A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santo Domingo vs. Willemstad for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Santo Domingo or Willemstad?

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 Willemstad can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Santo Domingo or Willemstad?

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.

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, Willemstad 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Santo Domingo is $99, while the average daily cost in Willemstad is $368. 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 Willemstad in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santo Domingo $40
    Willemstad $265
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santo Domingo $80
    Willemstad $530

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Compare Hotels in Santo Domingo and Willemstad

Looking for a hotel in Santo Domingo or Willemstad? 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 Santo Domingo


Hotels in Willemstad


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 Willemstad Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santo Domingo $4.59
    Willemstad $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santo Domingo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santo Domingo:

  • La Romana Airport (LRM) to Santo Domingo hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $63
  • Private Airport Transfer (SDQ) to Santo Domingo / Punta Cana: $11
  • Private Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) Transfers To Pedernales & Barahona Hotels: $160
  • Private Transfer From La Romana Cruise Port to Las Americas Inter. Airport: $150
  • Private Transfer From Las Americas Inter. Airport to La Romana Cruise Port: $150
  • Private Transfer From Santo Domingo City to Resort Casa de Campo: $175
  • Private Transfer Santo Domingo Airport SDQ to Santo Domingo Port: $55
  • Private Transfer Santo Domingo Port to Santo Domingo Airport SDQ: $55
  • Private Transfer between Santo Domingo Airport and Punta Cana: $155
  • Private Transfer from Int Las Americas Airport (SDQ): $27
  • Private Transfer from Las americas Airport to Punta Cana : $90
  • Private Transfer from Santo Domingo Airport to Bayahibe: $105

Is it cheaper to fly into Santo Domingo or Willemstad?

Prices for flights to both Willemstad 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Santo Domingo $53
    Willemstad $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santo Domingo $14
    Willemstad $94
Typical Entertainment Prices in Santo Domingo

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Santo Domingo are as follows:


  • Snorkeling Tour
    $42

Tours and Activities in Santo Domingo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santo Domingo are as follows:

  • Taínos 4D Experience Discover the Legacy of the Caribbean: $6.00
  • Ron Barcelo Anejo Experience Factory Tour: $20
  • Colonial Zone Bike Tour: $45
  • Panoramic City Tour: $46
  • Santo Domingo Small Group Walking Tour: Beer and Specialty Coffee: $59
  • Iconic Highlights and historical Tour in Santo Domingo: $75
  • Santo Domingo City Tour with Pickup Included From Santo Domingo: $75
  • Half Day Santo Domingo Tour: Three Eyes Park to Colon Lighthouse: $80
  • Full Day Tour to Santo Domingo from Punta Cana with Lunch: $80
  • Santo Domingo Walking Tour for the Whole Family : $88
  • Santo Domingo Cultural Tour: $89
  • Full-Day Santo Domingo City Tour from Punta Cana: $89

Typical Entertainment Prices in Willemstad

Here are a few typical costs in Willemstad for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • 1/2 Day ATV Excursion
    $88
  • 1 Hour Trolley Tour
    $25
  • Jewish Cultural Historical Museum Entrance Fe
    $5.90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santo Domingo $7.54
    Willemstad $14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santo Domingo and Willemstad, we can see that Willemstad 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 Willemstad would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Willemstad 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 Willemstad Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Santo Domingo or Willemstad?

Santo Domingo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Willemstad. When comparing the sizes of Santo Domingo and Willemstad, 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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