Which place is cheaper, Whistler 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 Whistler?
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 Whistler 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 Whistler?
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).
Whistler
Located in the province of British Columbia in Canada, Whistler is most famous as the largest ski area in North America. It is also only a short distance from the city of Vancouver, and offers countless opportunities for snow boarding and other winter sports. The town has a permanent population of almost 10,000 and there is a larger seasonal population of workers that come from all over the world. Whistler is a major travel destination with more than two million people visiting the town yearly. As such, there are countless amenities available to visitors. Hotels can vary dramatically in price and quality. There are some budget options, including a couple of hostels in the area, but most people do not visit Whistler as a budget travel destination. It's usually an expensive vacation, but few would argue that it isn't worth the cost.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.
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Ponce Prices
Puerto Rico PricesWhistler Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPonce $230Whistler $146
The average daily cost (per person) in Ponce is $230, while the average daily cost in Whistler is $146. 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 Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPonce $151Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPonce $302Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Ponce and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Ponce or Whistler? 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: Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ponce $10Whistler $20
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whistler
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:
- Vancouver Airport Private Transfer to Whistler: $133
- Whistler to Vancouver Scenic Seaplane Transfer: One Way: $210
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $560
- Private Transfer from Richmond BC to Whistler: $684
Is it cheaper to fly into Ponce or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler 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 $61Whistler $52
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 Whistler
Some typical examples of dining costs in Whistler are as follows:
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Coffee at Starbucks$12
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Tim Hortons Breakfast$12
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Coffee at Timmy's$3.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whistler
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Whistler.
- Finer Things: 4-Course Dinner Tour in Whistler: $121
- Finer Things Dinner Tour in Whistler: $155
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ponce $56Whistler $78
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 Whistler
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Whistler are as follows:
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Driving Range$15
Tours and Activities in Whistler
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Whistler are as follows:
- Sea to Sky Highway: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $8.05
- Whistler Mountain Peeks Audio Tour Adventure: $15
- Audain Art Museum - Permanent Collection Public Guided Tours: $17
- Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $17
- Yoga + Museum Gallery Experience in Whistler: $17
- 4 Tour Audio Adventure between Whistler & Lake Louise: $22
- One Hour Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Whistler: $33
- Axe Throwing Experience: $35
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure with Geocaching in Whistler: $36
- Vallea Lumina Multimedia Evening Experience: $45
- The Great Whistler Walking Tour: Discover Whistler's Sights, History & Culture!: $49
- Tour, Immersive Nature Experience: $52
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPonce $16Whistler $8.72
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 Whistler, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Whistler much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ponce is in Caribbean Islands and Whistler 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 Whistler would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Whistler 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 Whistler.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ponce Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ponce or Whistler?
Ponce has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Ponce and Whistler, 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 Whistler?
Whistler 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 Whistler in the Summer?
Both Whistler 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, the summer months attract visitors to Whistler because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Ponce is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 28°C (83°F), and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Whistler. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. Ponce usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler during summer. Ponce gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Ponce usually receives more rain than Whistler. Ponce gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPonce 28°C (83°F)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Ponce or Whistler in the Autumn?
Both Whistler 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. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.
Ponce is much warmer than Whistler in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ponce averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. In the autumn, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Ponce gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun.
Whistler 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 Whistler. Ponce gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPonce 28°C (82°F)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Ponce or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ponce and Whistler. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round. Also, many travelers come to Whistler for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Whistler. In the winter, Ponce is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ponce in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Whistler averages at about 4°C (40°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ponce usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Ponce gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
Whistler receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ponce usually receives less rain than Whistler. Ponce gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPonce 25°C (77°F)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Ponce or Whistler in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ponce as well as Whistler. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Whistler in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In April, Ponce is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Ponce average around 26°C (79°F), and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In the spring, Ponce often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Ponce gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Ponce usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Ponce gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPonce 26°C (79°F)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Ponce
| Ponce | Whistler | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
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.