Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Miami?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Miami 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 Miami and Ponce can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Miami or Ponce?
Miami
Miami is a popular tourist destination and a modern city in South Florida. It has beautiful white beaches, crystal blue waters, cosmopolitan neighborhoods, impressive shopping, and excellent dining opportunities. It is also a gateway to the Florida Keys, which is another popular destination in South Florida.
Miami is the second most populated city in Florida and the metropolitan area is the most populated in the state with more than 5.4 million people. It's also the 7th largest metro area in the country. The city sits between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west. It covers 110 miles north to south but is a narrow 20 miles east to west.
Miami sits at a low latitude, giving it a subtropical savannah climate. There are two seasons; the warm and dry season between November and April and the hot and wet season between May and October. The coldest months are between December and March when highs are in the upper 70 or low 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months have highs in the upper 80s or 90s and lows in the mid 70s with high humidity.
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.
-
Miami Prices
USA PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMiami $258Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $258, 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 Miami and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMiami $154Ponce $151
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMiami $308Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Miami and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Miami 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: Miami Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Miami $38Ponce $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:
-
Car Rental for a Day$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:
- MIA Airport One-Way Private Transfer to Miami Port: $22
- MIA Airport Private Transfer to Miami or Miami Beach: $22
- Miami Private Transfers: Airport, Cruise, Point-to-Point.: $33
- Private Transfer From Miami Airport (MIA): $36
- Privat Transfer from Miami Airport (MIA) to Cruise Port of Miami: $37
- Private Airport Transfer to/from Airport & Hotel: $39
- From Everglades Wildlife Show, Airboat & Bus Transfer: $40
- MIA Airport RoundTrip Transfer to Miami City/Beach: $44
- Private Cruise Port Transfer from MIA Airport or Any Miami Hotel: $50
- Everglades Airboat, Gator Encounter & Bus Transfer: $50
- Private Airport Transfer: $60
- From Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Miami 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 dayMiami $72Ponce $61
Typical Food Prices in Miami
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:
-
Lunch with Drinks (for 2)$45
-
David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.
- The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $67
- Little Havana Street Food Tour with Enthusiastic Guide: $69
- South Beach Food Tour: $70
- Taste of Little Havana Food Tour in Miami with Cuban Street Food: $75
- Miami Mosaic Signature Food Tour: $75
- Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $91
- Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
- Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100
- Ukrainian cooking class in Miami: $150
- Traditional Cuban Cooking Class in Miami: $155
- Food Tour in Little Havana, Miami: $216
- Miami : Small Group Cuban Cooking Class: $620
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.Miami $31Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Miami
Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bus & Boat Ultimate Sightseeing Combo Tour: $6.16
- Little Havana Smartphone guided Audio App Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
- Wynwood Art Walk Self-Guided Tour of Murals & Creativity: $7.99
- Private and Exclusive Jet Car Experience: $8.25
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Miami by Wacky Walks: $10
- Tubing Ride Experience: $11
- Jet Ski Miami : Experience the Ultimate Water Fun !: $11
- Miami Biscayne Bay: Sunset Boat Cruise & Millionaire Homes: $12
- Wynwood Walls Skip-the-Line Ticket: $13
- Miami Skyline Millionaire Cruise & Bus Tour 5 stops & Coffee: $14
- Miami ATV Off-Road Adventure: FREE PASSENGER : $15
- Miami ATV & Night Riding Experience FREE GOGGLES AND HELMETS: $15
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 dayMiami $22Ponce $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:
-
Evening at a Bar$32
Sample the Local Flavors in Miami
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:
- Miami Florida Bar Crawl: $15
- #1 Miami Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $19
- Guided Pub Crawl Miami and Club Entry Wynwood: $21
- Miami Bar Crawl: $29
- Guided Bar Crawl with Drinks Discounts and Club Entry: $29
- Pub Crawl Miami: $30
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Miami Bachelorette Bar Crawl: $40
- Pedal Pub Art District Party Bike Pub Crawl: $41
- Miami Pedal Pub: Arts District Party Bike Pub Crawl: $58
- Small-Group Brewery Golf Cart Tour of Wynwood with a Local Guide: $59
- Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
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 Miami and Ponce, we can see that Miami 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 Miami 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 Miami Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Miami or Ponce?
Miami has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Miami 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 Miami or Ponce?
Miami 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 Miami or Ponce in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Ponce. Many travelers come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Miami is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Miami in July average around 83°F (28°C), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during summer. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Miami usually receives more rain than Ponce. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMiami 83°F (28°C)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Miami or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Miami as well as Ponce. Many visitors come to Miami in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
In October, Miami is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 78°F (26°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the autumn, Miami often gets more sunshine than Ponce. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Ponce. Miami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Miami usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ponce. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMiami 78°F (26°C)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Miami or Ponce in the Winter?
Both Ponce and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Miami is cooler than Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 67°F (20°C) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during winter. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Miami usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ponce. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMiami 67°F (20°C)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Miami or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce and Miami during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Miami because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In the spring, Miami is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Miami in April average around 75°F (24°C), and Ponce averages at about 26°C (79°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Miami. In the spring, Miami often gets more sunshine than Ponce. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.
Miami usually gets more rain in April than Ponce. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMiami 75°F (24°C)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Miami
| Miami | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 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.