A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Punta Cana vs. Havana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Punta Cana or Havana?

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

Should I visit Punta Cana or Havana? 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 Havana?

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic, and The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Havana 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Punta Cana is $166, while the average daily cost in Havana is $74. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Punta Cana $93
    Havana $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Punta Cana $186
    Havana $84
Compare Hotels in Punta Cana and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Punta Cana or Havana? 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 Punta Cana


Hotels in Havana


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Punta Cana $6.25
    Havana $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Cana

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Punta Cana:

  • Airport Transfer from/to Uvero Alto to Punta Cana: $30
  • Private Airport Transfer from Punta Cana safety & Comfort: $11
  • Private Airport Transfer to or from Uvero Alto and Punta Cana: $26
  • Punta Cana Private VIP Transfers Suburban: $39
  • #1 Punta Cana Airport Transfers Dominican Transportation: $40
  • “Punta Cana Airport Taxis | Private Transfers & Shuttle Services”: $15
  • "Uvero Alto Hotel Transfer to/from Punta Cana Airport" : $60
  • Affordable Punta Cana Airport Transfers, Taxis and Shuttles: $15
  • Airport (PUJ) Private transfers, Transportation Punta Cana Hotels: $45
  • Airport Transfer La Romana To Bayahibe & Punta Cana Hotel: $68
  • Airport Transfers to Punta Cana / Bavaro and Uvero Alto Hotels: $35
  • Aruba Private Transfer Oranjestad to Airport (AUA): $23

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

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


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Punta Cana or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Punta Cana $63
    Havana $18

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 Lesson with Transfer: $98
  • Taste of DR Street Food Tour: $125
  • Sunset Buggies Adventure with Dinner from Punta Cana: $139

Typical Food Prices in Havana

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


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Punta Cana $29
    Havana $11
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:


  • Dune Buggy Adventure
    $49

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 Shopping Tour at BellaMare Souvenirs Mall: $5.00
  • Guided Shopping Tour - Rum tasting, chocolate factory, Cigar factory: $5.00
  • Shopping Tour In Don Lucas Cigar Factory: $5.00
  • Guided Tour to Don Lucas Cigar Factory: Round-trip transport: $5.00
  • Guided Tour to Don Lucas Cigar Factory & Souvenirs Store: $5.00
  • Guided Tour of WordMart Souvenir Store in Punta Cana: $5.00
  • Shopping Tour to WorldMart Souvenirs Store: $5.00
  • Guided Tour to Don Lucas Cigars Factory and Souvenirs Store: $5.00
  • Punta Souvenirs -Shooping Tour free: $5.00
  • Adventure Buggy Punta Cana:Cave Macao Beach: $5.00
  • Guided Shopping Tour to WordMart Souvenirs Store: $5.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Punta Cana $9.92
    Havana $5.76

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


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

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 Havana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Punta Cana or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Punta Cana. When comparing the sizes of Punta Cana and Havana, 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.

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