Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Sarasota?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sarasota or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sarasota and Ponce. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Sarasota or Ponce?
Sarasota
Located on the Gulf Coast of southwest Florida, Sarasota is a popular city known for its thriving arts scene, selection of restaurants, plenty of shopping, and beautiful beaches. The metropolitan area is a hub of city culture, while the beaches offer escapes of fine white sand and aqua waters.
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).
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySarasota $249Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Sarasota is $249, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $205. 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 Sarasota and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSarasota $108Ponce $151
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSarasota $216Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Sarasota and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Sarasota or Ponce? 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: Sarasota Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sarasota -Ponce $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarasota
Also for Sarasota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sarasota to Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
- Sarasota–Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
- Sarasota–Bradenton Airport (SRQ) to Sarasota Round-Trip Transfer: $96
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 Sarasota or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Sarasota 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 daySarasota $137Ponce $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarasota
For Sarasota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sarasota Street Food Tour: $85
- Taste of Downtown Food Tour: $105
- Downtown Walking Food Tour in Sarasota: $110
- Sarasota Kayak and Food Tour: $165
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.Sarasota $11Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Sarasota
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sarasota.
- Sarasota Art Crawl Trolley Tour: $14
- Palmetto: Haunted History Guided Walking Tour: $30
- Robinson Preserve Nature Walk Eco Tour: $40
- Mangroves, Manatees, and a Hidden Beach: Kayak Tour: $50
- Adventure and Wildlife Watch Kayak Rentals in Sarasota: $50
- Sharkey's Glass Bottom Fish Feeding LED Night Tour in Sarasota: $55
- 2 Hours Guided Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour: $55
- Siesta Key Kayak Tour : $57
- Kayak Paddling Experience at The Bay Park: $58
- Sarasota Mangrove Tunnel Guided Kayak Adventure: $59
- Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour: $59
- Siesta Key Guided Eco Tour: $59
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySarasota -Ponce $16
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarasota and Ponce, we can see that Sarasota is more expensive. And not only is Ponce much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sarasota is in North America and Ponce is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Ponce would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ponce 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 Sarasota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarasota than you might in Ponce.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sarasota Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sarasota or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Sarasota and Ponce, 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 Sarasota or Ponce?
Sarasota 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 Sarasota or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Sarasota during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
Sarasota is around the same temperature as Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarasota. In the summer, Sarasota often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Sarasota gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually gets more rain in July than Ponce. Sarasota gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySarasota 82°F (28°C)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Sarasota or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarasota and Ponce. The autumn months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the shopping scene. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Sarasota is cooler than Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sarasota in October average around 76°F (24°C), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Sarasota, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sarasota usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during autumn. Sarasota gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Ponce receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Ponce. Sarasota gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Sarasota is the hurricane season.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSarasota 76°F (24°C)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Sarasota or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sarasota as well as Ponce. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sarasota this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
In January, Sarasota is generally much colder than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Sarasota average around 59°F (15°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarasota this time of the year. In the winter, Sarasota often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Sarasota gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.
Sarasota usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Ponce. Sarasota gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySarasota 59°F (15°C)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Sarasota or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce and Sarasota are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sarasota for the beaches. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Sarasota is cooler than Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in Sarasota averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarasota. Sarasota usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during spring. Sarasota gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sarasota usually receives less rain than Ponce. Sarasota gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Sarasota is June to November.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSarasota 73°F (23°C)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Sarasota
| Sarasota | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 59°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 62°F (17°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 67°F (20°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 73°F (23°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 78°F (25°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 82°F (28°C) | 6.5 inches (165 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 8.4 inches (214 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 8 inches (203 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 81°F (27°C) | 6.3 inches (161 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 76°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 69°F (20°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 62°F (17°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.