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

Should you visit Zurich 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 Zurich 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: Zurich or Ponce?

Zurich

Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Zurich?

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 Zurich is $364, 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 Zurich and Ponce in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zurich $197
    Ponce $151
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zurich $394
    Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Ponce

Looking for a hotel in Zurich 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 Zurich


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: Zurich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zurich $41
    Ponce $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:


  • City Pass (2)
    $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • Zurich Airport Stress-Free Private Transfer: $36
  • ZRH Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $42
  • Zurich Airport ZRH Private Transfer to Zurich/Lucerne/Interlaken: $48
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport: $72
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich Airport to Zurich: $72
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich - Arrival Private Transfer: $81
  • Zurich to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Private Transfer : $81
  • Transfer from Zurich City Center to Zurich Airport (ZRH): $81
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal Arrival Transfer: $84
  • Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $84
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Hotels to Zurich Airport: $87
  • Airport Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Business Car: $100

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 Zurich or Ponce?

Prices for flights to both Ponce and Zurich 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
    Zurich $124
    Ponce $61
Typical Food Prices in Zurich

Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.

  • Food Tour of 8+ Tastings with Cheeses & Chocolates: $154
  • Zurich Food Tour of 10+ Swiss Specialties w/ Cheeses & Chocolates: $156

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.
    Zurich $41
    Ponce $56

Tours and Activities in Zurich

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

  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $6.29
  • Zurich Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Winterthur Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.04
  • Schaffhausen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.04
  • Zurich Highlights Self guided scavenger hunt and city tour: $12
  • Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $13
  • The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $13
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Dark Side of Zurich: $13
  • Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours: $16
  • Swiss National Museum Entry Ticket: $16
  • City Walking Tour Made in Zurich: $19

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 day
    Zurich $34
    Ponce $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich

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

  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $38
  • Pub Crawl Zurich: $39

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 Zurich and Ponce, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Ponce much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich is in Europe 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zurich or Ponce?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich or Ponce?

Zurich 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 Zurich or Ponce in the Summer?

Both Ponce and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Zurich is cooler than Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ponce. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zurich 21°C (70°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Ponce in the Autumn?

Both Ponce and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.

In the autumn, Zurich is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Zurich gets 120 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. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Ponce. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zurich 13°C (56°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Ponce in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Ponce. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's quite cold in Zurich in the winter. In January, Zurich is generally much colder than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Ponce. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zurich 3°C (37°F) 
    Ponce 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Ponce in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Ponce. Many travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.

Zurich is much colder than Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Ponce. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zurich 12°C (53°F) 
    Ponce 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Ponce and Zurich

Zurich Ponce
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)