Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Panama City?
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 Panama City or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City 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: Panama City or Ponce?
Panama City
As the tropical breeze kisses your face amidst the never-ending rows of palm trees and high-rise beach condos, you find both pleasure and peace in this popular beach vacation spot. Such a city could be no place else than Panama City, Florida, located on the Florida Panhandle on the Gulf Coast. The entire region is known for it's calm beach with white sand, blue water, and spring break and summer vacation fun. Panama City offers a multitude of hotels, parks, beaches, and restaurants to make it a prime destination to both party and relax. However, as you explore the city, you will find that Panama City acquires its own diverse, vibrant character unique to other beach towns. Bring out the fishing rods and boogie boards and take advantage of one of Florida's most popular destinations! It's a great destination for families, kids, younger travelers, singles, couples, and retirees alike.
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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
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Panama City Prices
USA PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPanama City $272Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Panama City is $272, 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 Panama City and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPanama City $128Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPanama City $256Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Panama City and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Panama City 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: Panama City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Panama City $48Ponce $10
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 Panama City or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Panama City 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 dayPanama City $115Ponce $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.Panama City $19Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Panama City
Here are a few actual costs in Panama City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay: $29
- Panama City Beach Dolphin Sightseeing Sail: $35
- Panama City Beach: Ripley's Believe It or Not! Combo Ticket: $37
- Panama City Beach: Dolphin Sightseeing Trip by Catamaran: $38
- Sunset Cruise with Good Jibez Only in Panama City Beach: $40
- Shell Island Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour in Panama City Beach: $40
- Dolphin Sightseeing Tour on The Footloose Catamaran from Panama City Beach: $40
- Panama City Beach: 90 Minute Sunset Tiki Boat Tour: $44
- 90 Minute Sunset Tiki Boat Tour: $45
- Panama City Beach: Shell Island Catamaran Snorkeling Tour: $49
- Footloose Catamaran Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Tour: $50
- Original CRUISIN TIKIS 90 min Cruise - Grand Lagoon : $54
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 dayPanama City $56Ponce $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 Panama City and Ponce, we can see that Panama City is more expensive. And not only is Ponce much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Panama City 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 Ponce would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ponce 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 Panama City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Panama City than you might in Ponce.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Panama City Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Panama City or Ponce?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City 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 Panama City or Ponce?
Panama City 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 Panama City or Ponce in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Panama City and Ponce. The beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Panama City this time of year. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Panama City is around the same temperature as Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Panama City usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during summer. Panama City gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Panama City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Panama City usually receives more rain than Ponce. Panama City gets 7.3 inches (184 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 JulyPanama City 82°F (28°C)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Panama City or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Panama City as well as Ponce. Many travelers come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
In the autumn, Panama City is cooler than Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Panama City in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Ponce averages at about 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 Panama City this time of the year. In the autumn, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Ponce. Panama City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Ponce. Panama City usually gets less rain in October than Ponce. Panama City gets 3.4 inches (86 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 OctoberPanama City 71°F (22°C)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Panama City or Ponce in the Winter?
Both Ponce and Panama City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Panama City in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Panama City is generally much colder than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Panama City average around 52°F (11°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. Panama City usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during winter. Panama City gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Panama City usually receives more rain than Ponce. Panama City gets 3.9 inches (99 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 JanuaryPanama City 52°F (11°C)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Panama City or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce and Panama City during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Panama City for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
Panama City is cooler than Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in Panama City averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Panama City. In the spring, Panama City often gets more sunshine than Ponce. Panama City gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.
Panama City usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ponce. Panama City gets 2.7 inches (69 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 AprilPanama City 68°F (20°C)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Panama City
| Panama City | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 52°F (11°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 55°F (13°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 61°F (16°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 68°F (20°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 74°F (24°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 80°F (27°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 82°F (28°C) | 7.3 inches (184 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 82°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 79°F (26°C) | 7.5 inches (192 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 71°F (22°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 63°F (17°C) | 3.2 inches (81 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 56°F (13°C) | 4.1 inches (104 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.