Which place is cheaper, Bonaire or Marbella?
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 Marbella or Bonaire?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Bonaire, 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: Marbella or Bonaire?
Marbella
Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.
Bonaire
An island municipality of the Netherlands, Bonaire resides in the Caribbean, east of Central America and north of Venezuela. It is a part of the ABC Islands together with Aruba and Curaçao, and is best known as a tropical vacation destination with many great dive spots, beaches, lagoons, and wildlife.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Marbella Prices
Spain PricesBonaire Prices
Caribbean Netherlands Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarbella $162Bonaire $299
The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is $162, while the average daily cost in Bonaire is $299. 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 Marbella and Bonaire in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarbella $69Bonaire $155
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarbella $138Bonaire $310
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Bonaire
Looking for a hotel in Marbella or Bonaire? 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: Marbella Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marbella $27Bonaire $65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella
Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Marbella to Malaga Airport AGP Private Transfer: $50
- Private Transfer from Las Chapas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $51
- Private Transfer from Torreblanca to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $73
- Climb La Concha Peak - Guided Hike with Transfer: $79
- Private Transfer from Lomas De Cabopino to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $88
- Vip Malaga Private Transfer to Marbella: $99
- Private Transfer from Alozaina to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $100
- Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Marbella: $111
- Private Transfer from Comares to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $112
- Private Transfer from Los Monteros to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $112
- TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to MARBELLA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $114
- TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to PUERTO BANUS-PRICE ALL INCUSIVE: $125
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bonaire
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bonaire:
- Private Transfers between Bonaire airport and any local address: $40
- Airport Transfer Return Included: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Bonaire?
Prices for flights to both Bonaire and Marbella 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 dayMarbella $74Bonaire $101
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella
For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flamenco Show and Dinner in Fuengirola Mijas Restaurant Tipi Tapa: $34
- Marbella Old Town Authentic Food Tour with 9 Tastings & Drinks: $88
- Marbella Food Tour with Tapas & Drinks with a Local: $94
- Marbella Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour With Local Guide: $97
- Marbella Food Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $101
- Explore Marbella Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour: $104
- Chefcooking Paella from our Andalusian Grandmother at a Family Farm: $131
- Spanish Cooking Classes / Traditional Spanish Cooking Class: $133
- Fuengirola Boat Activity with Cocktail Dinner Champagne & Sunset: $137
- Comares Cooking and Culture Experience: $142
- Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $199
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bonaire
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bonaire.
- Dinner at Sea: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marbella $22Bonaire $40
Tours and Activities in Marbella
For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Essential Grazalema : Self-guided tour created by local Official Guide: $5.98
- Glorious Grazalema Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
- Quizygolf Marbella, Minigolf Ticket: $12
- City Highlights Tour: $23
- Marbella Old Town: Group Tour with a True Local: $26
- Sightseeing Walking Tour: $28
- The Monks Trail: Mountain Hiking Adventure In Marbella: $34
- City Bike Guided Tour: Discover Estepona Best Kept Secrets: $34
- Private Walking Tour with a Local: $35
- group walking Tour: $36
- Marbella Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $39
- Beachfront Yoga and Cava Experience: $41
Tours and Activities in Bonaire
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bonaire are as follows:
- 2 Hours Private Kitesurfing Adventure: $265
- 4 Hours Open Air Party Bus Tour with Beach Stop in Caribbean: $39
- 4 hour Individual Island Tour for 1 to 12 persons: $180
- Aquaspace Sunset Sail and Snorkel Tour on Bonaire with Diner: $135
- Bonaire Cave Tour: Walk, Climb & Swim: $75
- Bonaire CaveTour Climb, Snorkel & Explore the Hidden Gems : $83
- Bonaire Essentials Island Tour: $49
- Bonaire Landsailing Adventures: $79
- Bonaire Private South Tour & Sorobon Beach with a Local Guide: $155
- Bonaire Shore Excursion: The Bonaire Highlights Tour: $83
- Private Tour of the South and Sorobon Beach in Spanish: $140
- Brunch & Snorkel Catamaran Tour: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarbella $6.42Bonaire $33
Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella
Also in Marbella, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- E-Mountain Bike & Wine Tour from Marbella to Sierra Blanca: $113
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Bonaire, we can see that Bonaire is more expensive. And not only is Marbella much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Marbella is in Europe and Bonaire 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 Marbella would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marbella 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 Bonaire would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonaire than you might in Marbella.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Marbella Expensive? and Is Bonaire Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Marbella or Bonaire?
Marbella has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Bonaire. When comparing the sizes of Marbella and Bonaire, 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.