A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubrovnik vs. Valparaiso for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dubrovnik or Valparaiso?

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

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Valparaiso? 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: Dubrovnik or Valparaiso?

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

Valparaiso

Valparaiso, often referred to as Valpo, is an attractive city on the Pacific Coast in Chile. The city has a population of about 300,000 and is only 120 kilometers west of Santiago. The city's main industries aside from tourism include shipping and petroleum refining.

Valparaiso is popular with travelers because of its bohemian culture and brightly colored homes. It also offers some wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Although the city is short on specific sights, the atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a wonderful place to visit.

Valparaiso has a mild Mediterranean climate that is comparable to San Francisco or Santa Barbara. The summer is dry but fog is common year around. Rain can be heavy during the winter season and snow falls occasionally in the highest parts of the city. Winds can also be strong during the winter months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Valparaiso or Dubrovnik?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Dubrovnik Prices
    Croatia Prices
    Valparaiso Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Dubrovnik 121
    Valparaiso 70

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubrovnik is €121, while the average daily cost in Valparaiso is €70. 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 Dubrovnik and Valparaiso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubrovnik 50
    Valparaiso 30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubrovnik 100
    Valparaiso 60
Compare Hotels in Dubrovnik and Valparaiso

Looking for a hotel in Dubrovnik or Valparaiso? 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 Dubrovnik


Hotels in Valparaiso


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: Dubrovnik Hotel Prices and Valparaiso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubrovnik 12
    Valparaiso 4.11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

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


  • Bus Around Town
    1.43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer: Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport: $52
  • Airport Private Transfer Dubrovnik: $69
  • Airport Transfer Dubrovnik Town to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $275
  • Airport Transfer Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $286
  • Airport Transfer: Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik by MB Van: $62
  • Airport Transfer: Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport DBV by MB Van: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik City by Business Car: $45
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik City by Minivan: $65
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport DBV to Dubrovnik by Luxury Van: $59
  • Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $222
  • Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $34
  • Departure Private Transfer from Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport by Minivan: $60

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Valparaiso

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Valparaiso are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    2.67

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valparaiso

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valparaiso:

  • Private Valparaiso Visit William Cole Winery & Transfer to Hotel: $270
  • Private Transfer from Viña del Mar to Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport: $260
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Cruise Port to Santiago Hotels: $208
  • Private Transfer Viña del Mar to Santiago Airport: $170
  • Valparaiso to Santiago Private Transfer or Santiago to Valparaiso: $142
  • Small group transfer from Valparaiso/S.Antonio+Tour in Santiago: $140
  • Private transfer from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to San Antonio : $133
  • Transfers from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to Santiago: $120
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Hotel or port To Santiago Airport or Hotel: $110
  • Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel To Santiago City: $89

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubrovnik or Valparaiso?

Prices for flights to both Valparaiso and Dubrovnik 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
    Dubrovnik 57
    Valparaiso 33
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $82
  • Gastro Cruise | Dinner and Boat ride around Dubrovnik Old Town: $93
  • Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m above ground: $101
  • Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik: $114
  • Secret Food Tours in Dubrovnik: $118
  • Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $140
  • Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $143
  • Old Town Food Tour: $157
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $168
  • Eat Like A Local On A Food Tour: $180
  • Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
  • Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $226

Typical Food Prices in Valparaiso

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


  • Empanada
    1.60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valparaiso

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Valparaiso.

  • Cooking Classes in Viña del Mar Learn to Make Tapas and Desserts: $65
  • Learn to Cook Like a Local: Private Cooking Class in a Viña del Mar Home: $102

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubrovnik 19
    Valparaiso 15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    13
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    53
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    45

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.

  • Selfguide® Secrets Tour Dubrovnik with Game of Thrones Spots: $3.57
  • Self Guided Private Tour of Dubrovnik's Best Kept Secrets: $3.58
  • Time Traveler’s Trail: Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure in Dubrovnik: $5.99
  • Dubrovnik Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $6.67
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour with Audioguide: $8.34
  • Old Town Highlights Tour with Audio Guide: $9.36
  • Love Stories Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Red History Museum Regular Ticket: $11
  • Skip the Line: Love Stories Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Museum of Selfies & Illusions Dubrovnik Ticket: $11
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $12
  • Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15

Typical Entertainment Prices in Valparaiso

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


  • Boat Tour
    3.56

Tours and Activities in Valparaiso

Here are a few actual costs in Valparaiso for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hour Walking Tour in Valparaiso: $35
  • Explore Valparaíso and Viña del Mar Tour: $58
  • Famous Valparaíso! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $40
  • Famous Viña del Mar! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $40
  • Full Day Private Walking Tour with a Native Guide & Public Transport: $120
  • Full-Day Tour of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Reñaca & Concón: $180
  • Gastronomic Tour in Valparaiso: $189
  • Guided Panoramic Tour in Valparaíso: $40
  • Half-Day Chilean Pacific Coast Tour: Viña del Mar, Reñaca and Concón: $112
  • Half-Day Valparaiso City Highlights Tour: $112
  • Horse Ride & BBQ in Ritoque Beach&Dunes FROM VALPO. Private Tour: $298
  • Isla Negra Museum & CasaBlanca Winery From Valpo. Private Tour: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubrovnik 14
    Valparaiso 6.62

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Dubrovnik Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting : $42
  • Panoramic Dubrovnik Tour Golden Hour Sunset and Wine Tasting: $46
  • Sunset and Wine / Dubrovnik Sunset Tour and Premium Wine Tasting : $54
  • Brewery Tour with Food included: $66
  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $70
  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $72
  • Sunset Wine Tasting At Panorama Point: $74
  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Xperience: $80
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $83
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $83
  • Luxury Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $84
  • Wine Tour - Get to know local grapes: $84

Typical Alcohol Prices in Valparaiso

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Valparaiso are as follows:


  • Beer
    0.85

Sample the Local Flavors in Valparaiso

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Valparaiso:

  • A Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour Service from Casablanca : $75
  • Private Wine Tour in Valparaiso: $250
  • Santiago: Valparaíso Walking Tour & Casablanca Wine Tasting: $320


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubrovnik Expensive? and Is Valparaiso Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dubrovnik or Valparaiso?

Valparaiso has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Dubrovnik and Valparaiso, 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.