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

Should you visit Ponce or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

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).

Phoenix

The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.


Which place is cheaper, Phoenix 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 Phoenix is $238. 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 Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ponce $151
    Phoenix $144
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ponce $302
    Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Phoenix

Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix


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: Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ponce $10
    Phoenix $39

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix

Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $41
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $90
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $90
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
  • Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
  • Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
  • Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
  • One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
  • Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $110
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
  • Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City : $117
  • Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Phoenix?

Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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
    Phoenix $52

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

Typical Food Prices in Phoenix

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $75
  • Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
  • Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
  • Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ponce $56
    Phoenix $40

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 Phoenix

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.

  • Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting Entry Ticket: $17
  • Private Speakeasy Escape Room Experience in Avondale: $24
  • Private Asylum Escape Room Experience in Avondale: $24
  • The Scottsdale Selfie Experience: $25
  • Ghosts & Poltergeists Guided Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • RoRo Street Art Tour in Phoenix: $27
  • Scottsdale Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Tempe Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Phoenix Zoo Admission Ticket: $38
  • Phoenix Zoo: One Day General Admission Ticket: $38
  • Phoenix History, Mystery and Ghost Hunting Tour : $39
  • Phoenix History, Mystery and Ghost Hunting Tour: $39

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ponce $16
    Phoenix $17

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 Phoenix

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:

  • Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
  • Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
  • Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $155
  • Ghost town of Jerome, Brew and Wine Tour: $215


When comparing the travel costs between Ponce and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ponce or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

Phoenix 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 Phoenix in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Phoenix. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

Phoenix can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Ponce is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ponce in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Phoenix averages at about 98°F (36°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In the summer, Ponce often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Ponce gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.

Ponce usually gets more rain in July than Phoenix. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ponce 28°C (83°F) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix 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, many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Ponce is generally around the same temperature as Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (82°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Ponce gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Ponce. In October, Ponce usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ponce 28°C (82°F) 
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Phoenix in the Winter?

Both Phoenix 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 visitors come to Phoenix in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ponce is much warmer than Phoenix in the winter. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ponce. In the winter, Ponce often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Phoenix. Ponce gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.

Ponce usually gets more rain in January than Phoenix. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ponce 25°C (77°F) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Phoenix. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.

In the spring, Ponce is a little warmer than Phoenix. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ponce in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Phoenix averages at about 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ponce usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Ponce gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ponce usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ponce 26°C (79°F) 
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Ponce

Ponce Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)


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