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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Ponce?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Ponce can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Saint Petersburg or Ponce?

Saint Petersburg

Located at the base of the Tampa Bay peninsula of Florida, Saint Petersburg is a city known for its pleasant weather, coastal activities, and downtown arts scene. Nicknamed the "Sunshine City," Saint Petersburg is also a popular location for golfing, boating, fishing and beachgoing in addition to the usual entertainment options to be found in a thriving city.

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).

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Saint Petersburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Saint Petersburg Prices
    USA Prices
    Ponce Prices
    Puerto Rico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saint Petersburg $239
    Ponce $230

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $239, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $230. 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 Saint Petersburg and Ponce in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $127
    Ponce $151
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $254
    Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Ponce

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Ponce? 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 Saint Petersburg


Hotels in Ponce


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: Saint Petersburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $47
    Ponce $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Ponce?

Prices for flights to both Ponce and Saint Petersburg 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
    Saint Petersburg $84
    Ponce $61
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saint Petersburg:


  • Burger Dinner (for 2)
    $20
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $37
  • Gelato (for 2)
    $8.00
  • Breakfast at Piper's Patio (for 2)
    $17

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $13
    Ponce $56

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $41
    Ponce $16

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 comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Ponce, we can see that Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg is in North America and Ponce is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Saint Petersburg Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Ponce?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Ponce, 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 Saint Petersburg or Ponce?

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg or Ponce in the Summer?

Both Ponce and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (83°F).

In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Saint Petersburg gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually gets more rain in July than Ponce. Saint Petersburg gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 82°F (28°C) 
    Ponce 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Ponce in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Ponce. Many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the autumn for the shopping scene. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally cooler than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 76°F (24°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ponce receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Ponce. Saint Petersburg gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 76°F (24°C) 
    Ponce 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Ponce in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Ponce. Most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.

Saint Petersburg is much colder than Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Saint Petersburg gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Ponce. Saint Petersburg gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg 59°F (15°C) 
    Ponce 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Ponce in the Spring?

Both Ponce and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the beaches. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Saint Petersburg is cooler than Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Ponce averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Ponce. Saint Petersburg gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 73°F (23°C) 
    Ponce 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Ponce and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Ponce
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 59°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 78°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 82°F (28°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 76°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 69°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)