Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Mazatlan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Mazatlan or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Mazatlan 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: Mazatlan or Ponce?
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.
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 Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMazatlan $79Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Mazatlan is $79, 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 Mazatlan and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMazatlan $33Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMazatlan $66Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Mazatlan and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Mazatlan 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: Mazatlan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mazatlan $21Ponce $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:
- Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50
- Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
- Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
- Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
- Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $279
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- 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
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
Is it cheaper to fly into Mazatlan or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Mazatlan 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 dayMazatlan $34Ponce $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mazatlan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mazatlan.
- Mercado walking food tour: $78
- Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
- Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96
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.Mazatlan $9.59Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Mazatlan
Here are a few actual costs in Mazatlan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone: $27
- Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch: $40
- Mazatlan Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $40
- Mazatlan Smart Bike Tour: $40
- El Faro Lighthouse Tour with Free Digital Photos: $47
- Mazatlan - City Tour: $47
- City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
- Grand Aquarium Ticket and City Sightseeing Tour: $57
- Sensation Splash Party All Inclusive Mazatlan Bay Cruise: $57
- Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
- Seafront Boardwalk Beer Bike Tour: $58
- Deer Island Eco Tour with Snorkeling and Hiking: $65
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 dayMazatlan $18Ponce $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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mazatlan and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mazatlan Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Ponce?
Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan or Ponce?
Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan or Ponce in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Ponce. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during summer. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Mazatlan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Ponce. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMazatlan 29°C (83°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Mazatlan or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Ponce. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
In the autumn, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mazatlan in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the autumn, Mazatlan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Ponce. Mazatlan usually gets less rain in October than Ponce. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMazatlan 27°C (81°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mazatlan or Ponce in the Winter?
Both Ponce and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Mazatlan is generally cooler than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 20°C (67°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during winter. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Ponce. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMazatlan 20°C (67°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Mazatlan or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce and Mazatlan during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
Mazatlan is cooler than Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the spring, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.
Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Ponce. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMazatlan 22°C (72°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Mazatlan
| Mazatlan | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (67°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (67°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 227 mm (8.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 18 mm (0.7 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.