Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Charlotte?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Charlotte or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Charlotte and Ponce can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Charlotte or Ponce?
Charlotte
With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Charlotte Prices
USA PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCharlotte $225Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $225, 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 Charlotte and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCharlotte $118Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCharlotte $236Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Charlotte 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: Charlotte Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Charlotte $33Ponce $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- 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
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Charlotte 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 dayCharlotte $80Ponce $61
Typical Food Prices in Charlotte
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:
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Pizza at Airport$4.03
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Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)$29
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Charlotte $43Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Charlotte
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.
- Chains, Coffins, & Curses: Charlottesville Ghost Tours: $24
Tours and Activities in Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
- Scuba Boat Diving Experience in Gilligan's Island at Copamarina: $160
- 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
- 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
- Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140
- Aguadilla 6 Hour Local Tour: $150
- Camuy Caves Experience Tour with transportation: $130
- Cave Hopping Tour: $198
- Caves Coastlines and Beach; Cueva del Indio, Arecibo Adventure : $125
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCharlotte $20Ponce $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 comparing the travel costs between Charlotte 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 Charlotte is in North America 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 Charlotte Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Charlotte or Ponce?
Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Charlotte 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 Charlotte or Ponce?
Charlotte 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 Charlotte or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Charlotte during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Charlotte for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In July, Charlotte is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 81°F (27°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Charlotte. In the summer, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually gets more rain in July than Ponce. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCharlotte 81°F (27°C)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Charlotte or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Ponce. Many visitors come to Charlotte in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Charlotte is much colder than Ponce in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charlotte averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during autumn. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Ponce receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Ponce. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCharlotte 63°F (17°C)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Charlotte or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Ponce. Most visitors come to Charlotte for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
In the winter, Charlotte is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charlotte in January average around 42°F (6°C), and Ponce averages at about 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In the winter, Charlotte often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.
Charlotte usually gets more rain in January than Ponce. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCharlotte 42°F (6°C)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Charlotte or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Charlotte because of the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Charlotte is generally much colder than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during spring. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Charlotte usually receives more rain than Ponce. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCharlotte 63°F (17°C)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Charlotte
| Charlotte | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 42°F (6°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 46°F (8°C) | 3.8 inches (97 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 54°F (12°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 63°F (17°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 71°F (21°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 54°F (12°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 46°F (8°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 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.