Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Koh Samui?
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 Koh Samui or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui 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: Koh Samui or Ponce?
Koh Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $79Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $79, 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 Koh Samui and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $26Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $52Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui 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: Koh Samui Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $19Ponce $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.36
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Gas for Scooter$1.26
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Airport Taxi$14
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$13
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $9.00
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $12
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui Sedan 1-3 PAX: $14
- Ferry Transfers between Koh Samui and Ko Pha-ngan: $15
- Private Transfer : Koh Samui Airport Arrival to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $16
- Private Transfer : Koh Samui Airport Arrival to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $16
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Shared Transfer: $17
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui: $18
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $18
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $18
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui hotels to Ko Samui Cruise Port: $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- 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
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- 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
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Koh Samui 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 dayKoh Samui $39Ponce $61
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $77
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $79
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $80
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $81
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $82
- Sunset Dinner Cruise by Red Baron In Koh Samui : $83
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $83
- Thai Cooking Class | Since 2012 | Farm to Table: $83
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $83
- Romantic Evening on Koh Samui’s Sunset Dinner Cruise: $108
- Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $115
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Transfer: $123
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.Koh Samui $12Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Coconut Soap Making Demo and Experience Koh Samui: $2.39
- Kanchanaburi Mallika City Thai Cultural Tour Experience: $7.97
- Sky Bicycle Jungle Adventure Tour from Koh Samui : $18
- Samui: Double Seater Karting: Share the Driving Experience: $22
- Top Sights of Samui City Tour: $25
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour by Minivan: $25
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $27
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $27
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $28
- High Speed Karting Fun Adventure at EasyKart from Koh Samui: $29
- Koh Samui City & Temples Tour with Na Muang Waterfall: $29
- Angthong National Marine Park by Highsea Tour (Official): $30
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
- 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
- 8 Hours Private Tours in Puerto Rico: $150
- Adventure in Cave and the Guayaney Spring: $99
- Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140
- Aguadilla 6 Hour Local Tour: $150
- Camuy Caves Experience Tour with transportation: $130
- Cave Hopping Tour: $198
- Caves Coastlines and Beach; Cueva del Indio, Arecibo Adventure : $125
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.33Ponce $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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koh Samui is in Asia 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 Koh Samui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Samui Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui or Ponce?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Koh Samui or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Koh Samui during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in July than Ponce. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Ponce. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui. Ponce receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Ponce. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Koh Samui is cooler than Ponce in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Ponce. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in January than Ponce. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Koh Samui is cooler than Ponce. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samui in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Ponce averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Ponce. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Koh Samui is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.