Which place is cheaper, Rotorua 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 Rotorua?
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 Rotorua 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 Rotorua?
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).
Rotorua
Located on the banks of Lake Rotorua, Rotorua is famous as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. The area has a variety of geothermal sights, but it is also close to several lakes and has more traditional activities as well, including fishing, boating and white water rafting.
Rotorua is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which is the largest volcano in the area. There are four major volcanic calderas that now have lakes, and several other volcanoes in the area. Rotorua sits on top of a thermal hot spring, and there are many vents and hot pools throughout the area. Many of the hot pools and sights are located within parks, with some of the best being Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
Rotorua has a warm, temperate climate. Because of the area's inland location, it has less wind than many places in New Zealand. Temperatures during the winter months can fall to below freezing, but snow is incredibly rare.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
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Ponce Prices
Puerto Rico PricesRotorua Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPonce $230Rotorua $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $230, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $114. 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 Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPonce $151Rotorua $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPonce $302Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Rotorua? 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: Rotorua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ponce $10Rotorua $4.99
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
- 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
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotorua
Also for Rotorua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms: $186
Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua 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 $61Rotorua $50
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotorua
For Rotorua, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet: $98
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience - Haka + Dinner: $113
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience with Dinner: $117
- Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $156
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Combo - Tour, Dinner + Haka: $161
- Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour with dinner: $202
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ponce $56Rotorua $34
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 Rotorua
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Rotorua's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Lunch Out for Two$27
Tours and Activities in Rotorua
For Rotorua, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Mini Golf Experience: $12
- Jade Carving Experience at a Local Studio: $26
- Mountain Jade Highlights Tour: $27
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $28
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $29
- Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $29
- Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $30
- Authentic Kiwi Farm Experience at the Agrodome: $34
- Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $35
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Ticket & Self-Guided Walk: $38
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry Ticket: $38
- The National Kiwi Hatchery Kiwi Encounter Tour: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPonce $16Rotorua $12
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 Rotorua
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rotorua:
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Bottle of Wine$11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ponce and Rotorua, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Rotorua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ponce is in Caribbean Islands and Rotorua is in Pacific, 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 Rotorua would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotorua 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 Rotorua.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ponce Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ponce or Rotorua?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?
Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?
Both Rotorua 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. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.
In the summer, Ponce is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ponce in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.
Ponce usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPonce 28°C (83°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Ponce or Rotorua in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Ponce is generally much warmer than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Ponce gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ponce usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPonce 28°C (82°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Ponce or Rotorua in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Rotorua. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Rotorua in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Ponce is around the same temperature as Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.
Ponce usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPonce 25°C (77°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Ponce or Rotorua in the Spring?
Both Rotorua 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, most visitors come to Rotorua for the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Ponce is a little warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ponce in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.
In April, Ponce usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPonce 26°C (79°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Ponce
| Ponce | Rotorua | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.