Which place is cheaper, Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?
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 Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?
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).
Ketchikan
Ketchikan, Alaska is located at the southern end of the well-known Alaskan inside passage. It is often called the beginning of the last frontier, because of it's location near the southern entrance of Alaska. It is a beautiful and quaint town, that leaves you feeling like you may have gone back in time with its storefront lined streets and natural beauty. Ketchikan has been called some of the most beautifully stunning wilderness area in the world. It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World due to the superior century old fishing industry in the area. The Native Culture in Ketchikan is extremely rich and it is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. The nearby Tongass rainforest provides red cedar trees for the popular totem poles, which are abundant in the area.
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 PricesKetchikan Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPonce $230Ketchikan $259
The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $230, while the average daily cost in Ketchikan is $259. 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 Ketchikan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPonce $151Ketchikan $136
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPonce $302Ketchikan $272
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Ketchikan
Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Ketchikan? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ponce $10Ketchikan $39
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ketchikan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Bus Ride$1.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Ketchikan?
Prices for flights to both Ketchikan 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 $61Ketchikan $92
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 Ketchikan
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Slice of Pie & Drink$5.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ketchikan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ketchikan.
- Alaskan Salmon Cooking Class & Dining Experience: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ponce $56Ketchikan $46
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 Ketchikan
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ketchikan are as follows:
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Ticket to Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show$35
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Duck Tour (one person)$38
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Bear Viewing Tour$83
Tours and Activities in Ketchikan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ketchikan are as follows:
- Ghost Walk Guided Tour: $35
- City Highlights Totem Parks and Sightseeing: $59
- Beautiful Totem Bight State Park and Rainforest Walking Tour: $75
- Ketchikan Duck Tour: $75
- Ketchikan, Alaska Native Cultural and Wildlife Adventure: $80
- Totem Pole, Wildlife & City Trolley Tour: $85
- From Potlatch Totem Park and Herring Cove Tour: $85
- 2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley: $85
- Clarke's Custom Island Tour (up to 11 guests): $90
- Wild Wolf Tour - 2 Hr: $92
- Fish Tales & Ales - 90 minute Historical Walking Tour of Fishing Fleet and Bars: $95
- 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour: $95
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPonce $16Ketchikan $23
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 Ketchikan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ketchikan:
- Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience: $149
- Distillery Tour with Infusion Class: $161
When comparing the travel costs between Ponce and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ponce or Ketchikan?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?
Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan in the Summer?
Both Ketchikan 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, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Ponce is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (83°F), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In July, Ponce usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPonce 28°C (83°F)Ketchikan 58°F (15°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Ketchikan in the Autumn?
Both Ketchikan 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Ponce is much warmer than Ketchikan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).
Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPonce 28°C (82°F)Ketchikan 46°F (8°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Ketchikan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Ketchikan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.
It's quite cold in Ketchikan in the winter. In the winter, Ponce is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ponce in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Ketchikan averages at about 34°F (1°C).
Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ponce usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPonce 25°C (77°F)Ketchikan 34°F (1°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Ketchikan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Ketchikan. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In April, Ponce is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 26°C (79°F), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).
It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Ponce usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPonce 26°C (79°F)Ketchikan 44°F (6°C)
Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Ponce
| Ponce | Ketchikan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 34°F (1°C) | 14.9 inches (379 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 38°F (3°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 10.6 inches (270 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 44°F (6°C) | 11.3 inches (286 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 9.3 inches (237 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 8.2 inches (209 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 7.6 inches (193 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 11.1 inches (281 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 46°F (8°C) | 22.9 inches (581 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 40°F (4°C) | 17.3 inches (441 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 15.7 inches (398 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.