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

Should you visit Nairobi 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 Nairobi 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: Nairobi or Santo Domingo?

Nairobi

Nairobi is Kenya's capital as well as the country's largest city. With a population of about 3 million, it is also one of the largest cities in Africa. It is a prominent city both politically and financially within the region. There are many international companies that are located in Nairobi and the Nairobi Securities and Exchange is one of the largest in Africa.

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 Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic, and The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Santo Domingo or Nairobi?

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 Nairobi is $67, 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 Nairobi and Santo Domingo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nairobi $12
    Santo Domingo $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nairobi $24
    Santo Domingo $86
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Santo Domingo

Looking for a hotel in Nairobi 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 Nairobi


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: Nairobi Hotel Prices and Santo Domingo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nairobi $11
    Santo Domingo $4.87
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi

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


  • Taxi from Airport
    $9.26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nairobi

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

  • Nairobi Airport Transfer, Hotel Pick up and Drop Off: $20
  • Private Airport Transfer and Service in Nairobi: $20
  • Safe and Private Airport transfer in Nairobi: $20
  • Nairobi Airport Transfers to City Hotels or Wilson Airport: $24
  • Airport transfer; NBO to nairobi hotels: $27
  • Nairobi Airport Transfers to Wilson Airport or City Hotels: $28
  • Airport Transfers in Nairobi: $28
  • Private One-Way Nairobi Airport Transfer: $29
  • From Wilson Airport: Nairobi private transfer in a car (3 pax): $30
  • Airport Transfer in Nairobi- JKIA: $30
  • Professional Airport Transfer Service in Nairobi: $33
  • From JKIA Airport: Nairobi private transfer in a car (3 pax max): $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santo Domingo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santo Domingo:

  • VIP Private Transfer from Las Americas Airport to Punta Cana: $172
  • VIP Private Transfer from Las Americas Airport AILA To Punta Cana: $172
  • Transfer to and from Santo Domingo.: $30
  • Transfer in Tesla from SDQ Airport to Santo Domingo: $68
  • Transfer from the Americas Inter. Airport to Punta Cana: $235
  • Transfer from Santo Domingo SDQ /JBQ Airport to Punta Cana Hotels: $192
  • Transfer from Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) to Samana Cruise Port: $120
  • Transfer from Airport to Hotel throughout Santo Domingo Dom Rep: $45
  • Transfer Private Airport SDQ to your Hotel in Santo Domingo: $65
  • Experience at the Museo del Ron Dominicano, Private Transfer.: $28
  • Bahía de las Águilas w/ Private Transfer: $250
  • Santo Domingo transfer to downtown (one-way private): $106

Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Santo Domingo?

Prices for flights to both Santo Domingo and Nairobi 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
    Nairobi $13
    Santo Domingo $57
Typical Food Prices in Nairobi

For Nairobi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner for Two
    $5.02

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nairobi

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

  • Kenyan Cooking Class & Authentic Dining Experience with a Local: $40
  • Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $55
  • Private Interactive Cooking Class and Market Tour in Kinoo: $65
  • Dinner/Lunch Eating Experience Carnivore Restaurant & Transport: $75
  • Safari Park dinner with live band music and cat dance show.: $90
  • Nairobi Nightlife and Safari Park Hotel Dinner Experience: $90
  • Safari Cat Dancers Show And Dinner: $100
  • Barbecue Lunch/ Dinner At The Carnivore Restaurant - Nairobi: $100
  • Nairobi National Park Afternoon Game Drive/ Dinner Carnivore Restaurant: $100
  • Nairobi dinner and safari cat dancers: $100
  • Authentic home dinner with a local Family in Nairobi: $108
  • Authentic Local Kenyan Food Tour: $108

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.
    Nairobi $46
    Santo Domingo $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nairobi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Nairobi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Village Visit
    $15

Tours and Activities in Nairobi

For Nairobi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Fashion African Fabric & Souvenir Market Tour: $12
  • Kibera Slum Tour with a Local: $15
  • Private Tour in Kibera the Largest Slum: $15
  • Nairobi Matatu Culture Experience: $18
  • Nairobi City Tour and Pickup: $20
  • Nairobi Walking City Tour +pick-up: $20
  • Nairobi City Walk Tour +pickup: $22
  • Nairobi History and Modern Culture Walking Tour: $22
  • Kibera Chocolate City Tour: $22
  • Cultural Discovery Tour of Unfiltered Mathare: $23
  • Giraffe Center Karen Blixen and Kobe Beads Day Tour: $25
  • Experience Nairobi Night Life Partying in the City and Beyond: $25

Typical Entertainment Prices in Santo Domingo

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


  • Snorkeling Tour
    $44

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
  • 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 Dominican Adventure: Zipline, ATV Buggie, Horseback & Safari: $266
  • Half Day Comatillo Off-Road Experience: $135
  • Half Day Santo Domingo Tour: Three Eyes Park to Colon Lighthouse: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nairobi $16
    Santo Domingo $8.02

Sample the Local Flavors in Nairobi

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

  • Food and Wine Tasting Experience at Five Senses Restaurant: $155


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Santo Domingo?

Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Santo Domingo. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi 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.