Which place is cheaper, Hilton Head Island or Ponce?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Ponce or Hilton Head Island?
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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?
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).
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head, also called Hilton Head Island, is primarily a resort and beach town off the coast of South Carolina. Located on a barrier island, the place is best known for its beaches and golf courses overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPonce $205Hilton Head Island $212
The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $205, while the average daily cost in Hilton Head Island is $212. 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 Hilton Head Island in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPonce $151Hilton Head Island $129
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPonce $302Hilton Head Island $258
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Hilton Head Island
Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Hilton Head Island? 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: Hilton Head Island Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ponce $10Hilton Head Island $34
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Hilton Head Island?
Prices for flights to both Hilton Head Island 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 $35Hilton Head Island $60
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 Hilton Head Island
For Hilton Head Island, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dolphin Watching 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $70
- Sunset Hibachi Dinner Cruise : $102
- Hilton Head Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $106
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ponce $56Hilton Head Island $23
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 Hilton Head Island
For Hilton Head Island, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Kazoo Factory Tour & Museum : $15
- Beaufort Ghost Walking Tours : $22
- Tybee Island Ghost Tour: $30
- Walking Tour in Beaufort: $30
- Historic Tour of Tybee Island: $30
- Historic Walking Tour of Tybee Island: $30
- Complete History and Movie Walking Tour of Beaufort: $30
- History and Movie Tour of Beaufort by Golf Cart: $32
- Beaufort City Minibus Tour: $35
- 90-Minute Dolphin & Nature Tour: $35
- #1 Historical Horse Drawn Carriage Tour: $35
- Beaufort’s #1 Horse & Carriage History Tour: $35
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPonce $16Hilton Head Island $26
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 Hilton Head Island
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hilton Head Island:
- Hilton Head's ONLY Distillery Experience: $55
When comparing the travel costs between Ponce and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ponce or Hilton Head Island?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island in the Summer?
Both Hilton Head Island 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, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Ponce is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ponce in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 82°F (28°C).
In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ponce. In the summer, Ponce often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island. Ponce gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun.
Hilton Head Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ponce usually gets less rain in July than Hilton Head Island. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPonce 28°C (83°F)Hilton Head Island 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Hilton Head Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Ponce is generally a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (82°F), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ponce usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during autumn. Ponce gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 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 Hilton Head Island. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPonce 28°C (82°F)Hilton Head Island 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Hilton Head Island. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.
Ponce is much warmer than Hilton Head Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 48°F (9°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 Hilton Head Island. Ponce gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun.
Ponce usually gets less rain in January than Hilton Head Island. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPonce 25°C (77°F)Hilton Head Island 48°F (9°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?
Both Hilton Head Island 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 travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Ponce is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ponce in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 67°F (19°C).
It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hilton Head Island during spring. Ponce gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ponce usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilton Head Island. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPonce 26°C (79°F)Hilton Head Island 67°F (19°C)
Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Ponce
| Ponce | Hilton Head Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 80°F (26°C) | 5.9 inches (150 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.9 inches (200 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.5 inches (164 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 5.6 inches (141 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.3 inches (83 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.