Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Marathon?
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 Marathon or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon 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: Marathon or Ponce?
Marathon
You step outside your deluxe suite onto the balcony and are greeted with nothing less than tropical perfection. The hum of the ocean, the whispers of the palm trees, the songs of the seagulls - you bask in this paradise otherwise known as Marathon, Florida. A 10-mile-long island, the chain contains Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key and Grassy Key, along with Duck Key just another few minutes up the road.
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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
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Marathon Prices
USA PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarathon $195Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Marathon 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 Marathon and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarathon $76Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarathon $152Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Marathon and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Marathon 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: Marathon Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marathon $47Ponce $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 Marathon or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Marathon 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 dayMarathon $89Ponce $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.Marathon $27Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Marathon
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Marathon.
- Rhum Runner Aqua Park Adventure: $38
- Florida: Sunset Champagne Cruise on the Marathon Mermaid: $82
- Snorkeling Adventure by Boat at Sombrero Reef: $89
- Intro to Foilboarding Experience: $214
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 dayMarathon $24Ponce $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 Marathon and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Marathon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Marathon 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 Marathon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marathon 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 Marathon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Marathon Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Marathon or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon 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 Marathon or Ponce?
Marathon 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 Marathon or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Marathon during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In the summer, Marathon is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marathon in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (83°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the summer, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Ponce. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
Marathon usually gets less rain in July than Ponce. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 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 JulyMarathon 84°F (29°C)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Marathon or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Ponce. Many travelers come to Marathon for the natural beauty of the area. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Marathon is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 80°F (27°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during autumn. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Ponce receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Marathon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Marathon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ponce. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 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 OctoberMarathon 80°F (27°C)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Marathon or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Ponce. Many visitors come to Marathon in the winter for the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Marathon is cooler than Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the winter, Marathon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.
Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Ponce. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 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 JanuaryMarathon 70°F (21°C)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Marathon or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marathon for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Marathon is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marathon in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Ponce averages at about 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during spring. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Ponce. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 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 AprilMarathon 77°F (25°C)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Marathon
| Marathon | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 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.