Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Gainesville?
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 Gainesville or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville 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: Gainesville or Ponce?
Gainesville
Home to the University of Florida as well as Santa Fe College, the town of Gainesville has all of the shopping, entertainment, and restaurants that you could want in a college town - plus easy access to a number of outdoor adventures from canoeing, diving, and kayaking to birding, fishing, hiking, and biking. Some of the top features include the Butterfly Rainforest, the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, and Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park.
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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.
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Gainesville Prices
USA PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGainesville $267Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Gainesville is $267, 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 Gainesville and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGainesville $115Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGainesville $230Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Gainesville and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Gainesville 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: Gainesville Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gainesville $39Ponce $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 Gainesville or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Gainesville 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 dayGainesville $121Ponce $61
Typical Food Prices in Gainesville
Some typical examples of dining costs in Gainesville are as follows:
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Diner Breakfast for Two$17
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Lunch at Chop Stix (for 2)$24
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.Gainesville $43Ponce $56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Gainesville
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Gainesville are as follows:
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Manatee Tour for Two$98
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Tour Guide Tip$5.00
Tours and Activities in Gainesville
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Gainesville are as follows:
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Gainesville by Operation City Quest: $10
- 2 Hour Guided Clear Glass Bottom Kayak Tour Gilchrist Blue Spring: $60
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 dayGainesville $49Ponce $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 Gainesville and Ponce, we can see that Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Gainesville. When comparing the sizes of Gainesville 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 Gainesville or Ponce?
Gainesville 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 Gainesville or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Gainesville this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Gainesville is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gainesville in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (83°F).
It's quite rainy in Gainesville. In July, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Ponce. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 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 JulyGainesville 81°F (27°C)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Gainesville or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and Gainesville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Gainesville for the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In October, Gainesville is generally cooler than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 71°F (22°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Ponce gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gainesville usually gets less rain in October than Ponce. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Gainesville is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGainesville 71°F (22°C)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Gainesville or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Ponce. Many visitors come to Gainesville in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Gainesville is much colder than Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 54°F (12°C) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In January, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Ponce. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 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 JanuaryGainesville 54°F (12°C)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Gainesville or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Ponce. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
In the spring, Gainesville is cooler than Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gainesville in April average around 69°F (20°C), and Ponce averages at about 26°C (79°F).
Gainesville usually gets less rain in April than Ponce. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGainesville 69°F (20°C)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Gainesville
| Gainesville | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 54°F (12°C) | 2.9 inches (75 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 57°F (14°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 63°F (17°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 69°F (20°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (26°C) | 6.8 inches (174 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 6.8 inches (174 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 81°F (27°C) | 8.3 inches (211 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 78°F (26°C) | 5.5 inches (139 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 71°F (22°C) | 2 inches (51 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 63°F (17°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 56°F (14°C) | 2.9 inches (74 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.