A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kingston vs. Ponce for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kingston or Ponce?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston 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: Kingston or Ponce?

Kingston

Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.

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).

Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Kingston?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $110, 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 Kingston and Ponce in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kingston $65
    Ponce $151
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kingston $130
    Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Ponce

Looking for a hotel in Kingston 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.

Hotels in Kingston


Hotels in Ponce


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: Kingston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kingston $30
    Ponce $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:

  • All Island Private Transfer To/From Kingston Airport (KIN): $21
  • MBJ Airport Transfer to/ from Hotels : $25
  • Airport Transfer Norman Manley international airport: $30
  • Private Transfer to/from Kingston Airport: $42
  • Kingston Airport Taxi Transfers Private ***: $47
  • Airport Transfer in Kingston: $50
  • Private Transfer from Kingston Airport (KIN) to Falmouth Port: $72
  • Kingston International Airport Jamaica - Private Arrival or Depature transfer : $73
  • Private Transfer from Kingston Airport to Montego Bay: $90
  • Private Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport: $90
  • Transfers from Kingston to any location: $100
  • Group Private Kingston Airport Transfers (4 - 9 Persons): $117

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:

  • Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $88
  • Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $279
  • Isabela / Hatillo hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $127
  • Ponce hotels to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $179
  • Private Transfer from Aguadilla Rafael Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Hatillo: $160
  • Private Transfer from Ponce Cruise Port to San Juan Airport (SJU): $80
  • Private Transfer from Ponce Cruise Port to San Juan City Hotels: $80
  • Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $80
  • Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, Yukon Denali SUV: $102
  • Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $110
  • Roundtrip-Transfer in Puerto Rico: From Airports, Hotels, Cruises: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Ponce?

Prices for flights to both Ponce and Kingston 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kingston $27
    Ponce $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
  • Private Authentic Puerto Rican Cooking Class with a Local Couple: $154
  • Cooking and Connecting with a Local in Puerto Rico: $165
  • Puerto Rican Gastronomy Cooking Class: $167

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kingston $13
    Ponce $56

Tours and Activities in Kingston

Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Walking Tour with Mural Exploration: $25
  • Montego Bay: All inclusive tours: $30
  • Cannabis Shopping Tour with Lunch: $50
  • Ocho Rios Shore Excursion: Bus Tour of Ocho Rios, Fern Gully and Turtle Beach: $62
  • Devon House Heritage Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $63
  • Devon House Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $64
  • Tour a Jamaican Farm: $70
  • Kingston Half Day Community and Art Tour: $70
  • Kingston City Tour (starting in Kingston): $72
  • Shared Tour: Irie Blue Hole & Secret Falls Adventure Tour from Ocho Rios: $73
  • Friday Evening Kingston Harbour Cruise, Sunday Beach Cruise or Charter Our Boats: $75
  • Bob Marley Museum Tour from Kingston: $81

Tours and Activities in Ponce

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:

  • Outdoor Salsa Class Experience in San Juan, Puerto Rico : $17
  • Eco Friendly Farming Tour to Explore Dorado's Most Beautiful Farm: $20
  • Insider's View of Local San Juan Walking Tour: $25
  • Private Sunset Walking Tour in San Juan: $25
  • Historic Old San Juan Sunset Walking Tour: $39
  • 1 Hour Bull Maze Adventure at Toroverde Urban Park San Juan: $45
  • Old San Juan and El Morro Castle Walking Tour : $49
  • Bio Bay Boat Tour with Swimming from La Parguera, Puerto Rico: $50
  • Turtle spotting snorkeling adventure- no Jets : $50
  • Snorkeling Lesson & Interactive Experience for Kids and Adults : $50
  • Small-Group Old San Juan Bike Tour: $50
  • San Juan Guided Paddle Boarding Experience at Condado Lagoon: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kingston $11
    Ponce $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Kingston

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kingston:

  • Ocho Rios Pub Crawl and Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios: $185

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 Kingston and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Kingston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kingston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kingston 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 Kingston.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kingston Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kingston or Ponce?

Kingston has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Kingston 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 Kingston or Ponce?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Kingston or Ponce in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Ponce. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Kingston usually receives less rain than Ponce. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during summer. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kingston is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 29°C (83°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kingston 29°C (83°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Kingston or Ponce in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Ponce. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Ponce. Kingston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kingston usually gets more rain in October than Ponce. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In the autumn, Kingston often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.

Kingston is around the same temperature as Ponce in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kingston 28°C (82°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Kingston or Ponce in the Winter?

Both Ponce and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Kingston usually receives less rain than Ponce. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during winter. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Kingston is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kingston in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Ponce averages at about 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kingston 26°C (79°F) 
    Ponce 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Kingston or Ponce in the Spring?

Both Ponce and Kingston during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.

Kingston usually gets less rain in April than Ponce. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the spring, Kingston often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.

In April, Kingston is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (80°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kingston 26°C (80°F) 
    Ponce 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Ponce and Kingston

Kingston Ponce
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)