Which place is cheaper, Santo Domingo or Madrid?
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 Madrid 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 Madrid 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: Madrid or Santo Domingo?
Madrid
Madrid, the capital of Spain, overs visitors countless opportunities to experience Spain's culture, art, cuisine, and nightlife. It is the largest city in Spain, and as such has much to explore. The city is situated on the Iberian Peninsula on the Spanish central Castillian plateau. If you're flying into Spain, you'll likely fly into the Madrid airport as it's one of the largest airports in Europe. Madrid is well connected to the rest of Spain with planes, trains and buses, making it a popular place to visit for many travelers doing a European tour.
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 Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic, and The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic.
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Madrid Prices
Spain PricesSanto Domingo Prices
Dominican Republic Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMadrid €162Santo Domingo €91
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €162, while the average daily cost in Santo Domingo is €91. 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 Madrid and Santo Domingo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid €78Santo Domingo €37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid €156Santo Domingo €74
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Santo Domingo
Looking for a hotel in Madrid 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: Madrid Hotel Prices and Santo Domingo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid €18Santo Domingo €4.21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride€26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- MAD Airport Private Transfer to/from Madrid City Center: $23
- Private transfer departure from City Centre to Madrid Airport: $29
- Transfer: Barajas Airport (MAD) to Madrid City Center: $31
- Madrid Barajas Airport Private Transfer To Madrid City: $34
- Private Transfer from Madrid Airport (MAD): $39
- Private transfer to Madrid Airport (MAD): $39
- Madrid to Madrid Airport (MAD) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
- Private Transfer From Madrid Barajas Airport to Madrid: $47
- Madrid Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $50
- Private Transfers Madrid Airport to Central Madrid: $50
- Madrid Airport Departure Private Transfer: $51
- One Way Private Transfer to or from Madrid: $57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santo Domingo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santo Domingo:
- Bahía de las Águilas w/ Private Transfer: $250
- Private Arrival Transfer: Santo Domingo International Airport to Hotels (8 - 11): $244
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Santo Domingo International Airport (8 - 11): $244
- Private transfer Santo Domingo Airport to, Sosua, Cabarete,: $240
- Private Transfer Santo Domingo SDQ to Samana/Miches/Terrenas: $239
- Transfer from the Americas Inter. Airport to Punta Cana: $235
- Private transfer from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana & Viceversa (one way): $235
- Santo Domingo Airport to Uvero Alto Exclusive Transfer: $197
- Private Arrival Transfer: Santo Domingo International Airport to Hotels (1 - 4): $184
- Santo Domingo to La Romana transfer: $177
- VIP Private Transfer from Las Americas Airport AILA To Punta Cana: $172
- Private Transfer from Santo Domingo Cruise Port to Punta Cana: $171
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Santo Domingo?
Prices for flights to both Santo Domingo and Madrid 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 dayMadrid €59Santo Domingo €49
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee€2.00
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Ice Cream€3.00
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Kebabs (for 2)€16
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Croissant€1.50
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Lunch at Airport (for 2)€16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid
For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Corral de la Moreria Madrid Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner: $59
- Madrid Paella and Churros Cooking Class Ham and Wines Tasting: $70
- Murder Mystery Dinner Experience: $75
- Chocolate & Churros Cooking Class in Madrid: $77
- Madrid : Paella and Churros cooking class, ham and wines tasting: $77
- Traditional Cooking Class of Sardines with Dish Auction in Madrid: $81
- Madrid Tapas & Wine Tasting Food Tour – Small Group Local Bars: $91
- Spanish Cooking Class Paella Tapas and Sangria in Madrid: $100
- Madrid Food Tour in a Neighborhood Market with Churros: $105
- Tapas & Paella Cooking Class in Madrid with a Professional Chef: $105
- Madrid Tapas & Paella Cooking Experience with Local Market Visit: $112
- Madrid Food Tour Tasting the Heart of the City: $138
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.Madrid €33Santo Domingo €13
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Self Guided Walking City Tour in Madrid: $3.53
- Tuk Tuk Tour of the Best of Madrid (booking only): $3.53
- Malasaña and Chueca A Tour That Shouts Freedom: $3.53
- Madrid Historical Walking Tour: $3.53
- "Prado Museum" Tour A Treasure of World Art: $3.54
- Madrid - Medieval to Modern Walking Tour (English): $3.54
- Madrid City Highlights Walking Tour: $4.72
- Madrid Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.12
- Madrid Essential : Self-Guided Tour created by local Official Guide: $5.90
- Manzanares River’s Story: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Madrid: $5.99
- Madrid Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Madrid Mystery Quest: Self-Guided Surreal Adventure Game: $7.00
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€38
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
- 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 ATV and Buggies Tour Through Macao: $150
- 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 Dominican Adventure: Zipline, ATV Buggie, Horseback & Safari: $266
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid €19Santo Domingo €6.92
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
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Beer€5.00
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)€13
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Madrid Pub Crawl: Open Bar, Shots & VIP Entry (Shoko & Fitz): $14
- Pub Crawl Madrid by Mad Party Crew: Bars, Shots and Club Entry: $20
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
- Hypno Tasting Wine Tasting under Hypnosis in Madrid: $58
- New Year Eve Madrid Pub Crawl: $81
- Spanish Wine Tasting : $90
- Old Madrid Tapas & Wine Tasting Tour - Real Small Groups 8 Max: $99
- Madrid Tapas & Wine Tour: Local Bars & Spanish Wine Tasting: $112
- Eating Not Just Another Tapas and Wine Tour: $114
- Madrid Tapas & Wine Tour with Rooftop Views and Local Guide: $116
- Toledo Tour & Vineyard Experience with Wine Tasting from Madrid: $130
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Madrid and Santo Domingo, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Santo Domingo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Madrid 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 Madrid would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Madrid 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 Madrid Expensive? and Is Santo Domingo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Santo Domingo?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Santo Domingo. When comparing the sizes of Madrid 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.