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

Should you visit Petra 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 Petra and Ponce can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Petra or Ponce?

Petra

Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.

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 Historical Tours in Jordan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan.


Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Petra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, 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 Petra and Ponce in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Ponce $151
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Petra and Ponce

Looking for a hotel in Petra 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 Petra


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: Petra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Ponce $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
  • Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
  • Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
  • Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $140
  • From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219

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 Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
  • Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $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
  • Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
  • Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Ponce?

Prices for flights to both Ponce and Petra 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
    Petra $66
    Ponce $61
Typical Food Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    $12
  • Juice
    $1.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.

  • Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $50
  • Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Ponce $56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:


  • Entry to Petra for One
    $71

Tours and Activities in Petra

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

  • Hike Tour of Petra: $10
  • 3-Hour Private Petra Tour: Exclusive Classical Guided Experience: $55
  • Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
  • 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
  • Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
  • Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $100
  • Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
  • Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
  • 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
  • Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
  • Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
  • From Petra Wadi Rum Private 8 hours roundtrip tour : $140

Tours and Activities in Ponce

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

  • Private Sunset Walking Tour in San Juan: $25
  • Guided Walking Tour in Ponce: $30
  • Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
  • La Perla Cultural Tour: $35
  • Prive Tours in Puerto Rico: $40
  • Las Tinajas Waterfall: Guided Short Hike Adventure from Fajardo: $55
  • Walking Guided Tour of History and Myths of Old San Juan : $60
  • 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
  • Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
  • Half-Day Small-Group River Experience in El Yunque with Local : $68
  • El Yunque Rainforest, Waterslides & Beach Tour from San Juan: $75
  • Party Bus Experience in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Ponce $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 Petra and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Petra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East 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 Petra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Petra 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 Petra.

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


Which is Bigger, Petra or Ponce?

Ponce has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra 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 Petra or Ponce in the Summer?

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

In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Ponce. Petra gets 0 mm (0 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 Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally a little warmer than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Petra or Ponce in the Autumn?

Both Ponce and Petra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra 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. Petra usually gets less rain in October than Ponce. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 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 Petra. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Ponce. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.

Petra is around the same temperature as Ponce in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Petra or Ponce in the Winter?

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

In January, Petra usually receives less rain than Ponce. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 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 Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Petra is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Ponce averages at about 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Ponce 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Petra or Ponce in the Spring?

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

Petra usually gets less rain in April than Ponce. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 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 Petra this time of the year. In the spring, Petra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.

In April, Petra is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Ponce 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Ponce and Petra

Petra Ponce
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)


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