Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nassau or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau 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: Nassau or Ponce?
Nassau
There are few vacation destinations more famous than the Bahamian city of Nassau. This capital city is full of laid back locals, relaxed tourists and the iconic pastel pink government houses.
As the largest city in the Bahamas, Nassau can hold plenty of people. Not only are there hundreds of tourists on any given day, the city is also home to 260,000 people – that is 80 percent of the Bahamas' total population.
Founded around 1650, Nassau's location made it a great spot on the trade route. So great, in fact, that it also became a popular destination for pirates – including the infamous Blackbeard.
Pack light because it's going to be pretty steamy in Nassau. The climate is essentially identical to southern Florida. It is warm and humid all year with the occasional cold snap in the winter.
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).
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNassau $189Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, 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 Nassau and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $109Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $218Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Nassau 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: Nassau Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Ponce $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:
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Water Taxi$8.02
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Taxi to Cable Beach$25
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Taxi from Airport$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:
- Pick up & Drop off Transfer From Anywhere in Nassau to Arawak Cay: $30
- Private One-Way Transfer from Lynden Airport to Bahamas: $30
- Shared Shuttle Transfer to NAS Airport - Departure: $34
- Shared Shuttle Transfer from NAS Airport - Arrival: $34
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Nassau cruise port to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Transfer: $40
- Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau cruise port - Arrival Transfer: $40
- Nassau Airport Round-trip Shared Transfers: $45
- Private Transfer in Nassau: $45
- Nassau hotel or address to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
- Chippies Airport/Hotel Transfers Transportation: $55
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 Nassau or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Nassau 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 dayNassau $53Ponce $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nassau
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nassau.
- Nassau Food Tour and Beach Break: $65
- Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
- Savor Old Nassau Dining Stroll by Tru Bahamian Food Tours: $116
- Sail Catamaran Sunset Dinner Cruise: $116
- Dinner and Dancing: $130
- Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class: $135
- Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
- Island Food Tour: $140
- Gourmet dinner & sunset cruise on luxury catamaran: $375
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 San Juan Cooking Class with a Local Expert: $146
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Ponce $56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:
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Jet Ski$50
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4 Hr Kayak Tour$70
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1/2 Day Snorkel Trip$75
Tours and Activities in Nassau
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nassau are as follows:
- Champagne and Diamond Shopping Experience in Downtown, Bahamas: $5.00
- Archie's Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack and Spanish Friendly: $7.00
- KINDWalk — Nassau Historical and Cultural Walking Tour: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Nassau Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Jewel of the Bahamas: $15
- Heritage Museum of The Bahamas Nassau Guided Tour: $20
- Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours: $28
- Roundtrip Shuttle from Cruise Terminal at Prince George Wharf: $29
- Nassau Sightseeing Bus Tour: $35
- Big Bus Private Tour (minimum of 15): $43
- Bahamas Ghost Walking Tour: $44
- Island Tour: $44
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
- El Yunque Rainforest Tour: Natural Waterslides Adventure : $44
- Bio Bay Boat Tour with Swimming from La Parguera, Puerto Rico: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNassau $19Ponce $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:
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Cocktail$6.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:
- Nassau Rum Distillery Tour: $25
- Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $135
- Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140
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 Nassau and Ponce, we can see that Ponce 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. Since both cities are in Caribbean Islands, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nassau Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Ponce?
Nassau has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Nassau 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 Nassau 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 Nassau or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Nassau. In July, Nassau usually receives more rain than Ponce. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during summer. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Nassau is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nassau in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and Nassau during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
Ponce gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets more rain in October than Ponce. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nassau. In the autumn, Nassau often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.
In October, Nassau is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 26°C (79°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Ponce. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Nassau usually receives less rain than Ponce. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during winter. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
Nassau is cooler than Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Ponce. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Nassau usually gets less rain in April than Ponce. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 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 Nassau this time of the year. In the spring, Nassau often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Nassau is cooler than Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nassau in April average around 23°C (74°F), and Ponce averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Nassau
| Nassau | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.