Which place is cheaper, Nassau or Santo Domingo?
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 Santo Domingo or Nassau?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Santo Domingo and Nassau can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Santo Domingo or Nassau?
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.
Nassau
There are few vacation destinations more famous than the Bahamian city of Nassau. This capital city is full of laid back locals, relaxed tourists and the iconic pastel pink government houses.
As the largest city in the Bahamas, Nassau can hold plenty of people. Not only are there hundreds of tourists on any given day, the city is also home to 260,000 people – that is 80 percent of the Bahamas' total population.
Founded around 1650, Nassau's location made it a great spot on the trade route. So great, in fact, that it also became a popular destination for pirates – including the infamous Blackbeard.
Pack light because it's going to be pretty steamy in Nassau. The climate is essentially identical to southern Florida. It is warm and humid all year with the occasional cold snap in the winter.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic, The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas.
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Santo Domingo Prices
Dominican Republic PricesNassau Prices
Bahamas Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySanto Domingo $106Nassau $227
The average daily cost (per person) in Santo Domingo is $106, while the average daily cost in Nassau is $227. 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 Santo Domingo and Nassau in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSanto Domingo $43Nassau $108
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSanto Domingo $86Nassau $216
Compare Hotels in Santo Domingo and Nassau
Looking for a hotel in Santo Domingo or Nassau? 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: Santo Domingo Hotel Prices and Nassau Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santo Domingo $4.88Nassau $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santo Domingo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santo Domingo:
- Private Transfer from Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ): $16
- Santo Domingo Airport: One-Way or Round Trip Transfers: $20
- Experience at the Museo del Ron Dominicano, Private Transfer.: $28
- Santo Domingo to Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) - Departure Transfer: $29
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ): $31
- Santo Domingo to Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) - Departure Transfer: $37
- Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) to Puerto Plata - Private Transfer: $37
- Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) to Santo Domingo - Arrival Transfer: $37
- Las Galeras / Samana to Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
- Puerto Plata to Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) - Private Transfer: $39
- Santo Domingo Airport SDQ to Las Galeras/Samana-Arrival Transfer: $39
- Transfer SDQ and JBQ Airport to Santo Domingo City: $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:
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Water Taxi$8.00
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Taxi to Cable Beach$25
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Taxi from Airport$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:
- Direct Private Airport Transfer four or more Persons (one way): $20
- Nassau Private Airport & Cruise Port Transfer: $30
- One Way Trip Private Airport to Hotel Transfer in Nassau: $37
- Airport Transfer Paradise Island: $40
- Private One-Way Transfer from Lynden Airport to Bahamas: $45
- Nassau City Escape Transfer (One Way): $50
- Nassau cruise port to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Private Transfer: $51
- Nassau hotels to Nassau Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $51
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau port - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Round Trip Private Airport To Hotel Transfer in Nassau: $68
- Group transfer: $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Santo Domingo or Nassau?
Prices for flights to both Nassau and Santo Domingo 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 daySanto Domingo $57Nassau $91
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nassau
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nassau.
- Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $119
- Nassau Sunset Dinner Cruise: $129
- Dinner and Dancing: $130
- All Inclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau Bahamas: $138
- Experience Breakfast,Lunch or Dinner in the sky of Nassau Bahamas: $176
- NEW! Authentic Bahamian Cooking and Cocktails with Transfers: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santo Domingo $15Nassau $37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Santo Domingo
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Santo Domingo are as follows:
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Snorkeling Tour$44
Tours and Activities in Santo Domingo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santo Domingo are as follows:
- Tour a las Mejores Playas del Caribe: $5.00
- The Battle of Santo Domingo 4D Experience: $5.00
- The Battle of Santo Domingo 4D Experience: $5.00
- Taínos 4D Experience Discover the Legacy of the Caribbean: $6.00
- Tainos 4D Experience in Santo Domingo's Colonial City: $6.00
- Colonial Zone Walking Tour with Coffee: $20
- Colonial Zone Tour with tasting: $20
- Ron Barcelo Anejo Experience Factory Tour: $20
- Colonial Zone Walking Tour with Tastings: $20
- Chocolate Tour + Optional Workshops: $21
- Santo Domingo Tuk Tuk Experience: $25
- Colonial Experience Tour: $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:
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Jet Ski$50
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4 Hr Kayak Tour$70
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1/2 Day Snorkel Trip$75
Tours and Activities in Nassau
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nassau are as follows:
- Nassau Junkanoo Rum & Ramparts Self-Guided Audio GPS Walking Tour: $7.99
- Audio Driving Tour Around St. Simons Island: $9.99
- Champagne and Diamond Shopping Experience in Downtown, Bahamas: $10
- Museum of Junkanoo Guided Tour and Entry Ticket: $11
- Junkanoo Costume Workshop and Museum Tour: $35
- Nassau City Highlights Sightseeing Tour: $40
- Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours: $45
- Private Sightseeing in Fort Montagu with Crab and Seafood meal: $45
- Nassau Bahamas: Jetcar Excursion to Pig Island Tour $450: $50
- Banana Boat Adventure: $50
- Guided Walking Tour with Local Treats: $50
- Discover Nassau Sightseeing Tour plus Atlantis Resort Visit: $54
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySanto Domingo $8.03Nassau $19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:
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Cocktail$6.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:
- Bottle Your Own at John Watling's Distillery: $20
- Mixology Experience at John Watling's Distillery: $80
- Rum Tasting Experience at John Watling's Distillery: $80
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santo Domingo and Nassau, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Santo Domingo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santo Domingo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santo Domingo 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 Nassau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nassau than you might in Santo Domingo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santo Domingo Expensive? and Is Nassau Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santo Domingo or Nassau?
Santo Domingo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Santo Domingo and Nassau, 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.