Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Tampa?
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 Tampa or Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tampa or Ponce? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Tampa or Ponce?
Tampa
On the north shore of Tampa Bay, across the water from Saint Peterburg, is the city of Tampa. The city has a population of almost 350,000. The metropolitan area includes Tampa, St. Peterburg, and Clearwater. It has about 2.9 million residents and is the second largest metropolitan area in the state. The city is a popular destination for outdoor activities and in 2008 it was ranked the 5th best outdoor city by Forbes.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.
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Tampa Prices
USA PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTampa $218Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Tampa is $218, 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 Tampa and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTampa $85Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTampa $170Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Tampa and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Tampa 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.
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: Tampa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tampa $69Ponce $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampa
Also for Tampa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer: From Tampa to airport and vice versa : $30
- TPA Airport Private Transfer to Tampa(downtown): $33
- Private Arrival Transfer - from Tampa Airport (TPA): $36
- St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) to Clearwater Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Clearwater Beach to St.Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) -Departure Private Transfer: $41
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $50
- Private Transfer from Tampa hotels to Tampa Bay Cruise Port: $59
- Private Transfer from Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa hotels: $59
- Private Transfer from Tampa Bay Cruise Port to Tampa Airport(TPA): $59
- Lakeland / Winter Haven to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to Tampa hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
- Tampa Airport (TPA) to Lakeland / Winter Haven - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Tampa or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Tampa 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 dayTampa $92Ponce $61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tampa
For Tampa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class near Disney in Tampa Florida: $88
- Ybor City Food Tour with 5 Local Delicacies Tastings: $100
- Tampa Food Tour with 5 Tastings of Local Favourites Classics: $105
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tampa $20Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Tampa
For Tampa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Historic Ybor City Self Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Ybor City Immigrant influence Smart Phone guided App (GPS) walking tour: $9.75
- Tampa's Highlights Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Tampa by Crazy Dash: $10
- Tampa Riverwalk Private Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Tampa with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- Tampa Bay Lightning Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $23
- Tides of Tethered Terror: Tampa Ghost Tours: $24
- Tampa Florida Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Selfie WRLD Admission Ticket: $25
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park Ticket with After Hours Option: $30
- Discover Tampa with Local Stories from a Virtual Tour: $30
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTampa $26Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Tampa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tampa:
- Tampa Bar Hunt: Tampa Takeover Bar Crawl: $12
- Naples Bar Crawl Experience: $15
- Tampa Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
- Tampa Terrors: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Wine Tasting Experience in Historic Ybor: $40
- Tampa Bar Crawl on New Street Legal Golf Cart: $40
- Elevated Wine Tasting Experience in Historic Ybor: $60
- Downtown 3-Hour Food and Wine Tour: $145
- Tampa's Top Dive Bar Tour Experience by Golf Cart: $275
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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tampa or Ponce?
Tampa has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Tampa 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 Tampa or Ponce?
Tampa 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 Tampa or Ponce in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Ponce. Many visitors come to Tampa in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
In July, Tampa is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 82°F (28°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the summer, Tampa often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
Tampa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tampa usually gets more rain in July than Ponce. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTampa 82°F (28°C)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Tampa or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tampa for the city's sights and attractions during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Tampa is cooler than Ponce in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce during autumn. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In October, Tampa usually receives less rain than Ponce. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTampa 75°F (24°C)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tampa or Ponce in the Winter?
Both Ponce and Tampa during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Tampa because of the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In the winter, Tampa is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tampa in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Ponce averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the winter, Tampa often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.
Tampa usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Ponce. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTampa 60°F (15°C)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Tampa or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Ponce. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Tampa is generally cooler than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 71°F (22°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during spring. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Tampa usually receives less rain than Ponce. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTampa 71°F (22°C)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Tampa
| Tampa | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 60°F (15°C) | 2.3 inches (59 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 61°F (16°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 67°F (19°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 71°F (22°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 77°F (25°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 81°F (27°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 | 75°F (24°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 68°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) |
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.