Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tulum or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Ponce 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: Tulum or Ponce?
Tulum
When you think of ancient ruins you probably picture dusty archaeological digs surrounded by sand and professors in khaki shorts. What if I told you there is a way to see ancient ruins and visit a tropical beach? That's exactly what you find in Tulum, Mexico.
Built near the end of Mayan era, the ruins of Tulum served as a port before the arrival of the Spanish. It may have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, given that these ruins face the sunrise. Because of Tulum's access to both land and sea routes, this spot was an important hub for the trade industry. It may have had another claim to fame, too. According to some murals and other works around the site, it seems this spot was an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending God. Today, the area is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico with daily tour buses dropping off visitors.
This area is usually packed with people looking to get a glimpse of the seaside ruins. To avoid crowds and capture the best view of the day, try to arrive as early as possible.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $122Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, 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 Tulum and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Tulum 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: Tulum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $28Ponce $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Tulum to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $70
- Xcaret to Tulum - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $76
- Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $76
- Tulum to Playa del Carmen - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $82
- Private Transfer in Vehicle from Tulum to Cancun Airport : $91
- Horseback Riding in the Jungle w/ Transfers and Lunch: $100
- Departure Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport CUN by Minivan - Minibus: $117
- Tulum to Bacalar - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $153
- Tulum to Mahahual - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $160
- Private Transfer Tulum Zone - Cancun International Airport: $160
- One Way Private Tulum Transfers to or from Cancun Airport: $160
- Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $182
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 PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- San Juan hotels to San Juan PR Cruise Port - Departure Transfer: $46
- San Juan Port to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- San juan Puerto Rico PrivateTransfers Airport,Hotels,Cruise Ports: $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
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Tulum 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 dayTulum $34Ponce $35
Typical Food Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Lunch$3.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.
- Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $86
- Vegan Walking Food Tour with Tasting: $87
- Mexican Cooking from Scratch and Mezcal Tasting in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
- Mayan Night Guided Tour, Cenote Swim and Mayan Dinner: $209
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $32Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- Audioguide Tulum, Audioguide-App Mayastadt Tulum, Tour Tulum Archaeological Site: $4.31
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Return Home: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Coba Ruins: The trail of the Mayas: $10
- Tulum Archeological Site Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
- Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $12
- Self-Guided Mayan Ruins Tour: $13
- Explore Coba: The Ultimate Self-Guided Audio & Map Tour: $15
- Archeological Guided Walking Tour in Tulum: $20
- Archaeological Site Guided Walking Tour: $20
- Tulum Mural Tours: $36
- Playa del Carmen: ATV, Cenote, and Zipline Tour with a Meal: $41
- Entrance tickets to swim in 4 Cenotes in Casa Tortuga Park: $42
Tours and Activities in Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Talking Buildings of Old San Juan: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Footsteps in San Juan Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $17
- Private Sunset Walking Tour in San Juan: $25
- Old San Juan Tour (1 Hour) by DUHO: $25
- Salsa Tours PR Sunset Salsa Beach Class in San Juan, Puerto Rico : $29
- Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
- Guided Walking Tour in Ponce: $30
- Guided City Walking Tour: $32
- La Perla Cultural Tour: $35
- Historic Old San Juan Sunset Walking Tour: $39
- Bio Bay Boat Tour with Swimming from La Parguera, Puerto Rico: $50
- Turtle spotting snorkeling adventure- no Jets : $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $25Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:
- 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
- Wine Tasting at Pan y Vino Tulum: $58
- Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour: $69
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 Tulum and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum 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 Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Tulum.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum or Ponce?
Tulum 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 Tulum or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Tulum is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Ponce. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTulum 28°C (83°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In October, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the autumn, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.
Ponce gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Ponce. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Ponce. Many travelers come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Tulum is around the same temperature as Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tulum usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ponce. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTulum 23°C (74°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Ponce. Many visitors come to Tulum in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
In the spring, Tulum is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Ponce averages at about 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the spring, Tulum often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.
Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Ponce. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Tulum
| Tulum | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 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.