Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Vientiane?
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 Vientiane or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Ponce, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Vientiane or Ponce?
Vientiane
You wouldn't expect the capital city to have such a relaxing environment, but in Vientiane, Laos you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery without feeling pressure to see every little thing. With Vientiane, what you see is what you get.
While picturesque temples and markets line the streets, the city is still experiencing a successful building boom. Even the Presidential Palace has undergone some hefty renovations.
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 Bicycle Tours in Laos, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos.
-
Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $24Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, 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 Vientiane and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.45Ponce $151
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $17Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane 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: Vientiane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.01Ponce $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$4.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Vientiane 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 dayVientiane $12Ponce $61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ): $78
- Night Market, Dinner, and Nightclub: $90
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $95
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $122
- Cooking Class Garden House: $335
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.Vientiane $3.80Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
- Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $30
- Art, Culture, & Inspiration Guided Half-Day Tour: $52
- Half-Day City Tour with Patuxai and Buddha Park: $52
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
- Vientiane Landmarks and Cultural Immersion Tour: $56
- Cultural Tour with Buddha Park and Patuxay: $58
- Vientiane IG tour & Patuxay monument: $59
- Half-Day City Tour - Morning or Afternoon: $65
- Vientiane Half Day City Tour: $80
- Vientiane : Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $88
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $89
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.12Ponce $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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vientiane is in Asia 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 Vientiane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vientiane 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 Vientiane.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vientiane Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Ponce?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane 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 Vientiane or Ponce?
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 Vientiane or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Ponce. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Ponce. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Vientiane is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (83°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and Vientiane during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
Ponce gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vientiane usually gets less rain in October than Ponce. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.
In October, Vientiane is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Ponce. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Ponce. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
Vientiane is around the same temperature as Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Ponce. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Ponce. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the spring, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is a little warmer than Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Ponce averages at about 26°C (79°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.