Which place is cheaper, Bonaire or Punta Cana?
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 Punta Cana or Bonaire?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Punta Cana or Bonaire? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Punta Cana or Bonaire?
Punta Cana
Punta Cana, located on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. This Caribbean paradise offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to all types of travelers, whether you're on a tight budget, seeking thrilling activities, exploring local cuisine, or figuring out the best ways to get around.
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 Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic, and The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic.
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Punta Cana Prices
Dominican Republic PricesBonaire Prices
Caribbean Netherlands Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta Cana $181Bonaire $299
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta Cana is $181, 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 Punta Cana and Bonaire in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta Cana $101Bonaire $155
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta Cana $202Bonaire $310
Compare Hotels in Punta Cana and Bonaire
Looking for a hotel in Punta Cana 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: Punta Cana Hotel Prices and Bonaire Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta Cana $6.80Bonaire $65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Cana
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Punta Cana:
- Budget Punta Cana Airport Transfers-Cap Cana, Bavaro, Uvero Alto: $6.50
- Affordable Private SUBURBAN Transfer from Punta Cana Airport: $6.50
- Private Transfers Between Punta Cana Airport and Hotels: $8.00
- Private Transfers Punta Cana Airport & Hotels in Uvero Alto: $8.00
- Private Transfers from Punta Cana Airport to Cap Cana: $8.00
- PRiVATE TRANSFERS FROM PUNTACANA AIRPORT TO HOTELS -FAST SERVICE: $8.00
- PRiVATE TRANSFERS FROM PUNTA CANA AIRPORT TO HOTELS -FAST SERVICE: $9.00
- Punta Cana PUJ Airport Private Transfer to/from Bavaro|Veron: $9.00
- Private Transfers from Punta Cana Airport to Hotels: $9.45
- PRiVATE TRANSFERS FROM PUNTA CANA AIRPORT TO HOTELS -FAST SERVICE: $10
- 1-way Private Transfer: $10
- Private Transfer from Punta Cana Airport (PUJ): $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bonaire
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bonaire:
- Airport Transfer Return Included: $80
- Private Transfers between Bonaire airport and any local address: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta Cana or Bonaire?
Prices for flights to both Bonaire and Punta Cana 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 dayPunta Cana $68Bonaire $101
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Punta Cana
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Punta Cana.
- 3hr Punta Cana Cooking Class: Mofonguitos & Morir Soñando: $85
- 'Chillo al Coco' Cooking Class & Taino Concept store: $98
- "PRIVATE"- Wild Dominican Sancocho Cooking Adventure!: $99
- ATV or Buggy Tour with Swim & Cooking Class: $99
- Buggy Ride, Dinner and Taino Party: $108
- Punta Cana Buggy Ride, Dinner and Taino Party: $118
- Punta Cana Buggy Ride and Taino Party with Dinner: $139
- Private: Nighttime Buggy Ride with Dinner & Open: $145
- Sunset Buggies Adventure with Dinner from Punta Cana: $145
- Dinner in the Sky Experience in Punta Cana: $149
- Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim and Dinner: $155
- Night Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim & Dinner Combo: $190
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.Punta Cana $32Bonaire $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Punta Cana
Here are a few typical costs in Punta Cana for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Dune Buggy Adventure$54
Tours and Activities in Punta Cana
Here are a few actual costs in Punta Cana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Souvenir Shopping Tour with Traditional Tastings: $2.00
- Santo Domingo: Panoramic tour to Punta Cana with Buggy Ride: $5.00
- Saona Island Classic Tour with Lunch & Drinks: $5.00
- Shopping Tour In Don Lucas Cigar Factory, Rum tasting, Cocoa factory, Souvenirs: $5.00
- Shopping Tour In Don Lucas Cigar Factory: $5.00
- Shopping Tour in Punta Cana with Round Trip Transportation: $5.00
- Tour de Compras: Chocolate, Café y Artesanías en Punta Cana.: $5.00
- Guided Shopping Tour - Rum tasting, chocolate factory, Cigar factory: $5.00
- Punta Cana Souvenir Shopping Tour with Pickup: $6.00
- Guided Shopping Tour to Bella Mare Store (Cigars, Chocolate, Rum and Souvenirs): $6.00
- Punta Cana Souvenir Shopping Tour with Free Pickup: $6.00
- Souvenir Shopping Tour in Punta Cana. Transportation Included: $10
Tours and Activities in Bonaire
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bonaire are as follows:
- Semi Submarine Boat Experience to Klein Bonaire: $33
- Walking Tours & Private Tours on Bonaire: $36
- 4 Hours Open Air Party Bus Tour with Beach Stop in Caribbean: $39
- Half-Day Bonaire Island Tour with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: $46
- Bonaire Essentials Island Tour: $49
- Walking Tour with Lunch & Ice Cream: $55
- Yacht tour with local guide & snorkeling activities: $57
- Highlights of Bonaire & Cultural Experience: $59
- Clearbottom Mangrove Kayak & Snorkel tour: $59
- Tour in North and South Bonaire Guided: $63
- Explore North & South Tour: $65
- Small-Group Guided North & South Tour of Bonaire with Pick Up: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta Cana $11Bonaire $33
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta Cana
Also in Punta Cana, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bar Crawl in Punta Cana: $35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta Cana and Bonaire, we can see that Bonaire is more expensive. And not only is Punta Cana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Punta Cana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta Cana 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 Punta Cana.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Punta Cana Expensive? and Is Bonaire Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta Cana or Bonaire?
Punta Cana has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Bonaire. When comparing the sizes of Punta Cana 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.