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

Should you visit Split 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 Split 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: Split or Ponce?

Split

Split is a historic city in Central Dalmatia with many opportunities to glimpse its fascinating past in its historic city center. Centuries ago the city grew up around a Diocletian palace that was used as refuge by the locals.

Today, as you wander around the historic center, you can see the remains of the Roman walls, temples, and squares. Despite it's appeal to tourists, Split is much more than just a tourist destination. It is larger than you might initially realize and it spreads well beyond the historic center. There is a population of about 300,000 in the larger area and it is an economic center for the region.

Split has a beautiful climate with mild winters, countless sunny days, and a generally pleasant temperature. As such, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether by participating in sports or walking around the city's quaint streets. Winters in Split are also quite mild, but there may be one snowy day, on average, every year. This rare snowfall can cause a significant disruption in the flow of traffic.

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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Split?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Split is $228, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $230. 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 Split and Ponce in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Split $98
    Ponce $151
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Split $196
    Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Split and Ponce

Looking for a hotel in Split 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.

Hotels in Split


Hotels in Ponce


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: Split Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Split $27
    Ponce $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Split

Also for Split, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Split ↔Žnjan Beach: Comfortable and Scenic Boat Transfer: $18
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Split airport to Split City: $33
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport (SPU) to Slatine (Island Ciovo): $39
  • Airport Private Transfer from Split: $39
  • Airport Private Transfer to Split: $39
  • Split Cruise Port to Split Airport SPU-Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Split Airport (SPU) to Cruise Port of Split - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Cruise Port of Split to Split Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport (SPU) to Cruise Port of Split: $41
  • Private Transfer from Cruise Port of Split to Split Airport (SPU): $41
  • Private Transfer from Cruise Port of Split to Split hotels: $41
  • Private Transfer from Split Hotels to Cruise Port of Split: $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:

  • Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
  • 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
  • San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
  • Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
  • Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
  • Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
  • Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Split or Ponce?

Prices for flights to both Ponce and Split 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
    Split $108
    Ponce $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split

For Split, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Split’s Ultimate Walking Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks: $67
  • Small Group Food Tour with Private Option: $104
  • Split’s Ultimate Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $124
  • Split Old Town Authentic Food Tour with 9 Dishes & Local Wines: $129
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite at a Time: $140
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time: $142
  • Private VIP Split Food Tour with Seafood, Wine and Local Bites: $183
  • Split Cooking Class - Afternoon Edition Shared Activity: $206
  • Vegan Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Split: $206
  • Split Cooking Class: $206
  • From farm to table : Cooking class on island Brac: $259

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Split $13
    Ponce $56

Tours and Activities in Split

For Split, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Split self guided walking tour through history: $5.90
  • Split Quest Experience: Discover the City: $5.90
  • Split Audio Guided Walking Tour 1h and 17 audio reviews: $6.96
  • Split Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.42
  • Discover Split Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Split Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $12
  • Entry Ticket to Selfie Experience Museum: $13
  • Klis Fortress Sunset Tour & Game of Thrones Views: $13
  • Walking Tour of UNESCO Diocletian Palace & Old Town: $14
  • Klis Fortress & Olive Museum Tour with GOT Sites: $14
  • Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Hajduk Poljud Stadium Tour with Trophy Room Entry: $14

Tours and Activities in Ponce

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

  • Scuba Boat Diving Experience in Gilligan's Island at Copamarina: $160
  • 5 hours Tour in La Parguera Private Boat Charter: $200
  • 7 Hours River Tour with Beach and Learn to Make Piña Colada : $195
  • 8 Hours Private Tours in Puerto Rico: $150
  • Adventure in Cave and the Guayaney Spring: $99
  • Aguadilla 6 Hour Local Tour: $150
  • Arecibo Triple Tour Indian Caves Waterfalls and Nature : $71
  • Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour Transport Snack and Snorkeling: $250
  • Camuy Caves Experience Tour with transportation: $130
  • Cave Hopping Tour: $198
  • Cave, Bats and Boas Night Tour - Puerto Rico: $160
  • Caves Coastlines and Beach; Cueva del Indio, Arecibo Adventure: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Split $21
    Ponce $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Split

Also in Split, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Split Pub Crawl: Nightlife, Shots & Club Entry: $14
  • Diocletian's Palace Walking and Wine Tasting Tour: $18
  • Tower Pub Crawl in Split: $32
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $53
  • Dalmatian wine tasting by Bottiglia wine & deli: $53
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $53
  • Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $55
  • From Krka Waterfalls day tour & wine tasting: $55
  • Krka National Park Tour with tour Guide & Wine tasting from Split & Trogir: $55
  • Olive Oil and Wine Tasting with Snacks: $57
  • Split&Sip: Educational wine tasting: $64
  • Split Mediterranean Food & Wine tasting with Meal & Local Guide: $88

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


When comparing the travel costs between Split and Ponce, 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 Split is in Europe and Ponce is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Split Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Split or Ponce?

Split has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Split 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 Split or Ponce?

Split 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 Split or Ponce in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Split as well as Ponce. Most visitors come to Split for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.

Split is around the same temperature as Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in Split averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In the summer, Split often gets more sunshine than Ponce. Split gets 345 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.

Split usually gets less rain in July than Ponce. Split gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Split 26°C (80°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Split or Ponce in the Autumn?

Both Ponce and Split are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Split because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Split is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Split in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. Split usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during autumn. Split gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In October, Split usually receives less rain than Ponce. Split gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Split 18°C (64°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Split or Ponce in the Winter?

Both Ponce and Split during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Split this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.

In January, Split is generally much colder than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Split average around 8°C (47°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Split often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Split gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.

Split usually gets more rain in January than Ponce. Split gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Split 8°C (47°F) 
    Ponce 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Split or Ponce in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Split and Ponce. Many travelers come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Split is much colder than Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in Split averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. Split usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during spring. Split gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Split usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ponce. Split gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Split 15°C (59°F) 
    Ponce 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Ponce and Split

Split Ponce
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)