Which place is cheaper, Hilo or Ponce?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Ponce or Hilo?
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 Hilo 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 Hilo?
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).
Hilo
Hilo is a town on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is also the county seat and largest city in Hawaii County, so many people use it as the starting point to explore the eastern half of the island. The town has a population of just over 40,000 people. It looks out over Hilo Bay and most of the town's development is between Hilo Bay and Waiakea-Uka near the active volcano of Mauna Loa. Hilo is where you will find the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corportation and Hilo International Airport.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPonce $205Hilo $171
The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $205, while the average daily cost in Hilo is $171. 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 Hilo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPonce $151Hilo $71
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPonce $302Hilo $142
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Hilo
Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Hilo? 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: Hilo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ponce $10Hilo $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $279
- Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $189
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $92
- 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
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hilo
Also for Hilo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Departure Transfer from Hotels to Kona International Airport: $15
- Arrival Transfer: Kona International Airport (KOA) to Hotels - Big Island: $15
- Kailua-Kona to Kona Airport at Keahole Private Departure Transfer: $58
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona Port to Kailua Kona city hotels: $58
- Private Transfer from Kailua Kona City Hotels to Kailua Kona Port: $58
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Kailua-Kona to Kona International Airport: $70
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer : $75
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Kailua-Kona: $75
- Kona Intl. Airport (KOA) to Waikoloa beach hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Private Transfer From Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea to Kona International Airport: $85
- Private Transfer From Kona International Airport to Hotels in Waikoloa & Waimea : $95
- Kona International Airport (KOA) to Kailua-Kona - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Hilo?
Prices for flights to both Hilo 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 dayPonce $35Hilo $70
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 Hilo
For Hilo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
- French Hawaiian Fusion Cooking Class: $175
- Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay: $183
- Farm-to-Table Chef's Dinner at Kulaniapia Falls: $199
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ponce $56Hilo $32
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 Hilo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hilo.
- Baumkuchen Farm Tour: $5.00
- History and Legends Walking Tour with a Smartphone App: $6.50
- Big Island - Kohala Coast & Backcountry Driving Tour: $9.99
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Big Island Hawaii Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Big Island - North Island Jungle Driving Tour: $20
- Big Island - South Island Coastal Loop Driving Tour: $20
- Big Island - Kona Big Kahuna GPS Driving Tour: $20
- Hawaiian Rainforest Banana Cultivation Experience: $20
- Abalone Farm Tour: $25
- Big Island Farms Tour in Hawaii: $30
- Experience Our Honey Farm And Beekeeping Tour: $30
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPonce $16Hilo $10
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 Hilo, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Hilo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ponce is in Caribbean Islands and Hilo 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 Hilo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hilo 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 Hilo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ponce Expensive? and Is Hilo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ponce or Hilo?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hilo. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Hilo, 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 Hilo?
Hilo 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 Hilo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Hilo. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Hilo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Ponce is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ponce in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Hilo averages at about 76°F (24°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In the summer, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Ponce gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hilo. Ponce usually gets less rain in July than Hilo. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.7 inches (247 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPonce 28°C (83°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Hilo in the Autumn?
Both Hilo and Ponce are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Hilo for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Ponce is generally a little warmer than Hilo. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (82°F), and Hilo fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during autumn. Ponce gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 138 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilo. It's quite rainy in Ponce. In October, Ponce usually receives less rain than Hilo. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 9.8 inches (248 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPonce 28°C (82°F)Hilo 76°F (24°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Hilo in the Winter?
Both Hilo and Ponce during the winter 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 winter months attract visitors to Hilo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Ponce is a little warmer than Hilo in the winter. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Hilo fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. In the winter, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Hilo. Ponce gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilo receives 158 hours of full sun.
Hilo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ponce usually gets less rain in January than Hilo. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 8.7 inches (221 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPonce 25°C (77°F)Hilo 72°F (22°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Hilo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Hilo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilo this time of year.
In the spring, Ponce is a little warmer than Hilo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ponce in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Hilo averages at about 73°F (23°C).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Hilo during spring. Ponce gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Hilo receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
Hilo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ponce usually receives less rain than Hilo. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Hilo receives 15.6 inches (395 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPonce 26°C (79°F)Hilo 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Hilo and Ponce
| Ponce | Hilo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 8.7 inches (221 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 10.8 inches (274 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 13.6 inches (345 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 15.6 inches (395 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 10.7 inches (272 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 9.7 inches (247 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 8.5 inches (215 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 9.8 inches (248 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 14.8 inches (375 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 12.6 inches (321 mm) |
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.