Which place is cheaper, Houston 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 Houston?
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 Houston 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 Houston?
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).
Houston
The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Ponce Prices
Puerto Rico PricesHouston Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPonce $230Houston $287
The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $230, while the average daily cost in Houston is $287. 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 Houston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPonce $151Houston $142
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPonce $302Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Houston
Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Houston? 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: Houston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ponce $10Houston $72
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 Houston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:
- Private Transfer IAH Airport to Houston Space Center Galveston: $42
- Private Departure Transfer to Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
- Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
- Private Departure Transfer from Galveston to HOU Airport: $54
- Private One-way Transfer from Houston to George Bush Airport : $77
- Private One-way Transfer from George Bush Airport to Houston: $77
- Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
- Houston Airport (HOU) to Galveston Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
- Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
- Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $119
- Departure Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH by Sedan: $119
- Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Luxury SUV: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Houston?
Prices for flights to both Houston 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 $61Houston $60
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston: $75
- Fun Pasta Making Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
- The Heights Food Tour in Houston: $80
- Downtown Houston Food Tour: $80
- Houston Downtown Food Tour with 6 Tastings of Tradition & Fusion: $85
- East Downtown Food Tour: $90
- Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $93
- French Cooking Class in Houston (Includes 3-Course Meal): $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ponce $56Houston $14
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 Houston
Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Entry Ticket: $10
- Houston Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $12
- Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket: $12
- Burke Baker Planetarium Admission Ticket: $12
- Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour: $15
- Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern Experiential Tour: $15
- The Cistern Experience in Spanish and English Bilingual: $15
- Children's Museum Houston Entry Ticket: $20
- HTX Adventure Park Admission – ATV Rental Fee Not Included : $20
- Holocaust Museum Houston Entry Ticket: $22
- Houston Hollow Heart Hauntings Ghost Tour: $24
- Houston Museum of Natural Science General Admission Ticket: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPonce $16Houston $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 Houston
Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Houston Hustle Bar Crawl: $15
- Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
- Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
- 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ponce and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Ponce much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ponce is in Caribbean Islands and Houston 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 Ponce would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ponce 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston than you might in Ponce.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ponce Expensive? and Is Houston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ponce or Houston?
Houston has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Houston, 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 Houston?
Houston 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 Houston in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Houston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Ponce is around the same temperature as Houston in the summer. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Ponce usually receives less rain than Houston. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPonce 28°C (83°F)Houston 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Houston in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Houston. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In the autumn, Ponce is a little warmer than Houston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ponce in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Houston averages at about 71°F (22°C).
It's quite rainy in Houston. Ponce receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ponce usually gets more rain in October than Houston. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPonce 28°C (82°F)Houston 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Houston in the Winter?
Both Houston 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, most visitors come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Ponce is generally much warmer than Houston. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 25°C (77°F), and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
In January, Ponce usually receives less rain than Houston. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPonce 25°C (77°F)Houston 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Houston in the Spring?
Both Houston 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. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Houston because of the activities around the city.
Ponce is a little warmer than Houston in the spring. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
Ponce usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPonce 26°C (79°F)Houston 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Houston and Ponce
| Ponce | Houston | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.