Which place is cheaper, Columbia or Ponce?
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 Ponce or Columbia?
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 Columbia 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 Columbia?
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).
Columbia
Both the largest and capital city of South Carolina, Columbia is literally the center of everything. Geographically it is located in the middle of the state, and it is the home to the University of South Carolina, the Army's Fort Jackson, as well as a variety of museums that celebrate the city's art, history, and culture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.
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Ponce Prices
Puerto Rico PricesColumbia Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPonce $230Columbia $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $230, while the average daily cost in Columbia is $0.00. 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 Columbia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPonce $151Columbia -
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPonce $302Columbia $0.00
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Columbia
Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Columbia? 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: Columbia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ponce $10Columbia -
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 Columbia?
Prices for flights to both Columbia 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
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Food Meals for one dayPonce $61Columbia $8.70
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.Ponce $56Columbia -
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 Columbia
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Columbia are as follows:
- Lanterns and Lunacy of the Lost: Cruel Columbia Ghost Tours: $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPonce $16Columbia $88
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 Ponce and Columbia, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ponce is in Caribbean Islands and Columbia is in North America, 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 Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Columbia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ponce Expensive? and Is Columbia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ponce or Columbia?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Columbia, 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 Columbia?
Columbia 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 Columbia in the Summer?
Both Columbia 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, many visitors come to Columbia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
Ponce is around the same temperature as Columbia in the summer. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Columbia fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
It's quite sunny in Columbia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia during summer. Ponce gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia. In July, Ponce usually receives less rain than Columbia. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPonce 28°C (83°F)Columbia 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Columbia in the Autumn?
Both Columbia 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, most visitors come to Columbia for the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Ponce is much warmer than Columbia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ponce in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Columbia averages at about 64°F (18°C).
In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ponce. In the autumn, Ponce often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia. Ponce gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually gets more rain in October than Columbia. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPonce 28°C (82°F)Columbia 64°F (18°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Columbia in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Columbia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Columbia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Ponce is generally much warmer than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 25°C (77°F), and Columbia fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Columbia during winter. Ponce gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Ponce usually receives less rain than Columbia. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPonce 25°C (77°F)Columbia 45°F (7°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Columbia in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Columbia. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Ponce is a little warmer than Columbia in the spring. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In the spring, Ponce often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia. Ponce gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun.
Ponce usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Columbia. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPonce 26°C (79°F)Columbia 64°F (18°C)
Typical Weather for Columbia and Ponce
| Ponce | Columbia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
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.