Which place is cheaper, Palm Springs or Ponce?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ponce or Palm Springs?
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 Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs?
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).
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a desert resort town located about two hours east of Los Angeles, most famously known as Hollywood's playground, where stars and starlets could escape for rest and relaxation but still be close enough to return for impromptu work.
It's no wonder that Palm Springs is increasingly popular as a weekend getaway for special occasions, and even for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Closer than the typical Las Vegas weekend for Southern California residents, Palm Springs provides a desert getaway with endless possibilities of activities, whether visitors want to gamble, shop, hike, or wander through an art gallery.
Climate in the high-desert is generally warm with highs in the 100s during the hot and dry summers, and lows in the mid 40s in the winter months, with sparse rainfall. However, if you're visiting during winter, be sure to pack versatile attire and layers as the days may be warm, but the nights in the low desert can get chilly enough to convince you to change into long pants.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPonce $205Palm Springs $206
The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $205, while the average daily cost in Palm Springs is $206. 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 Palm Springs in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPonce $151Palm Springs $120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPonce $302Palm Springs $240
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Palm Springs
Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Palm Springs? 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: Palm Springs Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ponce $10Palm Springs $52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- San Juan hotels to San Juan PR Cruise Port - Departure Transfer: $46
- San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- San juan Puerto Rico PrivateTransfers Airport,Hotels,Cruise Ports: $60
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palm Springs
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palm Springs:
- Desert Hot Springs to Palm Springs Airport Departure Transfer: $87
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to Desert Hot Springs Private Transfer: $87
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to ONTARIO - Arrival Private Transfer: $105
- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to SANTA ANA - Arrival Private Transfer: $128
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LA QUINTA/INDIO - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
- Palm Springs Airport PSP to Snow Summit-Arrival Private Transfer: $131
- Private Transfer from PSP to Palm Desert / Indian Wells: $135
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to INDIAN WELLS - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Palm Springs Airport (PSP) to LOS ANGELES - Arrival Private Transfer: $171
- Palm Springs Airport to Desert Hot Springs Round-Trip Transfer: $175
- Private Airport Transfer in Palm Springs: $195
- Palm Springs Airport to Snow Summit - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Palm Springs?
Prices for flights to both Palm Springs 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 $35Palm Springs $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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ponce $56Palm Springs $29
Tours and Activities in Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Talking Buildings of Old San Juan: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Footsteps in San Juan Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $17
- Private Sunset Walking Tour in San Juan: $25
- Old San Juan Tour (1 Hour) by DUHO: $25
- Salsa Tours PR Sunset Salsa Beach Class in San Juan, Puerto Rico : $29
- Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
- Guided Walking Tour in Ponce: $30
- Guided City Walking Tour: $32
- La Perla Cultural Tour: $35
- Historic Old San Juan Sunset Walking Tour: $39
- Bio Bay Boat Tour with Swimming from La Parguera, Puerto Rico: $50
- Turtle spotting snorkeling adventure- no Jets : $50
Tours and Activities in Palm Springs
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palm Springs are as follows:
- Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
- Journey into Joshua Tree: Audio Tour + Free Locals Guide!: $12
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Joshua Tree: $13
- Joshua Tree National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Palm Springs Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- City and Desert App-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Death Valley National Park Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $17
- Palm Springs and Joshua Tree Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $25
- Private 1-Hour Archery Experience around Joshua Tree National Park.: $28
- Self-Driving Windmill Tour: $30
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket: $30
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPonce $16Palm Springs $13
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 comparing the travel costs between Ponce and Palm Springs, we can see that Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ponce or Palm Springs?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs?
Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs in the Summer?
Both Palm Springs and Ponce are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Ponce is generally a little warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (83°F), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
In July, Ponce usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPonce 28°C (83°F)Palm Springs 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Palm Springs in the Autumn?
Both Palm Springs and Ponce during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
Ponce is a little warmer than Palm Springs in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually gets more rain in October than Palm Springs. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPonce 28°C (82°F)Palm Springs 69°F (20°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Palm Springs in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Palm Springs. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palm Springs this time of year.
In the winter, Ponce is much warmer than Palm Springs. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ponce in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Palm Springs averages at about 57°F (14°C).
In January, Ponce usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPonce 25°C (77°F)Palm Springs 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Palm Springs in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Palm Springs. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Ponce is generally much warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 26°C (79°F), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
Ponce usually gets more rain in April than Palm Springs. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPonce 26°C (79°F)Palm Springs 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Ponce
| Ponce | Palm Springs | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 2.2 inches (57 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 65°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.7 inches (42 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.