A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Santo Domingo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santo Domingo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santo Domingo 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: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santo Domingo?

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and modernity. Known for being the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas, Santo Domingo offers a wealth of experiences that cater to every type of traveler.

Traveling to Santo Domingo on a budget is entirely achievable with some strategic planning. Accommodations range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. The Zona Colonial, the historic district, offers several affordable lodging options that provide easy access to major attractions. Hostels offer comfortable accommodations and a chance to meet fellow travelers, too. Eating on a budget is also feasible in Santo Domingo. Local eateries, known as "comedores," serve traditional Dominican dishes at reasonable prices.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic, and The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Santo Domingo or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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 Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, while the average daily cost in Santo Domingo is $107. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santo Domingo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $40
    Santo Domingo $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $80
    Santo Domingo $86
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santo Domingo

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santo Domingo? 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina


Hotels in Santo Domingo


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: Santo Domingo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.09
    Santo Domingo $4.92

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Airport (EZE): $26
  • Private Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport (EZE): $26
  • Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Port to Ezeiza: $28
  • Tango Show in Catullo Without Transfer: $28
  • Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 30 USD: $30
  • Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
  • Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
  • Local Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Airport (AEP): $30
  • Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) Transfer with English Speaking Driver: $34
  • Private Transfer from Ezeiza (EZE) to Buenos Aires Cruise Port: $35
  • Premium Buenos Aires City Tour with Transfer: $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santo Domingo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santo Domingo:

  • Dominican Republic: Premium Private Transfer to Airports (SDQ PUJ STI LRM): $63
  • La Romana Airport (LRM) to Santo Domingo hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
  • Las Américas Airport Private Transfer to Punta Cana: $107
  • Las Galeras / Samana to Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Private ATV Tour to El Limón Waterfall with Hotel Transfer: $70
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Santo Domingo International Airport to Hotels (8 - 11): $244
  • Private Quad Tour to El Limón Waterfall with Transfer: $70
  • Private Transfer SDQ Airport → Santo Domingo | Safe & On-Time: $45
  • Private Transfer Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) to Cabarete or Sosua: $259
  • Private Transfer Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) to Puerto Plata Port: $185
  • Private Transfer Santo Domingo Airport SDQ to Santo Domingo Port: $54
  • Private Transfer Santo Domingo Port to Santo Domingo Airport SDQ: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santo Domingo?

Prices for flights to both Santo Domingo and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.55
    Santo Domingo $57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

  • Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $35
  • Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $37
  • Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $38
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $39
  • BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
  • Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
  • BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
  • Buenos Aires Family Empanada Cooking Class Kids Take the Lead: $44
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
  • Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
  • Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
  • El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santo Domingo

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

  • Cooking Class in Santo Domingo:6 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $42
  • Food Tour & Paradise Beach Day with Drinks: $140

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $30
    Santo Domingo $15

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $6.72
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina: $6.72
  • Buenos Aires Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h30 and 18 reviews: $6.91
  • Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Discover Buenos Aires: A Self-Guided Tour: $8.22
  • The Women Behind Puerto Madero’s Streets: A Self Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Two to Tango: A San Telmo Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $11
  • Private Tour of San Telmo, Old Town: $12
  • Guided tour of the Mate Museum: $13
  • La Boca Walking Tour: $13
  • Graffiti Tour: $14

Typical Entertainment Prices in Santo Domingo

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Santo Domingo are as follows:


  • Snorkeling Tour
    $45

Tours and Activities in Santo Domingo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santo Domingo are as follows:

  • Tour a las Mejores Playas del Caribe: $5.00
  • The Battle of Santo Domingo 4D Experience: $5.00
  • The Battle of Santo Domingo 4D Experience: $5.00
  • Taínos 4D Experience Discover the Legacy of the Caribbean: $6.00
  • Tainos 4D Experience in Santo Domingo's Colonial City: $6.00
  • Colonial Zone Tour with tasting: $20
  • Colonial Zone Walking Tour with Coffee: $20
  • Colonial Zone Walking Tour with Tastings: $20
  • Ron Barcelo Anejo Experience Factory Tour: $20
  • Chocolate Tour + Optional Workshops: $21
  • Santo Domingo Tuk Tuk Experience: $25
  • Zona Colonial Hictorical Tour with a local artist: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.22
    Santo Domingo $8.10

Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $45
  • BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
  • Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
  • Argentine Wine Tasting with Lunch or Charcuterie Pairings: $59
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
  • Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $69
  • BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $78
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
  • Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires Private Experience: $92
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
  • Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
  • Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $129


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santo Domingo, we can see that Santo Domingo is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South America and Santo Domingo 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Santo Domingo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santo Domingo than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is Santo Domingo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santo Domingo?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Santo Domingo. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santo Domingo, 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.