Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo or Ponce?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Ponce or Tamarindo?
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 Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo?
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).
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a small beach town in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast. This town is usually sought out by surfers, fishers, couples, and families. There are delicious restaurants, beautiful beaches, and friendly Tico's and Tica's (local Costa Rican nicknames) everywhere.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.
-
Ponce Prices
Puerto Rico PricesTamarindo Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPonce $230Tamarindo $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $230, while the average daily cost in Tamarindo is $144. 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 Tamarindo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPonce $151Tamarindo $50
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPonce $302Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Tamarindo
Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Tamarindo? 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: Tamarindo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ponce $10Tamarindo $69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- 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
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:
- Costa Rica Private LIR Airport Departure transfer : $6.00
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Secret Papagayo: $13
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Secrets Papagayo: $14
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Mangroove Hotel: $14
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Andaz Papagayo: $15
- Private Transfer Liberia Airport to Waldorf Astoria Hotel: $15
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Hotel Riu Guanacaste: $15
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Planet Hollywood: $16
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Riu Guanacaste: $16
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Four Seasons: $18
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Hotel Pasa Tiempo Tamarindo: $20
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Tamarindo: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Tamarindo?
Prices for flights to both Tamarindo 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 dayPonce $61Tamarindo $56
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 Tamarindo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tamarindo.
- Online Class on Zoom: Cooking Costa Rica Homemade Food: $35
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ponce $56Tamarindo $17
Tours and Activities in Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Private Sunset Walking Tour in San Juan: $25
- Guided Walking Tour in Ponce: $30
- Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
- La Perla Cultural Tour: $35
- Prive Tours in Puerto Rico: $40
- Las Tinajas Waterfall: Guided Short Hike Adventure from Fajardo: $55
- Walking Guided Tour of History and Myths of Old San Juan : $60
- 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
- Half-Day Small-Group River Experience in El Yunque with Local : $68
- El Yunque Rainforest, Waterslides & Beach Tour from San Juan: $75
- Party Bus Experience in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $79
Tours and Activities in Tamarindo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:
- 1 Hour Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal: $30
- 1,5 Hours Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal: $40
- Tamarindo Estuary Tour: $45
- Turtle Nesting Tour Playa Grande CR: $45
- Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo: $46
- Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tour: $47
- Horseback Riding - 2h Guided Tour: $48
- Tamarindo Birdwatching Crocodiles and Monkey Tour: $50
- Rain Forest Canopy Tour from Zipline, Hanging Bridge: $55
- Morning Moka -Tamarindo's Morning Coffee Tour: $62
- Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch: $65
- Turtle Nesting Tour: $65
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPonce $16Tamarindo $14
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Tamarindo
Also in Tamarindo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brunch and Bubbles - Tamarindo's Sparkling Wine Tour and Ride: $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ponce and Tamarindo, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Tamarindo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ponce is in Caribbean Islands and Tamarindo is in Central America, 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 Tamarindo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ponce Expensive? and Is Tamarindo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Ponce or Tamarindo?
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 Tamarindo in the Summer?
Both Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. In July, Ponce usually receives less rain than Tamarindo. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during summer. Ponce gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
Ponce is around the same temperature as Tamarindo in the summer. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPonce 28°C (83°F)Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Ponce or Tamarindo in the Autumn?
Both Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo year-round.
December to May is the dry season in Tamarindo. Also, the hurricane season in Tamarindo is June to November. Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Ponce. In the autumn, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Tamarindo. Ponce gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Ponce is around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ponce in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPonce 28°C (82°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ponce or Tamarindo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Tamarindo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Ponce usually receives more rain than Tamarindo. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tamarindo this time of the year. In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ponce usually receives less sunshine than Tamarindo during winter. Ponce gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Ponce is generally around the same temperature as Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 25°C (77°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPonce 25°C (77°F)Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ponce or Tamarindo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Tamarindo. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.
Also, December to May in Tamarindo is the dry season. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tamarindo. Ponce usually gets more rain in April than Tamarindo. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In the spring, Ponce often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo. Ponce gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun.
Ponce is cooler than Tamarindo in the spring. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPonce 26°C (79°F)Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Ponce
| Ponce | Tamarindo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.