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

Should you visit Ponce or Portland?

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 Portland 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 Portland?

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).

Portland

Referred to as "The City of Roses", Portland is the largest city in Oregon. It sits on the banks of the Columbia River and offers breathtaking views of Mount Hood when the weather allows. Portland is famous for its alternative vibe, live music scene, and popular microbreweries. It's also a mecca for environmentally conscious urban planning. The downtown area is quite compact and walkable. While the city itself may be smaller than you expect, it is still the largest metropolitan area between San Francisco and Seattle.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Portland 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 Portland is $211. 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 Portland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ponce $151
    Portland $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ponce $302
    Portland $194
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Portland

Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Portland? 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 Portland


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: Portland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ponce $10
    Portland $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:

  • Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
  • Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
  • Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
  • 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
  • San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
  • Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
  • Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
  • Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
  • Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland

Also for Portland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Portland Airport PDX: $40
  • Private Departure Transfer to Portland Airport (PDX): $40
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Beaverton hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Beaverton hotel to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Tigard hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Tigard hotel or address to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Lake Oswego to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Portland downtown - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Beaverton hotel - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Tigard hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Portland?

Prices for flights to both Portland 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
    Portland $74

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 Portland

For Portland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Afternoon Drinks (for 2)
    $9.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland

For Portland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Walking Food Tour – Warm Donuts & History: $57
  • Walking Pizza Tour: $75
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Westside Food Tour Like a Local: $90
  • Downtown Food Tour of 6 Local Favorites Dishes: $100
  • Portland Downtown Food Tour: 6 Tastings of Local & Global Flavors: $109
  • Alphabet District Food Tour: $119
  • 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise on Willamette River: $127
  • Willamette River 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise: $127
  • All-Inclusive Downtown Portland Food Tour: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ponce $56
    Portland $25

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 Portland

For Portland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Portland's Outdoor Sculptures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Portland (Downtown) Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour: $7.69
  • Portland Oregon Ghost Tour Paranormal Portland Ghost Tour: $15
  • Lan Su Chinese Garden General Admission Ticket: $16
  • Mount Hood Loop Scenic Drive Self Guided Audio Tour: $17
  • Hopscotch Portland Immersive Art Experience: $24
  • Portland Ghost Tour : Phantoms, Penance, and Poltergeists: $24
  • Portland Art Museum Entry Ticket: $25
  • Portland Party Bike Tours: The Classic Crawl - Public: $25
  • Intro to Portland Small Group Walking Tour: $29
  • Portland, Oregon: Soul of the City Walking Tour: $29
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ponce $16
    Portland $17

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 Portland

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Portland:

  • Power Through Portland Bar Crawl: $12
  • Private or Shared Party Bike Pub Crawl: $25
  • Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Oregon Priority Wine Tasting Pass: $40
  • Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings: $48
  • Guided Bike Tour with Brewery Visits: $65
  • Fun Pasta Making Class at a Local Brewery in Portland: $75
  • Fun Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery in Portland: $75
  • Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Portland, Maine: Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $99
  • Portland, Maine: Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
  • Urban Wine Tasting Tour: $139


When comparing the travel costs between Ponce and Portland, we can see that Ponce 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 Portland 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 Portland Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ponce or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Portland, 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 Portland?

Portland 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 Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Ponce during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In July, Ponce is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (83°F), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ponce. In the summer, Ponce often gets less sunshine than Portland. Ponce gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Ponce usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ponce 28°C (83°F) 
    Portland 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Portland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Ponce is much warmer than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Ponce gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ponce gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ponce usually receives more rain than Portland. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ponce 28°C (82°F) 
    Portland 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Portland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Portland. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Ponce is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ponce in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In the winter, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Portland. Ponce gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Portland. Ponce usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ponce 25°C (77°F) 
    Portland 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Ponce are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Ponce is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 26°C (79°F), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Portland during spring. Ponce gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ponce usually receives more rain than Portland. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ponce 26°C (79°F) 
    Portland 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Portland and Ponce

Ponce Portland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)