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

Should you visit Ponce or Portland, Maine?

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, Maine 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, Maine?

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, Maine

The largest city in the U.S. state of Maine, Portland has much to offer with its most visited areas being the historic Old Port and the Arts District. They are a mix of the old and new, with a historic feel of the waterfront port versus the contemporary culture of the local art scene. In addition to these popular locations, the Portland area is marked with historical landmarks and museums, places to shop, award-winning restaurants, and activities in areas just outside the city as well.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Portland, Maine 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, Maine is $227. 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, Maine in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ponce $151
    Portland, Maine $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ponce $302
    Portland, Maine $230
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Portland, Maine

Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Portland, Maine? 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, Maine


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, Maine Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ponce $10
    Portland, Maine $34

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 Portland, Maine

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portland, Maine:

  • Private Transfer from Portland city to Portland Cruise Port: $75
  • Private Transfer from Portland Cruise Port to Portland city: $75
  • Private Transfer from Portland Port to Portland Jetport (PWM): $136

Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Portland, Maine?

Prices for flights to both Portland, Maine 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, Maine $84

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, Maine

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Portland, Maine:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $17
  • Dinner for 2
    $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland, Maine

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portland, Maine.

  • Portland: Walking Food Tour – Warm Donuts & History: $57

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ponce $56
    Portland, Maine $39

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 Portland, Maine

Here are a few actual costs in Portland, Maine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Audio Guided Walking Tour from Old Port of Portland, Maine: $7.75
  • Historical Walking Tour of Portland’s Old Port District: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Portland by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Portland Maine Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $12
  • Ultimate Portland Self-Guided Driving GPS Audio Tour: $15
  • Portland Maine Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle: $20
  • 2-Hour Portland Old Port Ghost Walking Tour: $29
  • Port City Lights Cruise: $39
  • Portland: Sightseeing Cruise to Portland Head Light: $41
  • Vintage Fire Truck Sightseeing Tour of Portland Maine: $42
  • Tour in Vintage Fire Engine: $43
  • Portland: Land and Sea Tour Duck Tour with a Guide: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ponce $16
    Portland, Maine $24

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, Maine

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portland, Maine:

  • Portland Old Port Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $99
  • Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
  • Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $99


When comparing the travel costs between Ponce and Portland, Maine, 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, Maine 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, Maine Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ponce or Portland, Maine?

Ponce has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Portland, Maine, 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, Maine?

Portland, Maine 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, Maine in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Portland, Maine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ponce is a little warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ponce in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Portland, Maine averages at about 69°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland, Maine this time of the year. In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ponce usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland, Maine during summer. Ponce gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ponce usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ponce 28°C (83°F) 
    Portland, Maine 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Portland, Maine. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Ponce is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (82°F), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In the autumn, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Ponce gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 196 hours of full sun.

Ponce receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ponce usually gets more rain in October than Portland, Maine. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ponce 28°C (82°F) 
    Portland, Maine 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

Both Portland, Maine 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, the winter months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Portland, Maine can be very cold. Ponce is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the winter. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Portland, Maine during winter. Ponce gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Portland, Maine receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ponce usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ponce 25°C (77°F) 
    Portland, Maine 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Ponce or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine 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 beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

In the spring, Ponce is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ponce in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Portland, Maine averages at about 43°F (6°C).

In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ponce. In the spring, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Portland, Maine. Ponce gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland, Maine receives 212 hours of full sun.

Ponce usually gets less rain in April than Portland, Maine. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ponce 26°C (79°F) 
    Portland, Maine 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Ponce

Ponce Portland, Maine
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)