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 $179Bonaire $299
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta Cana is $179, 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 $100Bonaire $155
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta Cana $200Bonaire $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 $6.72Bonaire $65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Cana
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Punta Cana:
- Transfer from Punta Cana Airport to hotels - from Rep Dom: $6.40
- PUJ Airport to Punta Cana City Private Transfer: $7.00
- Bavaro|Veron: PUJ Airport to Bavaro|Veron Private Transfer: $7.00
- Shared Transfer Punta Cana Airport - Punta Cana/Bavaro: $7.15
- 1-way Private Transfer: $10
- Private Airport Transfer from Punta Cana safety & Comfort: $11
- Private Punta Cana Airport Transfer Cap Cana, Bavaro, Uvero Alto: $13
- Private airport transfer from punta cana to hotel in bavaro: $13
- Efficient & Private Airport Transfer Service: $13
- Punta Cana Airport Private Transfers to Hotels: $14
- Private Transfer Punta Cana Airport PUJ - Punta Cana Bavaro Veron: $14
- “Punta Cana Airport Taxis | Private Transfers & Shuttle Services”: $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bonaire
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bonaire:
- Airport Transfer Return Included: $44
- Private Transfer from Kralendijk Cruise Port to Kralendijk city : $59
- Private Transfer from Kralendijk Port to Bonaire Airport (BON): $59
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 $67Bonaire $101
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Punta Cana
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Punta Cana.
- Origen Tasting Adventure Dinner or Lunch of 8 Courses Dom Cuisine: $85
- 'Chillo al Coco' Cooking Class & Taino Concept store: $98
- Sunset Buggies Adventure with Dinner from Punta Cana: $139
- Buggy Ride, Dinner and Taino Party: $139
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bonaire
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bonaire.
- Discover the Flavors of Bonaire with the Bonaire Snack Food Tour: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta Cana $31Bonaire $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$53
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
- Guided Tour of WordMart Souvenir Store in Punta Cana: $5.00
- Adventure Buggy Punta Cana:Cave Macao Beach: $5.00
- Guided Shopping Tour to WordMart Souvenirs Store: $5.00
- Guided Shopping Tour at BellaMare Souvenirs Mall: $5.00
- Shopping Tour to WorldMart Souvenirs Store: $5.00
- Tour de Compras: Chocolate, Café y Artesanías en Punta Cana.: $5.00
- Guided Tour to Don Lucas Cigar Factory & Souvenirs Store: $5.00
- Guided Tour to Don Lucas Cigar Factory: Round-trip transport: $5.00
- Shopping Tour In Don Lucas Cigar Factory: $5.00
- Punta Souvenirs -Shooping Tour free: $5.00
- Souvenirs Shopping Tour from Punta Cana : $6.30
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
- Tour in North and South Bonaire Guided : $50
- Sunset Adventure: $55
- Walking Tour with Lunch & Ice Cream: $55
- Yacht tour with local guide & snorkeling activities: $57
- Clearbottom Mangrove Kayak & Snorkel tour: $59
- Highlights of Bonaire & Cultural Experience: $59
- Bioluminescense Night Snorkel Experience: $63
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta Cana $11Bonaire $33
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.