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

Should you visit Ponce or Hood River?

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 Hood River 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 Hood River?

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).

Hood River

The city of Hood River is the seat of Hood River County, Oregon, United States. It is a port on the Columbia River, and is named for the nearby Hood River. The dynamic town of Hood River is one of the best windsurfing and kiteboarding destinations in the world. Strong river currents, prevailing westerly winds and a vast body of water provide the perfect conditions for these wind sports, attracting sometimes hundreds of photogenic enthusiasts who zip back and forth across the wide Columbia River.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hood River 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 Hood River is $145. 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 Hood River in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ponce $151
    Hood River $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ponce $302
    Hood River $156
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Hood River

Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Hood River? 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 Hood River


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: Hood River Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ponce $10
    Hood River $46

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 Hood River?

Prices for flights to both Hood River 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
    Hood River $40

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ponce $56
    Hood River $18

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 Hood River

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

  • Orchard Tour: $31
  • Gift Basket Factory Tour: $31
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $199
  • Railbikes Experience: $211

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ponce $16
    Hood River $19

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 Hood River, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Hood River much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ponce is in Caribbean Islands and Hood River 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 Hood River would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hood River 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 Hood River.

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


Which is Bigger, Ponce or Hood River?

Ponce has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Hood River, 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 Hood River?

Hood River 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 Hood River in the Summer?

Both Hood River 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, many visitors come to Hood River in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Ponce is a little warmer than Hood River in the summer. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Hood River, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ponce. In the summer, Ponce often gets less sunshine than Hood River. Ponce gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun.

Ponce usually gets more rain in July than Hood River. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ponce 28°C (83°F) 
    Hood River 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Hood River in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Hood River. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Also, most visitors come to Hood River for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Ponce is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ponce in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Hood River averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during autumn. Ponce gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 155 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 Hood River. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ponce 28°C (82°F) 
    Hood River 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Hood River in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Hood River. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hood River because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hood River can be very cold. In January, Ponce is generally much warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 25°C (77°F), and Hood River fluctuates around 40°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 Hood River. Ponce gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hood River. Ponce usually gets less rain in January than Hood River. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ponce 25°C (77°F) 
    Hood River 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Hood River in the Spring?

Both Hood River 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, the natural beauty are the main draw to Hood River this time of year.

Ponce is much warmer than Hood River in the spring. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Hood River. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during spring. Ponce gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ponce usually receives more rain than Hood River. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ponce 26°C (79°F) 
    Hood River 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Hood River and Ponce

Ponce Hood River
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)