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

Should you visit Sydney or Ponce?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or Ponce, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Sydney or Ponce?

Sydney

Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.

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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Sydney?

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 Sydney is $207, 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 Sydney and Ponce in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sydney $103
    Ponce $151
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sydney $206
    Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Sydney and Ponce

Looking for a hotel in Sydney 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 Sydney


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: Sydney Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sydney $15
    Ponce $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:


  • Taxi Ride
    $13
  • Taxi to Airport
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:

  • Transfer Between Airport & Hotels or Cruise Terminal: $13
  • Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD shared ride seat in vehicle shuttle transfer: $13
  • Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport: Shared Transfer to Sydney CBD: $22
  • Shuttle Transfer from Cruise Ship Terminal at Circular Quay to Sydney Airport: $24
  • Shuttle Transfer from Sydney City Hotel or Cruise Port to Sydney Airport: $24
  • Sydney Port Arrival Transfer: Cruise Port to City Hotel: $24
  • Shuttle Transfer from Sydney Airport to Cruise Ship Terminal at Circular Quay: $25
  • Sydney Arrival Transfer: Airport to City or Overseas Passenger Terminal: $25
  • Transfer from White Bay Cruise Terminal to Sydney Airport: $27
  • Sydney Airport to White Bay Port transfer: $27
  • Sydney Port Private Arrival Transfer: Cruise Port to City: $30
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Port to Sydney Airport: $36

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Sydney or Ponce?

Prices for flights to both Ponce and Sydney 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
    Sydney $77
    Ponce $61
Typical Food Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:


  • Tea
    $2.62
  • Lunch Special
    $9.81
  • Food/Drink Coogie Beach
    $9.81
  • Meat Pies
    $3.27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney

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

  • Vivid Festival of Light Harbor Cruise with Dinner: $36
  • City Highlights Walking Food Tour with Harbor Cruise: $45
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $50
  • Roti Making Class with 5-Course Dinner: $50
  • Sydney Harbour Discovery Dinner Cruise Scenic Sights and Buffet: $50
  • Foraging Food Tour Sydney Native Aussie Food: $53
  • Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour: $54
  • Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $59
  • Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
  • Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise: $60
  • Kids Cooking Classes: $64
  • Samosa and Sips Cooking Class in Little India: $67

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.
    Sydney $31
    Ponce $56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney

Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Theatre Show
    $29
  • Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)
    $30
  • Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)
    $125
  • Powerhouse Museum
    $9.85

Tours and Activities in Sydney

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

  • Sydney's Hidden Gems Self Guided City Tour: $1.79
  • Sydney Botanic Garden Kids Quest: Nature Puzzle Adventure: $6.04
  • Sydney Harbour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour to Lavender Bay: $6.99
  • Sydney Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $7.16
  • Sydney Cockatoo Island Escape: Convict Adventure Game: $7.20
  • Sydney Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.40
  • Sydney Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Sydney’s Iconic Sights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Haunted Sydney Self-Guided Audio Ghost Tour: $10
  • Experience Sydney Audio Tour Adventure: $15
  • Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Aboriginal Art Exhibition Ticket, Art Gallery of NSW: $17

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sydney $15
    Ponce $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:


  • Wine
    $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sydney:

  • Wollongong Bar Crawl Go Out with a Gong: $15
  • Sydney's Haunted Pub Tour & Cellar visit : $26
  • Big Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Party Hosts: $32
  • Big Night Out Pub Crawl: $33
  • Private Wine Tasting at The Rocks: $46
  • Sydney Cellar Door - Old Vine Expressions Wine Tasting: $47
  • Marrickville Brewery Tour: $78
  • Luxury Hunter Valley Wildlife & Wine Tasting Tour from Sydney: $84
  • From: Sydney - Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Guided Day Tour: $89
  • Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $104
  • Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $112
  • From Full-Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour & Lunch: $145

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 Sydney and Ponce, 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 Sydney is in Pacific 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 Sydney Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sydney or Ponce?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Ponce?

Sydney 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 Sydney or Ponce in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Ponce. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Sydney is generally cooler than Poncein July. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 23°C (73°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during summer. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sydney usually receives more rain than Poncein July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Sydney 23°C (73°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Sydney or Ponce in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Ponce. Many travelers come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.

Sydney is cooler than Ponce in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 19°C (65°F) in April, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In the autumn, Sydney often gets less sunshine than Poncein October. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ponce. Sydney receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sydney usually gets less rain in April than Poncein October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Sydney 19°C (65°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Sydney or Ponce in the Winter?

Both Ponce and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sydney in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Sydney is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sydney in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Ponce averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during winter. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Sydney usually receives around the same amount of rain as Poncein January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Sydney 12°C (53°F) 
    Ponce 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Sydney or Ponce in the Spring?

Both Ponce and Sydney during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.

In October, Sydney is generally cooler than Poncein April. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 18°C (64°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the spring, Sydney often gets less sunshine than Poncein April. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets more rain in October than Poncein April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Sydney 18°C (64°F) 
    Ponce 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Ponce and Sydney

Sydney Ponce
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 19°C (65°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 128 mm (5 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 20°C (67°F) 101 mm (4 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)