Which place is cheaper, Santo Domingo or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Santo Domingo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Santo Domingo, 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: Istanbul or Santo Domingo?
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
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 in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic, and The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic.
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Istanbul Prices
Turkey PricesSanto Domingo Prices
Dominican Republic Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $161Santo Domingo $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $161, while the average daily cost in Santo Domingo is $106. 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 Istanbul and Santo Domingo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $75Santo Domingo $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $150Santo Domingo $86
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Santo Domingo
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul 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.
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: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Santo Domingo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $35Santo Domingo $4.88
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Metro Cards$4.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Fast & Luxury VIP Private Transfer | IST Airport & Hotel pickup: $8.29
- Sapanca & Masukiye Day Tour from Istanbul with Lunch & Transfer: $15
- Princes Islands Tour with Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $24
- Private Transfer to/from Istanbul Airport (IST): $27
- Transfer Istanbul City Center to Istanbul Ataturk Airport: $28
- Istanbul Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $29
- Full Day Sapanca Tour with Lunch and Transfer From Istanbul: $30
- Reliable & Safe Istanbul Airport Taxi Transfer – VIP Service: $30
- Istanbul Airport Private Departure Transfer: $31
- Istanbul to Istanbul Airport (IST) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
- Istanbul Airport (IST) to Istanbul - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Viaport Aquarium Ticket with Optional Hotel Transfer: $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santo Domingo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santo Domingo:
- Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Santo Domingo City): $12
- Private Transfer from Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ): $16
- Santo Domingo Airport: One-Way or Round Trip Transfers: $20
- Taxi & Transfer From And To Punta Cana International Airport: $20
- Experience at the Museo del Ron Dominicano, Private Transfer.: $28
- Santo Domingo to Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) - Departure Transfer: $30
- Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) to Santo Domingo - Arrival Transfer: $30
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ): $31
- Santo Domingo to Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) - Departure Transfer: $37
- Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) to Puerto Plata - Private Transfer: $37
- Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) to Santo Domingo - Arrival Transfer: $37
- Las Galeras / Samana to Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Santo Domingo?
Prices for flights to both Santo Domingo and Istanbul 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
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Food Meals for one dayIstanbul $59Santo Domingo $57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour: $24
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour With Turkish Night Show: $24
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Dance Shows with Private Table: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show Private Table: $30
- Bosphorus Night Cruise: Dinner, Drinks & Hotel Pickup: $30
- Budget Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Party: $30
- Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show with Private Table: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show in Istanbul: $31
- Bosphorus Turkish Night Show and Dinner Cruise with Private Table: $31
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show: $32
- Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Private Table: $32
- Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Dinner, Drinks & Show with Pickup: $32
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $39Santo Domingo $15
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- Istanbul Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.53
- Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Kadikoy's history, theatres and sweet shops: a self-guided audio tour: $6.31
- Istanbul Highlights Self guided scavenger hunt and Walking Tour: $8.27
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide: $8.29
- Istanbul Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $12
- Constantinople Siege 1453 GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $12
- Bursa and Uludag Tour from Istanbul: $12
- Bosphorus Cruise 2-3 Hour Cruises with Optional Asia Stop & Meal: $12
- 2-Hour Scenic Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul Throughout the Day: $12
- Enjoy Istanbul’s Bosphorus:2-Hour Daytime, Sunset & Night Cruises: $12
- Bosphorus Night Lights: Guided Cruise With Tea and Cookies: $12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Santo Domingo
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Santo Domingo are as follows:
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Snorkeling Tour$44
Tours and Activities in Santo Domingo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santo Domingo are as follows:
- The Battle of Santo Domingo 4D Experience: $5.00
- Tour a las Mejores Playas del Caribe: $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 Walking Tour with Tastings: $20
- Colonial Zone Tour with tasting: $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
- Colonial Experience Tour: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $11Santo Domingo $8.03
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Istanbul Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus in Sultanahmet and Taksim: $31
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Santo Domingo, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Santo Domingo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul 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 Istanbul Expensive? and Is Santo Domingo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Santo Domingo?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Santo Domingo. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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.
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.