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

Should you visit Ponce or Saint Croix?

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 Saint Croix 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 Saint Croix?

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).

Saint Croix

Sometimes all you want out of a vacation is the warmth of the sun, the sound of the waves and the taste of a cold drink. No more. No less. That's exactly what you can expect in St. Croix.

The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix is a place of our leisure and relaxation. It's a bit of an expensive lifestyle for its 50,000 residents and daily visitors, but when you're living on island time, money is never a worry. There are no worries on island time.

This once volcanic island is covered in incredible beaches, stunning mountains, palm tress in the wind and historic colonial towns. While they may be a bit old and rundown, the Danish architecture still stands as a unique part of this island's legacy. Don't expect much window-shopping, though. That was not a feature incorporated in this style of architecture. If you want to know if a store is open, just step on in, but remember, shop hours are also running on island time.

Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix 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 Saint Croix is $236. 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 Saint Croix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ponce $151
    Saint Croix $149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ponce $302
    Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Saint Croix

Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Saint Croix? 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 Saint Croix


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: Saint Croix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ponce $10
    Saint Croix $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:

  • San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
  • San Juan Arrival Share Transfer: $27
  • San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • San Juan hotels to San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU)- Departure Transfer: $46
  • Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
  • Roundtrip-Transfer in Puerto Rico: From Airports, Hotels, Cruises: $71
  • Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $80
  • Private Transfer from Ponce Cruise Port to San Juan Airport (SJU): $80
  • Private Transfer from Ponce Cruise Port to San Juan City Hotels: $80
  • Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Croix

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Croix:

  • Private Transfer from St.Croix Cruise Port to St.Croix hotels: $50
  • Private Transfer from St.Croix hotels to St. Croix Cruise Port : $50
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port : $72
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Cruise Port to St. Croix Airport: $72
  • Saint Croix Airport (STX) to Saint Croix Hotels -Arrival Transfer: $110
  • Henry E.Rohlsen Airport(STX) to St. Croix island-Arrival Transfer: $110
  • St. Croix to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) - Departure Transfer: $110
  • Private Transfer from St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St. Croix : $166
  • Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Round-Trip Transfer: $220
  • St Croix Airport to St Croix Hotels Private Round Trip Transfer: $220

Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Saint Croix?

Prices for flights to both Saint Croix 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
    Saint Croix $56

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
  • Private Authentic Puerto Rican Cooking Class with a Local Couple: $154
  • Cooking and Connecting with a Local in Puerto Rico: $165
  • Puerto Rican Gastronomy Cooking Class: $167

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Croix

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Croix.

  • A Evening Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix: $90
  • C'sted Sip & Savor Mixology Class with VI Food Tours: $129
  • Taste of Twin City Food Tour with VI Food Tours: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ponce $56
    Saint Croix $58

Tours and Activities in Ponce

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:

  • Outdoor Salsa Class Experience in San Juan, Puerto Rico : $17
  • Eco Friendly Farming Tour to Explore Dorado's Most Beautiful Farm: $20
  • Insider's View of Local San Juan Walking Tour: $25
  • Private Sunset Walking Tour in San Juan: $25
  • Historic Old San Juan Sunset Walking Tour: $39
  • 1 Hour Bull Maze Adventure at Toroverde Urban Park San Juan: $45
  • Old San Juan and El Morro Castle Walking Tour : $49
  • Bio Bay Boat Tour with Swimming from La Parguera, Puerto Rico: $50
  • Turtle spotting snorkeling adventure- no Jets : $50
  • Snorkeling Lesson & Interactive Experience for Kids and Adults : $50
  • Small-Group Old San Juan Bike Tour: $50
  • San Juan Guided Paddle Boarding Experience at Condado Lagoon: $50

Tours and Activities in Saint Croix

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saint Croix are as follows:

  • Private Sailing Tour of Pirate Waters and Shipwrecks: $75
  • St Croix Island Tour: $100
  • 30 Minute Private Jetcar Experience in Virgin Islands: $150
  • Horseback Riding Experience: $160
  • 1 Hour Private Jetcar Experience in Virgin Islands : $250

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ponce $16
    Saint Croix $27

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 Saint Croix, we can see that Saint Croix 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. Since both cities are in Caribbean Islands, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ponce Expensive? and Is Saint Croix Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Ponce or Saint Croix?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Ponce or Saint Croix in the Summer?

Both Saint Croix and Ponce are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Croix because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Ponce usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Ponce is around the same temperature as Saint Croix in the summer. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ponce 28°C (83°F) 
    Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Ponce or Saint Croix in the Autumn?

Both Saint Croix 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.

Saint Croix gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually gets less rain in October than Saint Croix. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Ponce is around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ponce in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint Croix averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ponce 28°C (82°F) 
    Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Ponce or Saint Croix in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Saint Croix. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Ponce usually receives more rain than Saint Croix. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Ponce is generally around the same temperature as Saint Croix. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ponce 25°C (77°F) 
    Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Ponce or Saint Croix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Saint Croix. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.

Ponce usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint Croix. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Ponce is around the same temperature as Saint Croix in the spring. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ponce 26°C (79°F) 
    Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Ponce

Ponce Saint Croix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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