Cruise on the Florida Bay: $60
- Mangroves and Manatees - Guided Kayak Eco Tour: $65
- Key Largo Boat Charter Day Tour: $65
- Key Largo Bay Sunset Tour: $66
- Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure in Key Largo: $68
- 1.5 Hour Bay Side Key Largo Sunset Cruise on a Spacious Catamaran: $69
- Key Largo Snorkeling Tour - rental mask, fins and vest INCLUDED: $70
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 dayKey Largo $24Ponce $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 Key Largo and Ponce, we can see that Key Largo 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 Key Largo 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 Key Largo Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo 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 Key Largo or Ponce?
Key Largo 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 Key Largo or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Key Largo during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In July, Key Largo is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 82°F (28°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the summer, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Ponce. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Ponce. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 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 JulyKey Largo 82°F (28°C)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Key Largo or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Ponce. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Key Largo is around the same temperature as Ponce in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during autumn. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Ponce receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ponce. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKey Largo 78°F (26°C)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Key Largo or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Ponce. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
In the winter, Key Largo is cooler than Ponce. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key Largo in January average around 67°F (19°C), and Ponce averages at about 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 Key Largo this time of the year. In the winter, Key Largo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.
Key Largo usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Ponce. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 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 JanuaryKey Largo 67°F (19°C)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Key Largo or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the spring for the beaches. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Key Largo is generally cooler than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 74°F (24°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during spring. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Ponce. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKey Largo 74°F (24°C)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Key Largo
| Key Largo | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 67°F (19°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 71°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 74°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 78°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 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.