Which place is cheaper, Bonaire or Amsterdam?
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 Amsterdam or Bonaire?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Bonaire, 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: Amsterdam or Bonaire?
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. While it is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
Bonaire
An island municipality of the Netherlands, Bonaire resides in the Caribbean, east of Central America and north of Venezuela. It is a part of the ABC Islands together with Aruba and Curaçao, and is best known as a tropical vacation destination with many great dive spots, beaches, lagoons, and wildlife.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.
-
Amsterdam Prices
Netherlands PricesBonaire Prices
Caribbean Netherlands Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAmsterdam $237Bonaire $299
The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is $237, while the average daily cost in Bonaire is $299. 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 Amsterdam and Bonaire in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAmsterdam $114Bonaire $155
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAmsterdam $228Bonaire $310
Compare Hotels in Amsterdam and Bonaire
Looking for a hotel in Amsterdam or Bonaire? 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: Amsterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Amsterdam $22Bonaire $65
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
-
Ride on Tram$3.59
-
Renting a Bike$17
-
One Hour Canal Cruise$11
-
Single Day Transit Pass$2.92
-
Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport$3.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- 1-Way Train Transfer to/from Haarlem: $7.37
- Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Leiden: $16
- Madurodam: Train + tram transferring to/from Amsterdam: $22
- Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Eindhoven: $33
- Amsterdam Airport (AMS) Transfer to Amsterdam/Rotterdam/Keukenhof: $35
- Private Cruise Transfers: AMS, Rotterdam, IJmuiden: $39
- Private Transfer: Hotel in Amsterdam to Amsterdam Cruise Port: $39
- Amsterdam Private Taxi Transfer to from Cruise Port: $39
- Amsterdam Airport Arrival Transfer (Airport to Amsterdam Hotel or Address): $39
- AMS Airport Private Transfer ⇄ Amsterdam/Rotterdam: $39
- Amsterdam Private Door to Door Transfer Luxury Vehicles: $46
- Private Amsterdam Local Transfer to/from any Location: $46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bonaire
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bonaire:
- Airport Transfer Return Included: $80
- Private Transfers between Bonaire airport and any local address: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Amsterdam or Bonaire?
Prices for flights to both Bonaire and Amsterdam 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 dayAmsterdam $90Bonaire $101
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
-
Afternoon Tea$6.74
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
- Amsterdam Guided Dutch Food Tour with Tastings by a chef: $46
- Romantic Dinner or Lunch in the Dark Amsterdam: $48
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $58
- Top 10 Tastes of Guided Walking Food Tour: $70
- Amsterdam Walking Food Tour with 6 Tastings and Drink: $73
- Amsterdam Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $86
- Amsterdam Famous Dinner Show at Supper Restaurant: $90
- Amsterdam Morning Food Tour & Stroopwafel Workshop: $92
- 10 Tastes of Amsterdam Food Tour: Small Group, Full Meal & Drinks: $108
- Authentic Amsterdam Food Tour: De Pijp & Albert Cuyp Market: $115
- Eating Jordaan Food Tour with Dutch Tastings: $125
- Italian Pasta Cooking Class in Amsterdam with Italian Chef: $126
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bonaire
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bonaire.
- Dinner at Sea: $95
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Amsterdam $41Bonaire $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum$6.74
-
Entry for two to the Anne Frank House$19
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $3.42
- Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan: $3.42
- Self-Guided Tours Amsterdam With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.42
- Anne Frank & WWII Jewish Quarter History Walking Tour Amsterdam: $5.61
- Amsterdam History Walking Tour: $5.72
- Amsterdam Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.72
- Amsterdam’s Magic Canals: Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure: $5.82
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of The Red Light District: $6.72
- Podcast Tour The Cozy Heart of the Jordaan: $6.85
- A tasty stroll through Pijp: A self-guided audio tour: $8.99
- Amsterdam Exploration Private Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.14
- Self-Guided Amsterdam City Center Audio Walking Tour: $9.14
Tours and Activities in Bonaire
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bonaire are as follows:
- Semi Submarine Boat Experience to Klein Bonaire: $33
- Walking Tours & Private Tours on Bonaire: $36
- 4 Hours Open Air Party Bus Tour with Beach Stop in Caribbean: $39
- Half-Day Bonaire Island Tour with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: $46
- Bonaire Essentials Island Tour: $49
- Walking Tour with Lunch & Ice Cream: $55
- Clearbottom Mangrove Kayak & Snorkel tour: $59
- Highlights of Bonaire & Cultural Experience: $59
- Tour in North and South Bonaire Guided: $63
- Small-Group Guided North & South Tour of Bonaire with Pick Up: $65
- Explore North & South Tour: $65
- Indian Inscriptions Tour with Local Guide: $68
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAmsterdam $27Bonaire $33
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $21
- Halloween Leidseplein Bar Crawl & Nightclub Entry: $29
- Red Light District Halloween Pub Crawl & Nightclub: $29
- Red Light District Pub Crawl in Amsterdam with 4 Shots: $34
- Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Pub Tour including drink: $100
- Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $140
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and Bonaire, we can see that Bonaire is more expensive. And not only is Amsterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Amsterdam is in Europe and Bonaire is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Amsterdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Amsterdam and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bonaire would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonaire than you might in Amsterdam.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Bonaire Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Bonaire?
Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Bonaire. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam and Bonaire, 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.