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

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Ponce?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Ponce? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Daytona Beach or Ponce?

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, Florida, located on the Atlantic coast, is a wildly popular tourist destination for people from all over the world due to great beaches, spring break fun, and NASCAR races. Tourists come to enjoy the warm Florida weather, the beautiful beaches, the activities, the boardwalk, the nightlife, and many other things the city has to offer. The beaches around Daytona are famous for their hard-packed sand, which makes them easy for cars to drive on. For this reason, Daytona has a history of automobile racing, and is home to dozens of races that take place throughout the year, the most famous of which is the Daytona 500. Naturally, Daytona is also home to NASCAR headquarters. But it's so much more than just a race destination, as it's also a fun and family-friendly destination that attractions a wide range of 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 Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Daytona Beach?

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 Daytona Beach is $269, 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 Daytona Beach and Ponce in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Ponce $151
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Ponce

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach


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: Daytona Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Ponce $10

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 Daytona Beach or Ponce?

Prices for flights to both Ponce and Daytona Beach 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
    Daytona Beach $138
    Ponce $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach

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

  • Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53

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.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Ponce $56

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

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

  • Discovery Dolphin Boat Tour: $35
  • Wildlife Tour of Indian River Lagoon with Experienced Captain: $35
  • St. Johns River Cruise - Blue Spring State Park : $38
  • Paddle Pub Experience: $45
  • Scenic Mangrove Tunnel Paddle Tour – New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $50
  • New Smyrna Mangrove Paddle & Mimosa Tour: $55
  • Zipline Adventure through Tuscawilla Park: $59
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Dolphin and Wildlife Tour at Indian River Shores: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65

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
    Daytona Beach $43
    Ponce $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Daytona Beach:

  • Karaoke Party Bus Dive Bar Crawl: $40
  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $50

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


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Ponce?

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

Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach or Ponce in the Summer?

Both Ponce and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Daytona Beach is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Ponce. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Ponce 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Ponce in the Autumn?

Both Ponce and Daytona Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.

Daytona Beach is cooler than Ponce in the autumn. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Ponce gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in October than Ponce. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Ponce 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Ponce in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Ponce. The winter months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Daytona Beach is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the winter temperatures in Daytona Beach in January average around 58°F (14°C), and Ponce averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Ponce. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Ponce 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Ponce in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Ponce. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.

In April, Daytona Beach is generally cooler than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 69°F (21°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Ponce. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Ponce 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Ponce and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Ponce
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)