Which place is cheaper, Kauai 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 Kauai?
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 Kauai 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 Kauai?
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).
Kauai
Hawaii is certainly a bucket list destination, but what if you want to do it without being surrounded by tourists? You want the adventure of the land of volcanoes and less of the kids in water wings. Then Kaua'i is the island for you.
Kaua'i, or the "garden island," is full of tropical forests, little villages and even more laid back lifestyle – if you can imagine. It's a smaller island at 560 square miles with a population of only 68,000.
With more coastline miles than any other island, Kaua'i is the result of massive erosion forming awe-inspiring sights like the Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast. The island experiences more rainfall every year – keeping it lush and green all year.
You'll feel like you've walked into another world in Kaua'i. Because of height restrictions, this island's buildings are no taller than the coconut trees. So if you're looking for an escape from civilization, you'll want to head straight for Kaua'i.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.
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Ponce Prices
Puerto Rico PricesKauai Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPonce $230Kauai $231
The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $230, while the average daily cost in Kauai is $231. 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 Kauai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPonce $151Kauai $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPonce $302Kauai $226
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Kauai
Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Kauai? 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: Kauai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ponce $10Kauai $34
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kauai
Also for Kauai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private SUV Transfer- Lihue Airport to Lihue/Kapaa : $149
- Private SUV Transfer-LIH Airport to Koloa/Poipu : $179
Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Kauai?
Prices for flights to both Kauai 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 $61Kauai $96
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 Kauai
For Kauai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Allerton Garden and Estate Tour with Sunset Dinner: $106
- Local Tastes Small Group Food Tour: $121
- Walking Food Tour of Hanalei, Kauaʻi : $129
- Local Dishes Cooking Class: $174
- Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Buffet Dinner and Show: $179
- Luau Ka Hikina Admission Ticket with Dinner and Lei Greeting: $189
- Luau Kalamaku – Elevated Seating, Dinner & Show: $198
- Napali Coast Sunset Sailboat Tour with Dinner: $226
- Napali Sunset Dinner Cruise: $226
- VIP Manor House Dinner & Luau Kalamaku Show: $237
- Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Manor House 4-Course Dinner & Show: $251
- Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail: $264
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ponce $56Kauai $17
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
Tours and Activities in Kauai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kauai.
- Ultimate Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Kauai (Na Pali, Waimea), Hawaii: $15
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Kauai: $20
- Kauai Poipu and Koloa Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
- Kauai Wailua Valley & Waterfalls Audio Driving Tour: $20
- Waimea Canyon & Na Pali Driving Tour app: $23
- Kauai Adventure Bundle: 4 Epic Audio Driving Tours : $35
- Allerton Garden Guided Group Walking Tour: $64
- Kauai Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Journey to Waimea Canyon: $97
- Mālama Kai Adventure Snorkel: $102
- Kauai Cruise Ship Excursion: Wailua River & Fern Grotto: $109
- Kalapaki Kai Sunset Catamaran Cruise: $109
- Catamaran Sunset Cruise: $114
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPonce $16Kauai $14
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 Kauai, we can see that Kauai 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 Kauai 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 Kauai Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Ponce or Kauai?
Kauai 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 Kauai in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Kauai. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Kauai for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Ponce is a little warmer than Kauai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ponce in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Kauai averages at about 78°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kauai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In the summer, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Ponce gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun.
Ponce usually gets more rain in July than Kauai. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPonce 28°C (83°F)Kauai 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Kauai in the Autumn?
Both Kauai 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, many visitors come to Kauai in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Ponce is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (82°F), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Kauai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during autumn. Ponce gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Ponce. In October, Ponce usually receives more rain than Kauai. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPonce 28°C (82°F)Kauai 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Kauai in the Winter?
Both Kauai 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. Also, most visitors come to Kauai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Ponce is a little warmer than Kauai in the winter. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. In the winter, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Ponce gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun.
Ponce usually gets less rain in January than Kauai. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPonce 25°C (77°F)Kauai 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Kauai in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Kauai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kauai because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Ponce is a little warmer than Kauai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ponce in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Kauai averages at about 73°F (23°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during spring. Ponce gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ponce usually receives more rain than Kauai. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPonce 26°C (79°F)Kauai 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Kauai and Ponce
| Ponce | Kauai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 0.6 inches (17 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 0.6 inches (16 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1 inches (26 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.5 inches (62 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.