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

Should you visit Ponce or Hershey?

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 Hershey 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 Hershey?

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).

Hershey

Often called "Chocolatetown, USA" and "The Sweetest Place on Earth," Hershey, Pennsylvania is most known for being home to the famous Hershey's chocolates. The Hershey Company was founded in 1894 by Milton S. Hershey, and has grown to sell products in over sixty countries worldwide. Before the town was named Hershey, it was called Derry Church and was the hometown of the chocolatier. While there are now manufacturing plants in many locations, Hershey, PA, remains the location that draws the crowds. It is the place where the Hershey Company originated and is home to attractions like Hershey Park, Hershey Gardens, and Hershey's Chocolate World.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hershey 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 Hershey is $257. 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 Hershey in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ponce $151
    Hershey $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ponce $302
    Hershey $228
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Hershey

Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Hershey? 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 Hershey


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: Hershey Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ponce $10
    Hershey $49

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hershey

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hershey:

  • Private transfer from MDT airport to Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hershey: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Hershey?

Prices for flights to both Hershey 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
    Hershey $105

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 Hershey

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hershey:


  • Frozen Hot Chocolate
    $4.19
  • Plain and Fancy Farm
    $46
  • Homemade Apple Butter
    $7.98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hershey

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

  • Hershey Trolley Crawl and Evening Food Tour on a Vintage Trolley: $20
  • Hershey Trolley Food Tour Experience: $99
  • Rise and Dine Food Tour in Vintage Style Trolley: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ponce $56
    Hershey $53

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 Hershey

Here are a few typical costs in Hershey for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Hershey Chocolate World (for 3)
    $75

Tours and Activities in Hershey

Here are a few actual costs in Hershey for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Harrisburg's Historic Downtown Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $9.75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ponce $16
    Hershey $27

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 Hershey, we can see that Hershey 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 Hershey 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 Hershey Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ponce or Hershey?

Ponce has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Hershey, 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 Hershey?

Hershey 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 Hershey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Hershey. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hershey in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ponce is generally a little warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (83°F), and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ponce usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during summer. Ponce gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ponce usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hershey. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ponce 28°C (83°F) 
    Hershey 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Hershey. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Hershey for the shopping scene during these months.

Ponce is much warmer than Hershey in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Hershey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In the autumn, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Ponce gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun.

Ponce receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ponce usually gets more rain in October than Hershey. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ponce 28°C (82°F) 
    Hershey 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Ponce are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hershey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hershey can be very cold. In the winter, Ponce is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ponce in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Hershey averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during winter. Ponce gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ponce usually receives less rain than Hershey. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ponce 25°C (77°F) 
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey and Ponce during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Ponce is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 26°C (79°F), and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ponce. In the spring, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Ponce gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Ponce usually gets less rain in April than Hershey. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ponce 26°C (79°F) 
    Hershey 53°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Hershey and Ponce

Ponce Hershey
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)


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