A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ponce vs. Bar Harbor for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ponce or Bar Harbor?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Ponce and Bar Harbor can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Ponce or Bar Harbor?

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).

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a seafront town located on Mount Desert Island just off the coast of Maine. The Wabanaki Indians who seasonally fished, hunted and gathered berries, clams, and other shellfish in the area, called it the ‘clam-gathering' or ‘clambake' place. Eventually the area was settled by Europeans who established industries in fishing, lumbering, shipbuilding, and agriculture. Its maritime scenery even attracted artists of the Hudson River School like Thomas Cole, and the area soon became a seasonal resort for the affluent, comparable to that of Newport, Rhode Island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Bar Harbor or Ponce?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $230, while the average daily cost in Bar Harbor is $243. 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 Ponce and Bar Harbor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ponce $151
    Bar Harbor $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ponce $302
    Bar Harbor $234
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Bar Harbor

Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Bar Harbor? 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.

Hotels in Ponce


Hotels in Bar Harbor


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: Bar Harbor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ponce $10
    Bar Harbor $35

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 Ponce or Bar Harbor?

Prices for flights to both Bar Harbor and Ponce 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 day
    Ponce $61
    Bar Harbor $98

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

Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ponce $56
    Bar Harbor $39

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • Acadia National Park Entrance Fee
    $25
  • Sunset Cruise (for 4)
    $96

Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bar Harbor are as follows:

  • Self Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour Acadia NP From Hulls Cove VC: $9.50
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Historic Bar Harbor Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide: $13
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Ultimate Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Acadia National Park: $20
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
  • Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $30
  • Bar Harbor Walking Tour: $30
  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ponce $16
    Bar Harbor $30

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 Ponce and Bar Harbor, we can see that Bar Harbor 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 Ponce is in Caribbean Islands and Bar Harbor is in North America, 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 Ponce Expensive? and Is Bar Harbor Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ponce or Bar Harbor?

Ponce has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Bar Harbor, 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 Ponce or Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor 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 Ponce or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

Both Bar Harbor and Ponce are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

In July, Ponce is generally a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (83°F), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In July, Ponce usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ponce 28°C (83°F) 
    Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

Both Bar Harbor and Ponce during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Ponce is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually gets more rain in October than Bar Harbor. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ponce 28°C (82°F) 
    Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Bar Harbor. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Also, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Bar Harbor can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Ponce is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ponce in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Bar Harbor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Ponce usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ponce 25°C (77°F) 
    Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Bar Harbor. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Ponce is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 26°C (79°F), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Ponce usually gets less rain in April than Bar Harbor. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ponce 26°C (79°F) 
    Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Ponce

Ponce Bar Harbor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)