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

Should you visit Amsterdam or Ponce?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam 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: Amsterdam or Ponce?

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

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 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Amsterdam?

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 Amsterdam is $248, 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 Amsterdam and Ponce in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amsterdam $120
    Ponce $151
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amsterdam $240
    Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Amsterdam and Ponce

Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam


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: Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amsterdam $23
    Ponce $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

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


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.75
  • Renting a Bike
    $18
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $12
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $3.05
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Leiden: $15
  • Private Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Transfer Service: $40
  • Transfer: Amsterdam City Center to Airport Schiphol (AMS): $41
  • From Keukenhof Gardens Ticket and Transfer: $41
  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) Departure transfer from Amsterdam City: $42
  • Private Amsterdam Local Transfer to/from any Location: $49
  • Amsterdam Airport & Non-Airport Private Transfer to City Center: $58
  • Keukenhof Gardens with Windmill Cruise & Transfer from Amsterdam: $66
  • Amsterdam City to Schiphol Airport Transfer: $73
  • Amsterdam Private Local Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from Amsterdam Hotels to Amsterdam Cruise Port : $77
  • Amsterdam Cruise Port to Amsterdam hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:

  • Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
  • Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
  • Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
  • Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
  • Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
  • San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
  • Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
  • Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170

Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or Ponce?

Prices for flights to both Ponce and Amsterdam 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
    Amsterdam $94
    Ponce $61
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    $7.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

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

  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $11
  • Stroopwafel & Secrets: Amsterdam Street Food Tour de Pijp : $42
  • Bike Rental and Dinner or Lunch: $52
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $61
  • 3-course Dinner in the Dark Amsterdam: $63
  • 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $72
  • Bens Local Food Tour - 8 Tastings: $78
  • Amsterdam Music Tour with Dinner: $86
  • Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner: $94
  • Dutch Food Tour with local guide: $94
  • Amsterdam-West Food Tour with local guide: $102
  • Dinner Canal Cruise 4-Courses Including Drinks: $107

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.
    Amsterdam $44
    Ponce $56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $7.04
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $20

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • The Anne Frank Tour Amsterdam: $3.59
  • The Classic Walking Tour of Amsterdam | 2 Hours with a Local: $3.59
  • Bill's Bike Tour - Rent a Flower Bike in Amsterdam: $5.00
  • Amsterdam Tour through its most famous Icons: $6.01
  • Amsterdam Center Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Amsterdam (Museum Quarter) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Red Light District Amsterdam Tour with Audioguide: $8.40
  • Amsterdam Interactive City Tour: $8.42
  • WW2 Jewish & Anne Frank Amsterdam Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Amsterdam's Red Light District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Volendam Marken Express Boat Cruise: $12

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
    Amsterdam $28
    Ponce $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

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

  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $29
  • City Centre Bar Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $30
  • Amsterdam Craft Beer Brewery Tour by Bus with Tastings : $78
  • New Year's Eve Pub Crawl With Optional Club Entrance: $84
  • Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $141

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 Amsterdam and Ponce, we can see that Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Ponce?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam or Ponce?

Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam or Ponce in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Ponce. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Amsterdam is much colder than Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during summer. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Amsterdam usually receives less rain than Ponce. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Amsterdam or Ponce in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Ponce. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.

In the autumn, Amsterdam is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Amsterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In the autumn, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ponce. Amsterdam usually gets less rain in October than Ponce. Amsterdam gets 72 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
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Amsterdam or Ponce in the Winter?

Both Ponce and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Amsterdam can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Ponce. Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during winter. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Ponce. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F) 
    Ponce 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Amsterdam or Ponce in the Spring?

Both Ponce and Amsterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.

Amsterdam is much colder than Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets less rain in April than Ponce. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F) 
    Ponce 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Ponce and Amsterdam

Amsterdam Ponce
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)