Which place is cheaper, Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg?
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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg?
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).
Gatlinburg
Located in eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for many it is a destination in and of itself. It's anything but natural, and most of its entertainment is centered around amusement park rides and gimmicky sights. You'll find no shortage of cheap hotels and restaurant options, many of which are the typical chains you would find in most tourist towns. It is a convenient town to pick up any necessities you may have forgotten before your visit to the nearby national park.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.
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Ponce Prices
Puerto Rico PricesGatlinburg Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPonce $230Gatlinburg $253
The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $230, while the average daily cost in Gatlinburg is $253. 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 Gatlinburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPonce $151Gatlinburg $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPonce $302Gatlinburg $160
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Gatlinburg
Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Gatlinburg? 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: Gatlinburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ponce $10Gatlinburg $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- 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
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Gatlinburg?
Prices for flights to both Gatlinburg 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 $61Gatlinburg $148
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 Gatlinburg
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Gatlinburg:
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Chinese Food Dinner (for 2)$21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gatlinburg
For Gatlinburg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taste the Smokies Appalachian Inspired Cooking Classes: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ponce $56Gatlinburg $24
Tours and Activities in Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
- Scuba Boat Diving Experience in Gilligan's Island at Copamarina: $160
- 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
- 5 hours Tour in La Parguera Private Boat Charter: $200
- 7 Hours River Tour with Beach and Learn to Make Piña Colada : $195
- 8 Hours Private Tours in Puerto Rico: $150
- Adventure in Cave and the Guayaney Spring: $99
- Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140
- Aguadilla 6 Hour Local Tour: $150
- Camuy Caves Experience Tour with transportation: $130
- Cave Hopping Tour: $198
- Caves Coastlines and Beach; Cueva del Indio, Arecibo Adventure : $125
Typical Entertainment Prices in Gatlinburg
For Gatlinburg, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Photos$22
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Horseback Riding (for 2)$55
Tours and Activities in Gatlinburg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gatlinburg.
- Great Smoky Mountains NP Driving Tour smartphone autoplay APP/GPS: $9.75
- Clingmans Dome Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Museum of the Cherokee People Admission Ticket: $15
- Gatlinburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $15
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
- Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Admission Ticket in Pigeon Forge: $18
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Great Smoky Mountains: $20
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pigeon Forge by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Gatlinburg Ghosts of The Smokies Most Haunted Tour: $25
- Great Smoky Mountains & Cades Cove Self-Guided Driving Tours: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPonce $16Gatlinburg $15
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 Gatlinburg
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Gatlinburg:
- Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour From Pigeon Forge: $85
When comparing the travel costs between Ponce and Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ponce or Gatlinburg?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Gatlinburg, 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 Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Gatlinburg. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking during these months.
In July, Ponce is generally around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (83°F), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In the summer, Ponce often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg. Ponce gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. Ponce usually gets less rain in July than Gatlinburg. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPonce 28°C (83°F)Gatlinburg 81°F (27°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?
Both Gatlinburg and Ponce are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
Ponce is much warmer than Gatlinburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during autumn. Ponce gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Ponce. In October, Ponce usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPonce 28°C (82°F)Gatlinburg 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Gatlinburg in the Winter?
Both Gatlinburg and Ponce during the winter 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 skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.
It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. In the winter, Ponce is much warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ponce in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Gatlinburg averages at about 40°F (5°C).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. In the winter, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Ponce gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.
Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ponce usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPonce 25°C (77°F)Gatlinburg 40°F (5°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Gatlinburg in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Gatlinburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In April, Ponce is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 26°C (79°F), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ponce usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during spring. Ponce gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ponce usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPonce 26°C (79°F)Gatlinburg 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Ponce
| Ponce | Gatlinburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 40°F (5°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 4.7 inches (120 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 4.8 inches (123 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 4.7 inches (119 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 53°F (12°C) | 3.5 inches (90 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 44°F (7°C) | 4.5 inches (114 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.