Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Durham?
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 Durham 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 Durham and Ponce can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Durham or Ponce?
Durham
Durham is a city in central North Carolina with about 230,000 residents. Together with Raleigh and Chapel Hill, it forms the Research Triangle area. Durham is often referred to as the "City of Medicine" and is home to the famous Duke University.
Durham's history is rooted in tobacco. The Duke family established American Tobacco, which controlled 90% of all cigarette production in the US during the second half of the 19th century. The family donated money to Trinity College, which changed its name to Duke University in 1924.
Today much of Durham's economy is centered around the university and Research Triangle Park. The area has many technology and pharmaceutical jobs and the economy continues to grow.
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 United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.
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Durham Prices
USA PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDurham $195Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Durham is $195, 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 Durham and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDurham $92Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDurham $184Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Durham and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Durham 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: Durham Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Durham $33Ponce $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 Durham or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Durham 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 dayDurham $77Ponce $61
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.Durham $26Ponce $56
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
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
- 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDurham $34Ponce $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 Durham and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Durham much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Durham 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 Durham would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Durham 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 Durham.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Durham Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Durham or Ponce?
Durham has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Durham 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 Durham or Ponce?
Durham 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 Durham or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Durham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Durham for the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Durham is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 79°F (26°C), 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 Durham. Durham usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during summer. Durham gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Durham. In July, Durham usually receives more rain than Ponce. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDurham 79°F (26°C)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Durham or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and Durham during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Durham in the autumn for the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
Durham is much colder than Ponce in the autumn. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 61°F (16°C) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Durham. In the autumn, Durham often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Durham gets 211 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. Durham usually gets less rain in October than Ponce. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDurham 61°F (16°C)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Durham or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Ponce. Most visitors come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Durham can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Durham is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the winter temperatures in Durham in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Ponce averages at about 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. Durham usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during winter. Durham gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Durham usually receives more rain than Ponce. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDurham 40°F (5°C)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Durham or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Durham as well as Ponce. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
In April, Durham is generally much colder than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 60°F (16°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In the spring, Durham often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Durham gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.
Durham usually gets more rain in April than Ponce. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDurham 60°F (16°C)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Durham
| Durham | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 52°F (11°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 60°F (16°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 76°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 4.9 inches (125 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 73°F (23°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 61°F (16°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 53°F (11°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 3.1 inches (78 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.