Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Playa del Carmen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen 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: Playa del Carmen or Ponce?
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
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 in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, 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 Playa del Carmen and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen 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: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Ponce $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Private Transfer to Xplor / Xenses / Xplor Fire from Playa del Carmen: $25
- Shared transfer from Playa del Carmen tu Cancun airport: $25
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen: $31
- Akumal to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Maroma Beach: Entry Ticket to Maroma Beach Club & Transfer: $47
- Shared Transfer Cancun Airport - Puerto Aventuras: $48
- Private Transfer to Xel-Há Park from Playa del Carmen: $53
- Private Transfer Airport-Costa Mujeres/Playa Mujeres 1-8 pax: $59
- Shared roundtrip transfer from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen: $71
- Transfer in Private vehicle from Akumal City - Cancun Airport (CUN) : $74
- Akumal to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $77
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 Playa del Carmen or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Playa del Carmen 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 dayPlaya del Carmen $24Ponce $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $60
- Walking Food Tour: $65
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $77
- Mexican Cooking Class: $100
- Seafood Tour in Playa del Carmen: $101
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $104
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Cultural Coba Sunset Adventure with Dinner and show from Cancun: $130
- Sunset Adventure in Coba and Dinner with Show from Riviera Maya: $155
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $157
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.Playa del Carmen $17Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Shopping Tour & Tulum Mayan Ruins: $11
- Cancun Airport: Bus Ticket to/from Playa del Carmen: $14
- Tulum Ruins: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Ek Balam: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2024: $20
- YAL-KÚ Park in Riviera Maya Admission Ticket: $23
- Chichen Itza and Cenote Full Day Tour from Playa del Carmen: $28
- Ultramar Ferry, Regular round ticket, Playa del Carmen-Cozumel: $32
- Tulum and 2 Cenotes Half Day Tour from Riviera: $34
- Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to/from Cozumel: $35
- Mayan tour 4x1: Tulum, Cobá, Cenote & Playa del carmen: $35
- Tulum Ruins and Amusement Park Shared Tour: $37
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 dayPlaya del Carmen $21Ponce $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 Playa del Carmen and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Ponce?
Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Ponce in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Ponce. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Ponce. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 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 JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Ponce. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Ponce in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 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 Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Ponce. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in October than Ponce. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Ponce in the Winter?
Both Ponce and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen 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 the winter, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Ponce averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Ponce. Playa del Carmen 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 JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In April, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Ponce. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.