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

Should you visit Ponce or Detroit?

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 Detroit 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 Detroit?

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).

Detroit

Detroit is the largest city in the Midwestern state of Michigan. Near Downtown, the neoclassical Detroit Institute of Arts is famed for the Detroit Industry Murals painted by Diego Rivera, and inspired by the city's ties to the auto industry, giving it the nickname "Motor City." Detroit is also the birthplace of Motown Records, whose chart-topping history is on display at their original headquarters, Hitsville U.S.A.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Detroit 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 Detroit is $133. 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 Detroit in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ponce $151
    Detroit $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ponce $302
    Detroit $128
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Detroit

Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Detroit? 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 Detroit


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: Detroit Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ponce $10
    Detroit $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:

  • Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
  • Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
  • Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
  • Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $189
  • San juan Puerto Rico PrivateTransfers Airport,Hotels,Cruise Ports: $60
  • San Juan hotels to San Juan PR Cruise Port - Departure Transfer: $46
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $92
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
  • San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
  • San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Detroit

Also for Detroit, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Detroit Airport DTW: $61
  • Private Arrival Transfer - from Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Detroit Airport (DTW) by SUV: $90
  • Detroit City to Detroit Airport (DTW) - Departure Private Transfer: $94
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Arrival Private Transfer: $94
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Business Car: $99
  • Departure Private Transfer: Detroit to Detroit Airport DTW in Luxury SUV: $130
  • Private Transfer from Detroit (DTW) Airport to Detroit City: $142
  • Private Transfer from Detroit City to Detroit (DTW) Airport: $142
  • Detroit Airport (DTW) to Detroit City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187

Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Detroit?

Prices for flights to both Detroit 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
    Detroit $44

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Detroit

For Detroit, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Fresh Mediterranean Inspired Cooking Class in a Unique Detroit Home: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ponce $56
    Detroit $21

Tours and Activities in Ponce

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

  • Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
  • Scuba Boat Diving Experience in Gilligan's Island at Copamarina: $160
  • 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
  • 2-Hour Private UTV Can-Am Beach Tour in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $264
  • 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
  • 5 hours Tour in La Parguera Private Boat Charter: $200
  • 7 Hours River Tour with Beach and Learn to Make Piña Colada : $195
  • 90 Minute Portrait Photoshoot Experience in the Caribbean: $129
  • ATV Adventure at Hacienda Campo Rico: $136
  • Adventure Trail Tour in the foothills of the National Rainforest: $110
  • Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140
  • All Inclusive Cordillera Cay’s Sailing Catamaran Beach & Snorkeling Tour: $150

Tours and Activities in Detroit

For Detroit, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Spirit and History Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.50
  • Self Guided "Detroit's Spirit and History" Solo Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Detroit Tigers Baseball Game Ticket at Comerica Park: $9.31
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ann Arbor by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Windsor by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure: $12
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Ann Arbor, MI: $15
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Ann Arbor with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium Admission Ticket: $25
  • Ghosts and Spirits Haunted Walking Tour: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ponce $16
    Detroit $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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ponce and Detroit, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Detroit much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ponce is in Caribbean Islands and Detroit is in North America, 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 Detroit would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Detroit 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 Detroit.

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


Which is Bigger, Ponce or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Detroit, 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 Detroit?

Detroit 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 Detroit in the Summer?

Both Detroit and Ponce during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ponce is a little warmer than Detroit in the summer. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Detroit fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ponce. In the summer, Ponce often gets less sunshine than Detroit. Ponce gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 319 hours of full sun.

Ponce usually gets more rain in July than Detroit. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ponce 28°C (83°F) 
    Detroit 74°F (24°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Detroit in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Detroit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Detroit this time of year.

In the autumn, Ponce is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ponce in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Detroit averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during autumn. Ponce gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 172 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ponce gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ponce usually receives more rain than Detroit. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ponce 28°C (82°F) 
    Detroit 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Detroit in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Detroit. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Detroit for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Detroit. In January, Ponce is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 25°C (77°F), and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In the winter, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Detroit. Ponce gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Detroit receives 120 hours of full sun.

Ponce usually gets more rain in January than Detroit. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ponce 25°C (77°F) 
    Detroit 25°F (-4°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Detroit in the Spring?

Both Detroit and Ponce are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Detroit in the spring for the activities around the city.

Ponce is much warmer than Detroit in the spring. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Detroit fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Detroit. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Detroit during spring. Ponce gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Detroit receives 223 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ponce usually receives less rain than Detroit. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ponce 26°C (79°F) 
    Detroit 49°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Detroit and Ponce

Ponce Detroit
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 25°F (-4°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 27°F (-3°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 37°F (3°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 49°F (9°C) 3.2 inches (80 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 60°F (16°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 65°F (19°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 43°F (6°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 31°F (-1°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)


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