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 €93. 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 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubrovnik 130
    Santo Domingo 74
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 4.30
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:

  • Dubrovnik to Koločep Island Ferry Scenic Transfer: $24
  • Private transfer from Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik city: $24
  • Dubrovnik to Lopud Island Ferry Scenic Transfer: $24
  • Return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $26
  • Private return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $29
  • Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik city private transfer: $33
  • Convenient Bus Transfer from/to Split: $33
  • Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV): Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
  • Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $37
  • Dubrovnik hotels to Dubrovnik Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik Port: $41

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 Transfer Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) to Cabarete or Sosua: $259
  • Bahía de las Águilas w/ Private Transfer: $250
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Santo Domingo International Airport to Hotels (8 - 11): $244
  • Private transfer Santo Domingo Airport to, Sosua, Cabarete,: $240
  • Private transfer from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana & Viceversa (one way): $235
  • Transfer from the Americas Inter. Airport to Punta Cana: $235
  • Santo Domingo Airport Transfer to your Hotel in Punta Cana: $200
  • Private Transfer from Punta Cana Santo Sunday Private: $199
  • Santo Domingo Airport to Uvero Alto Exclusive Transfer: $197
  • Transfer from Santo Domingo SDQ /JBQ Airport to Punta Cana Hotels: $192
  • Private Transfer Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) to Puerto Plata Port: $185

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 50
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:

  • Gastro Dinner and Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town: $92
  • Taste A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $128
  • Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m Above Ground: $130
  • Old Town Dubrovnik Food Tour of 8 Authentic Croatian Tastings: $140
  • Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $159
  • Dinner on Peljesac with 5-Course Signature Wine & Food: $159
  • Dubrovnik Sunset Cruise with dinner on board: $162
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $165
  • Blue Cave, Elaphiti Islands, Wine Tasting and Cooking Experience: $258
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $279
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $283

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.
    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.

  • Self Guided Private Tour of Dubrovnik's Best Kept Secrets: $2.32
  • Dubrovnik Medieval Adventure: Self-Guided City Quest: $5.00
  • Game of Thrones Filming Locations Audio Tour in Dubrovnik: $5.00
  • Selfguide® Secrets Tour Dubrovnik with Game of Thrones Spots: $5.31
  • Self guided walking tour of Dubrovnik with audio guide: $5.88
  • Dubrovnik Audio guided walking tour 1h and 18 audio reviews: $6.96
  • Skip the Line: Love Stories Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • TOP Dubrovnik : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $12
  • Walls of Liberty: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Dubrovnik: $12
  • Beyond the Walls: A Historical Dubrovnik Audio Tour: $12
  • Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Hajduk Split Stadium Tour: An Unforgettable Experience: $16

Typical Entertainment Prices in Santo Domingo

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


  • Snorkeling Tour
    39

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
  • Cabarete Caves & Nature Adventure: $128
  • Cacao trail and making of chocolate tour from Santo Domingo: $190
  • 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 Private Guided Tour in Lagoon Dudu from Santo Domingo: $185
  • Full Day Private Tour Bahía de las Aguilas and Hoyo Pelempito: $140
  • Full-Day Santo Domingo Tour with Pick Up in Punta Cana: $90
  • Guided Full-Day Santo Domingo Tour with pickup from Punta Cana: $99
  • Half Day Comatillo Off-Road Experience: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubrovnik 16
    Santo Domingo 7.07

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: $41
  • Panoramic Dubrovnik Tour Golden Hour Sunset and Wine Tasting: $45
  • Wine Tasting in Konavle, Near Dubrovnik & Cavtat – Join Us!: $53
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $81
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $81
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik -Train Ride &Wine Tasting: $94
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $94
  • Sunset wine tasting in vineyard: $94
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $104
  • Half-Day Tour from Dubrovnik to Konavle with Wine Tasting: $106
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tasting from Dubrovnik with Light Lunch: $106
  • Full Day Korcula and Peljesac Wine Tasting Tour in Dubrovnik: $115


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.