Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Lima?
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 Lima or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lima and Ponce. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Lima or Ponce?
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Lima Prices
Peru PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLima $95Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Lima is $95, 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 Lima and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLima $52Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLima $104Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Lima and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Lima 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: Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lima $6.06Ponce $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Short Taxi Ride$4.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.95
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.95
- LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
- Private Transfer from Lima Airport (LIM): $13
- Private Transfer to Lima Airport (LIM): $13
- Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $16
- Private Transfer from Lima Airport (LIM) to Callao Port: $17
- Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $17
- Private Airport Transfer to Miraflores San Isidro and Barranco: $18
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima Hotels: $18
- Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $18
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 Lima or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Lima 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 dayLima $32Ponce $61
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.59
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Ice cream$3.73
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Coffee$3.15
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Donut$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $32
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $40
- Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour : $48
- #1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class: $49
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $55
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Peru’s Most Beloved Recipes Cooking Class: $58
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- Lima Night: Cooking Experience with locals: $65
- Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $65
- Vegan Peruvian Food Cooking Class | Ceviche + Pisco Sour: $69
- 4 iconic restaurants of Lima / 3-hour guided food tour: $69
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.Lima $9.15Ponce $56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$17
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Movie Tickets$2.44
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Lima City Tour with Baby Alpaca Class and Pisco Tasting: $16
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $18
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- Bike Tour Lima: $19
- Water Magic Circuit Lima Night Tour by Panoramic Bus: $20
- Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
- Bohemian and artistic ravine walking tour: $22
- Lima Half-Day City Walking Tour (Small Groups): $24
- Pisco Sour experience with mini causitas at República del Pisco: $25
- Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $25
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLima $5.95Ponce $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.71
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Beer$4.30
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Cocktail$3.44
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $19
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $30
- Local Wine Tour : $55
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
- Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima : $138
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 Lima and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lima is in South 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 Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lima Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lima or Ponce?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Lima 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 Lima or Ponce?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Lima or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Lima are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Lima usually receives less rain than Ponce. Lima gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Ponce. Lima usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during summer. Lima gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Lima is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lima in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLima 18°C (64°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Lima or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and Lima during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
Ponce gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lima usually gets less rain in October than Ponce. Lima gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Lima often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Lima gets 60 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.
In October, Lima is generally cooler than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Lima average around 19°C (66°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLima 19°C (66°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Lima or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lima and Ponce. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Lima usually receives less rain than Ponce. Lima gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. Lima usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during winter. Lima gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
Lima is around the same temperature as Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Lima averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLima 23°C (73°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Lima or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Lima as well as Ponce. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Lima usually gets less rain in April than Ponce. Lima gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In the spring, Lima often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Lima gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Lima is cooler than Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lima in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Ponce averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLima 22°C (72°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Lima
| Lima | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 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.