Which place is cheaper, Pasadena 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 Pasadena?
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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena?
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).
Pasadena
Pasadena, California is adjacent to Los Angeles and is probably most famous as the host for the New Year's Day Rose Parade and Rose Bowl football game. As such, it has become known as the City of Roses. Year around Pasadena is known to have a vibrant night life. It has a great Old Town area that has impressive shopping and many excellent restaurants. It's also home to the California Institute of Technology and has many museums, theaters, and independent films that make it a cultural haven for the area. Also make sure you visit the Huntington Library which has an impressive art collection and over 150 acres of botanical gardens. It's been featured in several Hollywood Films.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.
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Ponce Prices
Puerto Rico PricesPasadena Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPonce $230Pasadena $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $230, while the average daily cost in Pasadena is $76. 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 Pasadena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPonce $151Pasadena $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPonce $302Pasadena $50
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Pasadena
Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Pasadena? 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: Pasadena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ponce $10Pasadena $21
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Pasadena?
Prices for flights to both Pasadena 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 $61Pasadena $32
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 Pasadena
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pasadena are as follows:
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Casual Dinner Out (family of 4)$58
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ponce $56Pasadena -
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 Pasadena
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pasadena are as follows:
- Los Angeles Chocolate Salon and Festival Entry Ticket: $20
- Pasadena Ghost Tour: Purgatory Phantoms: $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPonce $16Pasadena -
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ponce and Pasadena, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Pasadena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ponce is in Caribbean Islands and Pasadena 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 Pasadena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pasadena 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 Ponce would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ponce than you might in Pasadena.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ponce Expensive? and Is Pasadena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ponce or Pasadena?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Pasadena. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Pasadena, 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 Pasadena?
Pasadena 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 Pasadena in the Summer?
Both Pasadena 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, many travelers come to Pasadena for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Ponce is a little warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ponce in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Pasadena averages at about 73°F (23°C).
In July, Ponce usually receives more rain than Pasadena. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPonce 28°C (83°F)Pasadena 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Pasadena in the Autumn?
Both Pasadena 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, many visitors come to Pasadena in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In October, Ponce is generally a little warmer than Pasadena. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (82°F), and Pasadena fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually gets more rain in October than Pasadena. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPonce 28°C (82°F)Pasadena 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Pasadena in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Pasadena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pasadena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Ponce is much warmer than Pasadena in the winter. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Pasadena fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).
In January, Ponce usually receives less rain than Pasadena. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPonce 25°C (77°F)Pasadena 56°F (13°C)
Should I visit Ponce or Pasadena in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Pasadena. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Ponce is much warmer than Pasadena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ponce in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Pasadena averages at about 62°F (17°C).
Ponce usually gets more rain in April than Pasadena. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Pasadena receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPonce 26°C (79°F)Pasadena 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for Pasadena and Ponce
| Ponce | Pasadena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.5 inches (63 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (63 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 65°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (4 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 69°F (20°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0 inches (0 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 1.6 inches (42 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 1.7 inches (43 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.