Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Ponce?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Ponce or Koh Phi Phi?
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 Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi?
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).
Koh Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
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Ponce Prices
Puerto Rico PricesKoh Phi Phi Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPonce $230Koh Phi Phi $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $230, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $95. 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 Koh Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPonce $151Koh Phi Phi $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPonce $302Koh Phi Phi $100
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Koh Phi Phi? 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: Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ponce $10Koh Phi Phi $7.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- 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
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
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Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$17
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Longboat Taxi$3.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $29
- Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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
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Food Meals for one dayPonce $61Koh Phi Phi $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.
- Latin Night with Dinner and Local Music with Transportation: $59
- Puerto Rico Art and Wine Dinner with One Way Transportation: $89
- Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
- Private Half-Day Island Authentic Food Tour : $130
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
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Crepe$1.88
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Sit Down Lunch$11
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Casual Lunch$6.59
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Coconut Donut$0.31
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Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$13
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Sit Down Dinner$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Ala Carte Package: $22
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Set Menu Package: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ponce $56Koh Phi Phi $52
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
- 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
- 8 Hours Private Tours in Puerto Rico: $150
- Adventure in Cave and the Guayaney Spring: $99
- Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140
- Aguadilla 6 Hour Local Tour: $150
- Camuy Caves Experience Tour with transportation: $130
- Cave Hopping Tour: $198
- Caves Coastlines and Beach; Cueva del Indio, Arecibo Adventure : $125
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $15
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
- Phi Phi Sunset Longtail Boat Cruise to Maya Bay and Snorkeling: $18
- Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $19
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Half-Day Phi Phi Island Longtail Boat Tour with Maya Bay Visit: $19
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
- Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket (SHA Plus): $22
- Trick Eye Museum at Phuket Admission Ticket: $24
- Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
- Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPonce $16Koh Phi Phi $6.51
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
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Mojito Bucket$16
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Banana Daiquiri$6.28
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ponce and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ponce is in Caribbean Islands and Koh Phi Phi is in Asia, 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 Koh Phi Phi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ponce Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ponce or Koh Phi Phi?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Ponce or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Koh Phi Phi. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Ponce usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In the summer, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Ponce gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.
Ponce is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPonce 28°C (83°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Ponce or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Ponce are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Ponce. In October, Ponce usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Ponce gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Ponce is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ponce in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPonce 28°C (82°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ponce or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
Both Koh Phi Phi 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. Ponce usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ponce. In the winter, Ponce often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Ponce gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.
In January, Ponce is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPonce 25°C (77°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Ponce or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ponce usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Ponce gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.
Ponce is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPonce 26°C (79°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Ponce
| Ponce | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
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.