Which place is cheaper, San Diego or Ponce?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ponce or San Diego?
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 San Diego 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 San Diego?
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).
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPonce $205San Diego $202
The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $205, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $202. 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 San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPonce $151San Diego $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPonce $302San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Ponce and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Ponce or San Diego? 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: San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ponce $10San Diego $24
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 San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in San Diego HTL-APT(SAN): $47
- Private Departure Transfer to San Diego Airport SAN: $50
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tijuana hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Private Arrival Transfer from San Diego Airport SAN: $56
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Marcos, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Downtown to San Diego Airport (SAN): $68
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $68
- San Diego Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Diego: $70
- San Diego Airport - Private Round Trip Transfer: $70
- Private Transfer from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Port : $74
- Private Transfer from San Diego Port to San Diego city hotels: $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego 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 $35San Diego $45
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 San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $81
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
- San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
- Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $102
- Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
- San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ponce $56San Diego $48
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA: $4.49
- Waterfront Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.30
- A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- Historical Walking Tour of San Diego: $10
- Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour: $12
- San Diego Natural History Museum Ticket: $12
- Haunted Historic Whaley House - Self-Guided Tour: $14
- Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Explore Balboa in a Private Tour of San Diego Hidden Gems: $20
- San Diego's Historic Treasures and Old Town Tour: $20
- Private Walking Tour and Gaslamp Adventure in San Diego: $20
- San Diego Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPonce $16San Diego $21
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 San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $119
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $131
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
- Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215
When comparing the travel costs between Ponce and San Diego, 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 San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ponce or San Diego?
San Diego has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and San Diego, 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 San Diego?
San Diego 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 San Diego in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ponce as well as San Diego. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Ponce is a little warmer than San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In the summer, Ponce often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego. Ponce gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun.
Ponce usually gets more rain in July than San Diego. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPonce 28°C (83°F)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Ponce or San Diego in the Autumn?
Both San Diego 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 visitors come to San Diego in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Ponce is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ponce in October average around 28°C (82°F), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C).
It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during autumn. Ponce gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Ponce. In October, Ponce usually receives more rain than San Diego. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPonce 28°C (82°F)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Ponce or San Diego in the Winter?
Both San Diego 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Ponce is generally much warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 25°C (77°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
In San Diego, 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 San Diego. Ponce gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.
Ponce usually gets more rain in January than San Diego. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPonce 25°C (77°F)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Ponce or San Diego in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and San Diego. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Ponce is much warmer than San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ponce usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego during spring. Ponce gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ponce usually receives more rain than San Diego. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPonce 26°C (79°F)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Ponce
| Ponce | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 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.