Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Washington?
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 Washington 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 Washington and Ponce can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Washington or Ponce?
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.
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Washington Prices
USA PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayWashington $226Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $226, 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 Washington and Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWashington $113Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWashington $226Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Washington and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Washington 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: Washington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Washington $47Ponce $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
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Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- DCA Airport Private Transfer to Washington D.C.: $37
- Private Transfer Washington Airport DCA to Washington DC Hotels: $42
- Private Arrival Transfer from Washington Reagan Airport DCA: $48
- Private Departure Transfer to Washington Reagan Airport DCA: $48
- Airport Transfer from Ronald Reagan Airport DCA ⇄ Washington DC: $65
- Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $67
- Washington to Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
- Washington DC: One Way Airport Transfer Service: $80
- Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
- Transfer Dulles Airport (IAD) to Washington City Center: $88
- Transfer Washington City Center to Dulles Airport (IAD): $89
- Washington to Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) - Departure Private Transfer: $89
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 Washington or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce and Washington 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 dayWashington $66Ponce $61
Typical Food Prices in Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: City Cruises Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $60
- DC: City Cruises Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $71
- Little Ethiopia Food Tour: $71
- Adams Morgan Food Tour: $78
- Dupont Circle Food Tour: $84
- Washington D.C: Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $95
- DC: Eastern Market Eats Food Tour (5 Food Stops + Dessert): $99
- Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $104
- City Cruises Washington DC: Signature Dinner Cruise: $121
- City Cruises Washington DC: Premier Dinner Cruise: $127
- Eastern Market Neighborhood Food Tour (5 Food Stops + Dessert): $129
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
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.Washington $24Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Washington: $6.00
- The Kennedy Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Washington DC Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Georgetown's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Haunted Walking Tour: $9.75
- Reflections on a Nation Self-Guided National Mall Highlights Tour: $9.99
- Washington DC Mall Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $12
- National Mall Democracy Quest Experience in Washington DC: $12
- Washington DC Audio Tour: Washington, D.C. Audio Tour Adventure: $15
- DC - Historical: At your leisure and your pace. Downloadable audiovisual tour.: $15
- Washington DC Monuments Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
- City Cruises DC: Water Taxi from Wharf or Old Town Alexandria: $20
- Washington D.C.: Washington Wizards Basketball Game Ticket: $20
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 dayWashington $19Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $36
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $56
- DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington Expensive? and Is Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Washington or Ponce?
Washington has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Washington 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 Washington or Ponce?
Washington 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 Washington or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Washington during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In the summer, Washington is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Washington in July average around 79°F (26°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 Washington. In the summer, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
Washington usually gets less rain in July than Ponce. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 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 JulyWashington 79°F (26°C)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Washington or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Ponce. Many visitors come to Washington in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Washington is generally much colder than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 60°F (15°C), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during autumn. Washington gets 197 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, Washington usually receives less rain than Ponce. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 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 OctoberWashington 60°F (15°C)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Washington or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Washington as well as Ponce. Most visitors come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Washington can be very cold during winter. Washington is much colder than Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In the winter, Washington often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.
Washington usually gets more rain in January than Ponce. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 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 JanuaryWashington 35°F (1°C)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Washington or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Washington because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Washington is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Washington in April average around 56°F (14°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 Washington. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during spring. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Washington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ponce. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 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 AprilWashington 56°F (14°C)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Washington
| Washington | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 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.