A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Phnom Penh vs. Dubrovnik for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Phnom Penh or Dubrovnik?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Phnom Penh and Dubrovnik. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Phnom Penh or Dubrovnik?

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in the country of Cambodia. It is located at the edge of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers and is the nation's center of economics and industry. The metropolitan area has a population of about 2.2 million.

Phnom Penh was once called the "Pearl of Asia." In the 1920s it was one of the most impressive French built cities in the region and was an important tourist destination. During the Vietnam War, refugees fled to the city and by 1975 the city's population was between 2 and 3 million, most of them being refugees. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and they cut off supplies to the population for over a year. Journalists reported torture and mutilation of the trapped civilians and the Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the city in what is known as the death march. The Khmer Rouge was driven from the city by the Vietnamese in 1979 and reconstruction began.

Today, tourism continues to grow in the city and those who visit are greeted by a welcoming and friendly population, a rich culture, and truly rewarding travel experience.

Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is hot year around with very little temperature variation. Lows are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit and highs are in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The southwest monsoon brings rains between May and October and the northeast monsoon brings the dry season from November to March.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Cambodia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik or Phnom Penh?

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 Phnom Penh is $50, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is $180. 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 Phnom Penh and Dubrovnik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phnom Penh $12
    Dubrovnik $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phnom Penh $24
    Dubrovnik $148
Compare Hotels in Phnom Penh and Dubrovnik

Looking for a hotel in Phnom Penh or Dubrovnik? 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 Phnom Penh


Hotels in Dubrovnik


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: Phnom Penh Hotel Prices and Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.87
    Dubrovnik $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:

  • Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh City to Can Tho City: $375
  • Siem Reap: Private Transfer to or from Phnom Penh: $239
  • Private Transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by VIP Alphard 2010: $190
  • Private Transfer/ Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by VIP Alphard 2010: $180
  • Techo International Airport to Siem Reap Private Transfer: $160
  • Siem Reap or Private One-Way Transfer: $158
  • Ground Transfer/ Minivan/ Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $150
  • Private Taxi Transfer From Phnom Penh - Mondulkiri City: $147
  • Private taxi transfer from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh city: $145
  • Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $145
  • Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $145
  • Private Taxi transfer from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: $145

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

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


  • Bus Around Town
    $1.63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

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

  • Airport Private Transfer Dubrovnik: $68
  • Airport Transfer Dubrovnik Town to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $270
  • Airport Transfer Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $282
  • Airport Transfer: Dubrovnik to Airport DBV by Business Car: $58
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik City by Business Car: $46
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik City by Minivan: $68
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport DBV to Dubrovnik by Luxury Van: $58
  • Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $460
  • Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $37
  • Cavtat, Mlini & Srebreno to Dubrovnik Old Town Speedboat Transfer: $24
  • Departure Private Transfer from Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport by Minivan: $61
  • Departure Private Transfers: Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport DBV in Luxury Van: $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Phnom Penh or Dubrovnik?

Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik and Phnom Penh 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
    Phnom Penh $23
    Dubrovnik $85
Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:


  • Dinner for Two
    $10
  • Breakfast for Two
    $4.84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phnom Penh.

  • Mekong Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $9.90
  • Sunset & Evening Dinner Cruise With One Way Free Pick Up: $9.90
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with English Speaking Guide: $10
  • Dinner 4-course Mekong River cruise with Kanika Boat: $27
  • Nightlife three hours food tours: $27
  • Evening City Tour by Tuk Tuk with 1 Dinner: $29
  • Cooking Class in Phnom Penh: $31
  • Phnom Penh’s Hands-On Khmer Cooking Class in the Countryside: $35
  • Street Art & Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $35
  • Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour - Inclusive 5 stops local Tastings: $35
  • Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
  • Street Art and Food Tour with Pickup and Beer: $39

Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    $33

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
  • Sunset Dubrovnik & Dinner At St Jacob Beach: $100
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour: Local Dishes & City Stories: $116
  • 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: $158
  • Dinner on Peljesac with 5-Course Signature Wine & Food: $158
  • Dubrovnik Sunset Cruise with dinner on board: $161
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $165
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $204
  • Blue Cave, Elaphiti Islands, Wine Tasting and Cooking Experience: $258

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.65
    Dubrovnik $17

Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh

Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • ( Free eSim) Phnom Penh Historical Full Day Tour: $40
  • 10 Stop Phnom Penh Tour by Tuk-Tuk, includes S21 & Killing Fields: $33
  • 2 Day-Phnom Penh by Private Tours: $155
  • 2 Days Phnom Penh Cyclo and Cycling Tour: $128
  • 2 Days Phnom Penh Siem Reap Private Tour, Cambodia Road Tour: $25
  • 2 Days Private Guide Tour Phnom Penh Heritage: $282
  • 2-Day Mekong Delta Tour: Phu Quoc to Phnom Penh via Chau Doc: $488
  • 4 Hours Private Phnom Penh National Museum and Royal Palace Tour: $155
  • 5-Hour Biking Tour in Mekong Island: $49
  • 6-8 Hours Phnom Penh Private Guided Tour: $15
  • A Day Hiking Adventure to Chonlos Waterfalls: $189
  • A Day Trip Sightseeing of Phnom Penh With Private Tour Guide: $65

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)
    $15
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    $61
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    $51

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: $4.99
  • Selfguide® Secrets Tour Dubrovnik with Game of Thrones Spots: $5.29
  • Self guided walking tour of Dubrovnik with audio guide: $5.88
  • Dubrovnik Audio guided walking tour 1h and 18 audio reviews: $6.94
  • Skip the Line: Love Stories Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour with Audioguide: $12
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phnom Penh $4.33
    Dubrovnik $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:

  • Phnom Penh Pub Crawl with Free Mad Monkey Singlet: $12

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
  • Private Scenic Sunset Tour & Premium Wine Tasting Above Dubrovnik: $76
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $81
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island 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
  • Luxury Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $100
  • 2-Hour Kayaking at Sunset with Wine Tasting and Appetizers: $100
  • Konavle Valley Tour, Train Ride and Wine Tasting from Kolocep: $105
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tasting from Dubrovnik with Light Lunch: $105


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phnom Penh and Dubrovnik, we can see that Dubrovnik is more expensive. And not only is Phnom Penh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Phnom Penh is in Asia and Dubrovnik is in Europe, 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 Phnom Penh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh.

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


Which is Bigger, Phnom Penh or Dubrovnik?

Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Phnom Penh and Dubrovnik, 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.