Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Pensacola?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pensacola or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pensacola and Ponce can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pensacola or Ponce?
Pensacola
With sands as white as sugar grain and a sky devoid of grey clouds and innumerable downpours, Pensacola is known by many as the "Western Gate to the Sunshine State." Located in northern Florida, Pensacola is a waterfront city known for its pristine beaches and rich Floridian history. As one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S., Pensacola is riddled with museums and landmarks that commemorate the state's history, making the city quite appetizing for history buffs and students alike. However, if you are simply looking to get the most out of the all-around good weather of Florida, Pensacola's protected beaches complemented with high-class restaurants and stores make this a vacation capital for many.
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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPensacola $198Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Pensacola is $198, 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 Pensacola and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPensacola $115Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPensacola $230Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Pensacola and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Pensacola 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: Pensacola Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pensacola $64Ponce $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pensacola
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pensacola:
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Boca Grande Causeway Toll$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pensacola
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pensacola:
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Pensacola to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Pensacola - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) to Destin, FL - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $142
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 Pensacola or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Pensacola 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 dayPensacola $48Ponce $35
Typical Food Prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pensacola are as follows:
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Two Ice Creams$6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pensacola
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pensacola.
- Seville Stroll Food Tour: $72
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.Pensacola $13Ponce $56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pensacola
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pensacola are as follows:
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Bike Rental$16
Tours and Activities in Pensacola
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pensacola are as follows:
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pensacola by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Public Dolphin & Scenic Bay Sightseeing Cruise, Pensacola FL: $30
- Penscola Most Haunted: Ghost Tour and Scavenger Hunt: $30
- Ghosts and Graveyard Tour of Pensacola: $34
- Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Pensacola : $35
- Frisky Mermaid Public Dolphin + Sightseeing Cruise Up to 49 Pax: $37
- Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour: $39
- Pensacola Shared Trolley Ghost and Mystery Tour: $45
- Seville Haunted Luncheon and Ghost Tour: $50
- Land Paddle Tour in Pensacola: $50
- Seville Quarter Haunted Ghost Tour, Investigation, and Luncheon: $50
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 dayPensacola $44Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Pensacola
Also in Pensacola, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Walking Pub Tour : $21
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 Pensacola 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. Even though Pensacola is in North America and Ponce is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pensacola Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Ponce?
Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Pensacola are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Pensacola for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Pensacola is around the same temperature as Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In July, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Ponce. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 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 JulyPensacola 82°F (28°C)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Pensacola or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and Pensacola during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Pensacola in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In the autumn, Pensacola is cooler than Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pensacola in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (82°F).
Ponce gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets less rain in October than Ponce. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPensacola 69°F (21°C)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Pensacola or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pensacola and Ponce. Most visitors come to Pensacola for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Pensacola is generally much colder than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 51°F (10°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Ponce. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 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 JanuaryPensacola 51°F (10°C)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Pensacola or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Ponce. The spring months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the beaches. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Pensacola is cooler than Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 67°F (20°C) in April, and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Pensacola usually gets more rain in April than Ponce. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 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 Pensacola.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPensacola 67°F (20°C)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Pensacola
| Pensacola | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (10°C) | 4.6 inches (117 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 54°F (12°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 60°F (16°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 67°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 74°F (24°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.4 inches (188 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 5.3 inches (135 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 69°F (21°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 61°F (16°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 4.3 inches (109 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.