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

Should you visit Dubrovnik or Santo Domingo?

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

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Santo Domingo? 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: Dubrovnik or Santo Domingo?

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

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 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia, The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic, and The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Santo Domingo or Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik is €158, while the average daily cost in Santo Domingo is €89. 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 Dubrovnik and Santo Domingo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubrovnik €65
    Santo Domingo €36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubrovnik €130
    Santo Domingo €72
Compare Hotels in Dubrovnik and Santo Domingo

Looking for a hotel in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik


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: Dubrovnik Hotel Prices and Santo Domingo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubrovnik €22
    Santo Domingo €4.12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    €1.43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cavtat, Mlini & Srebreno to Dubrovnik Old Town Speedboat Transfer: $23
  • Private transfer from Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik city: $23
  • Return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $25
  • Private return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $28
  • Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik city private transfer: $32
  • Convenient Bus Transfer from/to Split: $33
  • Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $37
  • Dubrovnik Cruise Port to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Cruise Port to Dubrovnik Hotels: $40
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Port to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV): $40
  • Dubrovnik hotels to Dubrovnik Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Dubrovnik Cruise Port to Dubrovnik Arrival Private Transfer: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santo Domingo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santo Domingo:

  • Private Transfer Santo Domingo SDQ to Samana/Miches/Terrenas: $299
  • Private round trip transfer from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana: $280
  • Santo Domingo airport to Puerto Plata transfer: $270
  • Private Transfer Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) to Cabarete or Sosua: $259
  • Private transfer From Las Americas Airport (SDQ) To Samana: $250
  • Bahía de las Águilas w/ Private Transfer: $250
  • Private transfer Santo Domingo Airport to, Sosua, Cabarete,: $240
  • Transfer from the Americas Inter. Airport to Punta Cana: $235
  • Private Transfer Santo Domingo SDQ to Santiago de los Caballeros: $229
  • Santo Domingo Airport Transfer to your Hotel in Punta Cana: $200
  • Private Transfer from Santo Domingo Airport to Uvero Alto: $197
  • Santo Domingo Airport to Uvero Alto Exclusive Transfer: $197

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubrovnik or Santo Domingo?

Prices for flights to both Santo Domingo and Dubrovnik 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
    Dubrovnik €75
    Santo Domingo €48
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    €29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dubrovnik Food Tour: Local Dishes & City Stories: $113
  • Sunset Dubrovnik & Dinner At St Jacob Beach: $114
  • Taste A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $124
  • Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m Above Ground: $130
  • Old Town Dubrovnik Food Tour With 8 Authentic Croatian Tastings: $135
  • Richet Cooking Class Discover Dubrovnik Culinary Treasures: $137
  • Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $154
  • Dubrovnik Sunset Cruise with dinner on board: $157
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $160
  • Ston & Peljesac: All-Inclusive 5-Course Dinner with Premium Wine: $165
  • Blue Cave, Elaphiti Islands, Wine Tasting and Cooking Experience: $250
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $273

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
  • Santo Domingo Hands On Afro Taino Cooking Class and Dinner: $213

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubrovnik €15
    Santo Domingo €13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    €13
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    €53
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    €45

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.

  • Dubrovnik Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.41
  • Self Guided Private Tour of Dubrovnik's Best Kept Secrets: $3.41
  • Dubrovnik Medieval Adventure: Self-Guided City Quest: $4.85
  • Game of Thrones Filming Locations Audio Tour in Dubrovnik: $5.00
  • Selfguide® Secrets Tour Dubrovnik with Game of Thrones Spots: $5.12
  • Self guided walking tour of Dubrovnik with audio guide: $5.69
  • Dubrovnik Audio guided walking tour 1h and 18 audio reviews: $6.72
  • Dubrovnik Game Of Thrones self-guided tour with mobile app: $8.99
  • Private Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Dubrovnik Old Town: $9.12
  • Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
  • Skip the Line: Love Stories Museum Admission Ticket: $10
  • Museum of Selfies & Illusions Dubrovnik Ticket: $10

Typical Entertainment Prices in Santo Domingo

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


  • Snorkeling Tour
    €37

Tours and Activities in Santo Domingo

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

  • 6 Hours Private Cultural Tour in Santo Domingo: $190
  • 6-Hour Private Tour of Águilas Bay and the Bauxite Mine: $130
  • Cabarete Caves & Nature Adventure: $128
  • Cultural VIP Private Tour From Santo Domingo: $150
  • Cumayasa Private Buggies Tour from Santo Domingo: $135
  • Dominican Food, Rum, and Beer Tasting Experience: $35
  • Experience the Three Eyes Park and Columbus Lighthouse: $45
  • From Catalina Island Day Tour: $85
  • From Full day Historical Tour with Lunch: $75
  • Full Day Tour to Santo Domingo from Punta Cana with Lunch: $80
  • Full-Day Adventure Tour of Culture through Santo Domingo: $125
  • Full-Day Cultural Adventure Tour of Santo Domingo from Samana: $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubrovnik €16
    Santo Domingo €6.78

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Dubrovnik Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $40
  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $68
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $79
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik -Train Ride &Wine Tasting: $91
  • 2-Hour Kayaking at Sunset with Wine Tasting and Appetizers: $97
  • Sunset wine tasting in vineyard: $103
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tasting from Dubrovnik with Light Lunch: $108
  • Peljesac Peninsula Day Trip from Wine Tasting and Ston Village Tour: $131
  • Peljesac peninsula private wine tour from Dubrovnik: $137
  • Private Dubrovnik Highlights & Wine Tasting Tour: $141
  • Luxury Speedboat Tour with Wine Tasting in Dubrovnik: $142
  • 1 Hour and Half Food & Wine Tasting in Dubrovnik Old Town: $150


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dubrovnik or Santo Domingo?

Santo Domingo has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Dubrovnik 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.