Which place is cheaper, Santo Domingo or Tokyo?
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 Tokyo or Santo Domingo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tokyo or Santo Domingo? 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: Tokyo or Santo Domingo?
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic, and The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic.
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Tokyo Prices
Japan PricesSanto Domingo Prices
Dominican Republic Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $176Santo Domingo $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $176, while the average daily cost in Santo Domingo is $106. 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 Tokyo and Santo Domingo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $74Santo Domingo $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $148Santo Domingo $86
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Santo Domingo
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo or Santo Domingo? 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Santo Domingo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $17Santo Domingo $4.88
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Haneda Airport to Tokyo One Way Transfer: $13
- Hotel Transfer to/from Disneyland or DisneySea: $40
- Tokyo Disneyland/DisneySea: Private Transfer To/From Tokyo Hotels: $44
- Tokyo Private Transfer From or To Haneda Airport (HND): $51
- Haneda Airport: 1-Way Shared Shuttle Transfer: $54
- Airport Shuttle Arrival Transfer : from Haneda Airport to Tokyo City: $61
- Tokyo City: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Yokohama City: $63
- Private One-Way Transfers to/from Yokohama Port: $67
- Tokyo Port, Yokohama Port & Haneda Airport Private Transfer: $78
- Private Transfers to/from Narita Airport(NRT): $79
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND) to Tokyo Port: $82
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND): $82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santo Domingo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santo Domingo:
- Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ): Private Transfer to Bavaro: $412
- Bahía de las Águilas w/ Private Transfer: $250
- Private transfer From Las Americas Airport (SDQ) To Samana: $250
- Private transfer Santo Domingo Airport to, Sosua, Cabarete,: $240
- Private Transfer Santo Domingo SDQ to Samana/Miches/Terrenas: $239
- Private transfer from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana & Viceversa (one way): $235
- Transfer from the Americas Inter. Airport to Punta Cana: $235
- Transfer from Santo Domingo SDQ or JBQ Airport to La Romana City: $203
- Santo Domingo Airport Transfer to your Hotel in Punta Cana: $200
- Santo Domingo Airport to Uvero Alto Exclusive Transfer: $197
- Santo Domingo transfer to downtown (private roundtrip): $191
- Private Arrival Transfer: Santo Domingo International Airport to Hotels (1 - 4): $184
Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or Santo Domingo?
Prices for flights to both Santo Domingo and Tokyo 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 dayTokyo $62Santo Domingo $57
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.02
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.02
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Meal at Airport$6.55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market: Traditional Culture & Street Food Tour: $19
- Tokyo : Vintage, Music & Food Tour in Shimokitazawa with a Local: $22
- Shibuya 7-Dishes vegetarian dinner at a Japanese izakaya: $29
- Asakusa: Senso-ji Sightseeing & Street Food Tour with Photos: $29
- Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour: $32
- For First Time Visitor：Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $32
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $39
- Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
- Tokyo Shinjuku Night Food Tour: $45
- Private Yanaka District Walking & Food Tour: $45
- Japanese Sushi Cooking Class: $48
- Weekend Japanese Cooking Demonstration with a Tokyo Mom, Toshiko: $49
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tokyo $66Santo Domingo $15
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Imperial Palace or Edo Castle Time Trip Learning Walking Tour: $3.21
- Experience Japan’s Beloved Morning Exercise – Radio Taiso”!: $5.14
- Mount Fuji & Hakone Private Van Tour with Pick-Up: $5.47
- Tokyo Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Mt Fuji/Lake Kawaguchi 1 day 18/45 seater customize Private Tour: $6.42
- Tsukiji Market Early Morning Tour: $6.42
- Cross Roppongi Karaoke Nightclub Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
- Tokyo Walking Tour 2h15 and 19 audio reviews: $6.83
- Tokyo Fuji Art Museum Admission Ticket + Special Exhibition (when being held): $7.70
- TOKYO Audio Guide Tour in The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace: $7.70
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Tokyo: $8.31
- Hidden Yanaka & Nezu: Authentic Old Tokyo Escape – Walking Tour: $9.63
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:
- 6 Hours Private Cultural Tour in Santo Domingo: $190
- Cabarete Caves & Nature Adventure: $128
- Cacao trail and making of chocolate tour from Santo Domingo: $190
- Colonial Zone: Historical Tour with Visit to Columbus Lighthouse and Los Tres Ojos Park: $90
- Cultural VIP Private Tour From Santo Domingo: $150
- Cumayasa Private Buggies Tour from Santo Domingo: $135
- Dominican Food, Rum, and Beer Tasting Experience: $35
- Double Tour with Buggies and Visit to the Colonial Zone and Museums in Santo Domingo: $95
- Experience the Three Eyes Park and Columbus Lighthouse: $45
- From Punta Cana: Full-Day Santo Domingo City Tour: $70
- From Punta Cana: Sightseeing Tour of Santo Domingo, Zona Colonial, and Three Eyes: $85
- From Catalina Island Day Tour: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTokyo $32Santo Domingo $8.03
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.77
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
- 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $35
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Nightlife Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $46
- Shibuya Local Bar Crawl– Food & Drinks Included: $80
- Tokyo Sake Terroir Journey – Guided by Sake Brewery Professional: $90
- Mt. Fuji & Hakushu Distillery Whisky Museum Bus Tour from Tokyo: $90
- Shibuya Bar Crawl Tour -3 Drinks & Local Foods-: $103
- Shinjuku Bar Crawl Tour -3 Drinks & Local foods-: $103
- Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and jump into historic town: $109
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo: $122
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $132
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Santo Domingo, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Santo Domingo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo is in Asia and Santo Domingo is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive? and Is Santo Domingo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Santo Domingo?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Santo Domingo. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo and Santo Domingo, 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.