Which place is cheaper, Lancaster or Ponce?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ponce or Lancaster?
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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster?
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).
Lancaster
The largest city in Pennsylvania's Dutch Country, Lancaster is surrounded by scenic landscape and a unique culture. The area is predominately agricultural in nature and you will find lush farms growing crops and produce most seasons. The Amish communities are spread throughout the area and although they remain relatively isolated, they are acknowledged by fellow community members and their customs are respected. The Amish community prides themselves on minimalist living. They do not use electricity and travel around in horse and buggy, a sight which you will grow accustomed to while you're in the area. They are excellent farmers and craftsmen and you can find shops that proudly sell Amish made goods. Their close are old fashion in nature. Women generally wear long dresses and bonnets while men wear black suits and hats. The Amish community has their own churches and their own schools. There are a handful of places where you can learn more about the Amish community in the area. The Amish Experience F/X Theater offers shows and the People's Place Quilt Museum shows some handicrafts. It is possible to take an Amish Country tour or visit the Mennonite Information Center for more information.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPonce $205Lancaster $183
The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $205, while the average daily cost in Lancaster is $183. 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 Lancaster in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPonce $151Lancaster $91
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPonce $302Lancaster $182
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Lancaster
Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Lancaster? 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: Lancaster Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ponce $10Lancaster $69
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Lancaster?
Prices for flights to both Lancaster 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 $35Lancaster $53
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 Lancaster
For Lancaster, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- International Food Tour Lancaster, Pennsylvania: $62
- Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ponce $56Lancaster $19
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 Lancaster
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lancaster.
- Guided Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $12
- 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
- Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
- Historic Columbia, PA: Guided Tour of the Bank Museum: $14
- Lancaster Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $24
- Evening Ghost Tour by Candlelight: $25
- Lititz Whiskey and History Tour : $25
- Lancaster Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Premium Amish Country Tour including Amish Farm and House: $36
- Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $47
- Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $57
- Downtown & Amish Country Authentic Lancaster Tour: $70
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPonce $16Lancaster $11
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 Lancaster
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lancaster:
- Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City: $79
- Lancaster City: The Ultimate Walking Craft Brewery Tour: $79
When comparing the travel costs between Ponce and Lancaster, we can see that Ponce 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ponce or Lancaster?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?
Lancaster 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 Lancaster in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Lancaster. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Ponce is a little warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ponce in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Lancaster averages at about 77°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In the summer, Ponce often gets less sunshine than Lancaster. Ponce gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun.
Ponce usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Lancaster. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPonce 28°C (83°F)Lancaster 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Lancaster in the Autumn?
Both Lancaster 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, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.
In October, Ponce is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (82°F), and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during autumn. Ponce gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Ponce. In October, Ponce usually receives more rain than Lancaster. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPonce 28°C (82°F)Lancaster 56°F (13°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Lancaster in the Winter?
Both Lancaster 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, many travelers come to Lancaster for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Lancaster. Ponce is much warmer than Lancaster in the winter. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Lancaster fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. In the winter, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Ponce gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun.
Ponce usually gets less rain in January than Lancaster. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPonce 25°C (77°F)Lancaster 30°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Lancaster in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Lancaster. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Also, many visitors come to Lancaster in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Ponce is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ponce in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Lancaster averages at about 53°F (12°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lancaster this time of the year. In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during spring. Ponce gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ponce usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPonce 26°C (79°F)Lancaster 53°F (12°C)
Typical Weather for Lancaster and Ponce
| Ponce | Lancaster | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 33°F (0°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 42°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 3.2 inches (82 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.