Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Key West?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Key West or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Key West 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: Key West or Ponce?
Key West
Key West is both a city and an island as well as the southern most Florida Key. It is also the southern most city in the continental United States. The island is only about four miles long and one mile wide. The total land mass covers just 4.2 square miles. The most famous street in town is Duval Street, which runs just 1.1 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. There are 14 blocks. The size of the island doubled during the 1950s when many of the salt ponds along the eastern side of the island were filled in.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKey West $551Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Key West is $551, 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 West and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKey West $132Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKey West $264Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Key West and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Key West 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 West Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Key West $51Ponce $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Key West
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:
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Rental Car for One Day$38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:
- Private Transfer from Key West Int Airport to Key West Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Key West Cruise Port to Key West hotels: $38
- Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
- Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $64
- Key West hotels to Key West Int Airport (EYW) Departure Transfer: $64
- Marathon/ Key Largo to Fort Lauderdale Airport(FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- Key West Airport (EYW) to Key West - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
- Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West hotels Round-Trip Transfer: $129
- Private Arrival Transfer from Key West Airport EYW: $144
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 Key West or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Key West 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 West $385Ponce $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Key West.
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music: $81
- Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner and Drinks Included: $93
- Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $93
- Historic Seaport Food & Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $93
- Old Town Secret Food Tour: $107
- Sunset Sail Full Bar, Live Music & Dinner & Early Morning Snorkeling: $160
- Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner Cruise & Open Bar: $200
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 West $33Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Key West
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Key West are as follows:
- Self-guided old town treasures walking tour: $6.99
- Key West's Self Guided Ghost Walking Tours Smartphone Navigated on WalknTours: $7.75
- Florida Keys: Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.49
- Audio Tours to Walk, Bike, or Drive in Key West: $9.99
- Cruise Through Key West's Black History Audio Tour: $11
- Easy Stroll (or Bike) Through Downtown Key West Audio Tour: $11
- Key West’s Old Town Treasures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Florida: Key West Overseas Highway Self-Driving Tour: $15
- Mel Fisher Maritime Museum Admission Ticket: $18
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum Tickets: $19
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum Admission Ticket: $19
- Key West Aquarium Admission Ticket: $23
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKey West $16Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Key West
Also in Key West, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour with Free T-Shirt: $32
- Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
- 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $43
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 Key West and Ponce, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Ponce much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Key West 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 Ponce would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ponce 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West than you might in Ponce.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Key West Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Key West or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West 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 West or Ponce?
Key West 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 West or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Key West in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Key West is around the same temperature as Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during summer. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Key West usually receives less rain than Ponce. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKey West 84°F (29°C)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Key West or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and Key West during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Key West for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In the autumn, Key West is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key West in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (82°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key West. In the autumn, Key West often gets more sunshine than Ponce. Key West gets 258 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ponce. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Key West is June to November.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKey West 80°F (27°C)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Key West or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Ponce. The winter months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Key West is generally cooler than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 70°F (21°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during winter. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Key West usually receives less rain than Ponce. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKey West 70°F (21°C)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Key West or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Key West as well as Ponce. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Key West this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Key West is around the same temperature as Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Ponce fluctuates around 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 Key West this time of the year. In the spring, Key West often gets more sunshine than Ponce. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.
Key West usually gets less rain in April than Ponce. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKey West 77°F (25°C)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Key West
| Key West | 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.