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

Should you visit Ponce or Anchorage?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Ponce and Anchorage can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Ponce or Anchorage?

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).

Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Ponce?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $205, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $191. 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 Ponce and Anchorage in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ponce $151
    Anchorage $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ponce $302
    Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Anchorage

Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Anchorage? 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 Ponce


Hotels in Anchorage


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: Anchorage Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ponce $10
    Anchorage $27

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
  • Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
  • Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
  • SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
  • SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299

Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Anchorage?

Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Ponce 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
    Ponce $35
    Anchorage $50

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

Typical Food Prices in Anchorage

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


  • Bread
    $4.25
  • Breakfast for Two
    $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage

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

  • City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ponce $56
    Anchorage $30

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage

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


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $33
  • 1/2 Day Rafting Trip
    $105

Tours and Activities in Anchorage

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

  • 1-Hour Trolley Tour: $25
  • Anchorage Trolley Tour: $25
  • Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket: $25
  • Botanical Garden Walking Tour: $40
  • Deluxe Trolley City Tour: $50
  • Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour: $50
  • Anchorage City Tour, w/Chocolate Factory Samplings & Much More!: $59
  • Anchorage's Winter City Tour: $59
  • Last Frontier Anchorage City & Wilderness Tour - Top Winter Value: $65
  • Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
  • Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $73
  • Tour on a unique 14-passenger electric vehicle: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ponce $16
    Anchorage $20

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:

  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $109
  • Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
  • Guided Tour on Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey & Wine Tasting: $285


When comparing the travel costs between Ponce and Anchorage, 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 Ponce is in Caribbean Islands and Anchorage is in North America, 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 Ponce Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ponce or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Anchorage, 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 Ponce or Anchorage?

Anchorage 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 Ponce or Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Ponce are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

In July, Ponce is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (83°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during summer. Ponce gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ponce usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ponce 28°C (83°F) 
    Anchorage 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Ponce during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. Ponce is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Ponce. In the autumn, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Ponce gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ponce 28°C (82°F) 
    Anchorage 35°F (2°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Anchorage. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Ponce is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ponce in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C).

In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Ponce gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ponce usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ponce 25°C (77°F) 
    Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Anchorage. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the natural beauty during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during spring. In April, Ponce is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 26°C (79°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In the spring, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Ponce gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

Ponce usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ponce 26°C (79°F) 
    Anchorage 36°F (2°C)

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Ponce

Ponce Anchorage
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°F (-9°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 19°F (-7°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 26°F (-3°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 36°F (2°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 47°F (8°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 55°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 49°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 22°F (-6°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 17°F (-8°C) 1.1 inches (28 mm)