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

Should you visit Ponce or Sonoma?

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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma?

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).

Sonoma

When people say Sonoma, they are often referring to the region's wine country, but in fact, Sonoma is a county, a valley, and a town. The county covers 1,768 square miles and is more spread out than nearby Napa. There are more than 30 cities and towns in the county and 425 wineries with tasting rooms. The county also borders the Pacific Ocean, and the beautiful 55 mile stretch of coastline is rugged and dramatic.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sonoma 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 Sonoma is $219. 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 Sonoma in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ponce $151
    Sonoma $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ponce $302
    Sonoma $186
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Sonoma

Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Sonoma? 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 Sonoma


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: Sonoma Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ponce $10
    Sonoma $134

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Sonoma?

Prices for flights to both Sonoma 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
    Sonoma $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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ponce $56
    Sonoma $16

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 Sonoma

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

  • Sonoma Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour & Game: $49
  • Sonoma Valley: Wine Trolley Tasting Tour with Lunch: $125
  • Sonoma Valley: Guided Winery Tour with Picnic Lunch: $126
  • Create your own wine blend experience: $140
  • From Napa Valley Classic Sidecar Tour to 3 Wineries: $300

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ponce $16
    Sonoma $41

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 Sonoma

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

  • San Francisco: Half-Day Wine Tour with 2 Tastings Included: $189
  • Sonoma Food & Wine Tour: $235


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


Which is Bigger, Ponce or Sonoma?

Ponce has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sonoma. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Sonoma, 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 Sonoma?

Sonoma 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 Sonoma in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Ponce is a little warmer than Sonoma. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ponce in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Sonoma averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Ponce usually gets more rain in July than Sonoma. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sonoma receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ponce 28°C (83°F) 
    Sonoma 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Sonoma in the Autumn?

Both Sonoma 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 Sonoma for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ponce is generally much warmer than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (82°F), and Sonoma fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Ponce. In October, Ponce usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ponce 28°C (82°F) 
    Sonoma 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Sonoma in the Winter?

Both Sonoma 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 Sonoma in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ponce is much warmer than Sonoma in the winter. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Sonoma fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Ponce usually gets less rain in January than Sonoma. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Sonoma receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ponce 25°C (77°F) 
    Sonoma 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Sonoma in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Sonoma. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Also, most visitors come to Sonoma for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Ponce is much warmer than Sonoma. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ponce in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Sonoma averages at about 56°F (13°C).

In April, Ponce usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ponce 26°C (79°F) 
    Sonoma 56°F (13°C)

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Ponce

Ponce Sonoma
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 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) 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)


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