Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) and San Juan 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: Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) or San Juan?
Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)
Puerto Plata, nestled on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, is a captivating destination known for its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture. Whether you're arriving via the bustling Amber Cove cruise port or planning an extended stay, Puerto Plata offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler.
San Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic, and The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic.
-
Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) Prices
Dominican Republic PricesSan Juan Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAmber Cove (Puerto Plata) $245San Juan $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) is $245, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $218. 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 Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAmber Cove (Puerto Plata) $150San Juan $124
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAmber Cove (Puerto Plata) $300San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) or San Juan? 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: Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) $9.54San Juan $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)
Also for Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Cibao Airport STI to Samana Cruise Port: $233
- Wheelchair accessible van Puerto plata to ( POP) airport Roundtrip transfer: $200
- Private Transfer Puerto Plata Port to Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ): $186
- Private Transfer from STI Airport to Puerto Plata: $130
- Private Transfer Puerto Plata to Cibao Airport: $128
- Taxi private transfer Airport "sti santiago" /to port silver: $125
- Private Santiago Airport Transfer to Puerto Plata Hotels: $120
- Puerto Plata VIP Transferencias y tours: $120
- Private Transfer from Puerto Plata Port to Cibao Airport (STI): $116
- Transfer Private Santiago STI Airport to Hotel in PuertoPlata: $114
- Private transfer Santiago Airport to hotels in Puerto Plata: $113
- Private Transfer Santiago Airport (STI) to Cabarete or Sosua: $110
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $289
- HandyCap Transfer Airport to Dorado, Rio Grande or Luquillo: $270
- Luxury Puerto Rico Private Transfers: $220
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $202
- Private Transfer: SJU Airport or Port to Humacao and Nagüabo: $200
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to Humacao Hotels: $180
- Transfer from San Juan to Rincon or Rincon to San Juan: $167
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel – Round-Trip Private Transfer: $166
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Private Luxury transfer - SJU, Hotel, Airbnb - Car seat available: $145
- Transfer SJU Airport to Dorado. Hotels and Airbnb. Vice Versa One Way Trip.: $140
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
Is it cheaper to fly into Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) 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 dayAmber Cove (Puerto Plata) $80San Juan $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic San Juan Guided Walking Food Tour with Pina Colada: $109
- Private Puerto Rican Cooking Class in San Juan for Groups: $146
- Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
- FlyDining: 4 Courses Dinner with City Lights & Ocean Breeze: $185
- Fly Dining 4 Course Sunset or City Lights Dinner Over San Juan: $185
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) $43San Juan $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)
For Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Snorkeling Tour$44
-
Banana Boat Ride$6.31
-
Paragliding$54
-
1 Hr Kayak Rental$13
-
Water Skiing$19
Tours and Activities in Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Amber Cove (Puerto Plata).
- 2 Person Buggy Tour: $126
- 27 Pools of Damajagua Adventure Tour from Puerto Plata: $50
- 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Adventure Hiking Jumps and Natural Pool: $85
- 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Adventure and City Tour: $89
- 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua: 7 Charcos Adventure Experience: $55
- 2x1: Puerto Plata MonkeyLand and Waterfalls Tour: $99
- 2x1: Top of the mount And City tour Puerto plata: $150
- 3-hour ATV adventure in Puerto Plata: $130
- 3x1: Monkeyland Waterfalls and Buggy Tour Puerto Plata: $185
- 4 Seater Buggy Adventure: $80
- 7 Waterfalls Tour With Lunch in DR (Taino Bay & Amber Cove): $60
- 7 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour Puerto Plata: $55
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Horseback Riding Tour$40
-
Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
-
1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- 1 Hour Bull Maze Adventure at Toroverde Urban Park San Juan: $45
- 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
- 2 Tours in 1 Day Rainforest and Beach Adventure with Transport: $65
- 3 Tours in 1 Day Old San Juan Rainforest and Beach with Transport: $75
- 3 in 1 Full Day Cueva Ventana, Indian Cave & Waterfall Adventure: $155
- ATV Double Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $221
- ATV Single Rider Adventure Near San Juan - Hacienda Campo Rico: $149
- Adventure Water Bike in Condado Lagoon, San Juan: $60
- Arecibo Cave Cliffside Waterfall Adventure: $139
- Arecibo Indian Cave Coastal Adventure: $65
- Bio Bay Magic and Rum Tasting Tour from San Juan: $250
- Bio Bay Night Kayak Tour with Transport from San Juan: $125
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAmber Cove (Puerto Plata) $14San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
- Puerto Rico Tobacco Farm and Local Brewery Tour: $109
- Puerto Rico's First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour!: $150
When comparing the travel costs between Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) and San Juan, we can see that Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) 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. Since both cities are in Caribbean Islands, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) or San Juan?
San Juan has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Amber Cove (Puerto Plata). When comparing the sizes of Amber Cove (Puerto Plata) and San Juan, 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.
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.