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

Should you visit Ponce or Berkeley?

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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley?

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).

Berkeley

Berkeley is considered to be perhaps the most progressive or liberal city in the United States. The town has deep roots in the Free Speech movement of the 1960s. Visitors, students, and locals alike will find an eclectic mix of cultures and viewpoints. The city's free-thinking environment has witnessed the creation of quality attractions, great food from many world cultures, and of course the internationally renowned University of California, Berkeley (also known as "Cal" or "Cal Berkeley").

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley 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 Berkeley is $217. 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 Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ponce $151
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ponce $302
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Berkeley? 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 Berkeley


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: Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ponce $10
    Berkeley $30

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK: $81
  • Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97
  • Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to Oakland by SUV: $270

Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley 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
    Berkeley $63

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 Berkeley

Some typical examples of dining costs in Berkeley are as follows:


  • Chocolates at Sweet Dreams
    $4.46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berkeley

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Berkeley.

  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $137
  • Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ponce $56
    Berkeley $30

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

Tours and Activities in Berkeley

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

  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $15
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Experience Create your own jewelry workshop for beginners: $95
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $100
  • Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $126

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ponce $16
    Berkeley $13

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Berkeley

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Berkeley:

  • Guided Wine Tasting at Berkeley Wineries with Local Sommelière : $175
  • Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175


When comparing the travel costs between Ponce and Berkeley, we can see that Ponce 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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ponce or Berkeley?

Ponce has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Berkeley, 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 Berkeley?

Berkeley 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 Berkeley in the Summer?

Both Berkeley 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 summer months attract visitors to Berkeley because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ponce is much warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ponce in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In July, Ponce usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ponce 28°C (83°F) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Berkeley in the Autumn?

Both Berkeley 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. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Berkeley this time of year.

In October, Ponce is generally much warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (82°F), and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually gets more rain in October than Berkeley. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ponce 28°C (82°F) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Berkeley in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Berkeley. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Berkeley for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ponce is much warmer than Berkeley in the winter. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In January, Ponce usually receives less rain than Berkeley. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ponce 25°C (77°F) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Berkeley in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Berkeley. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Berkeley in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ponce is much warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ponce in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Berkeley averages at about 58°F (14°C).

Ponce usually gets more rain in April than Berkeley. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ponce 26°C (79°F) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Ponce

Ponce Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)