Which place is cheaper, Santo Domingo or Zanzibar?
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 Zanzibar or Santo Domingo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Zanzibar and Santo Domingo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Zanzibar or Santo Domingo?
Zanzibar
Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.
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 Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic, and The Best Adventure Tours to Dominican Republic.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesSanto Domingo Prices
Dominican Republic Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Santo Domingo $99
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Santo Domingo is $99. 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 Zanzibar and Santo Domingo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Santo Domingo $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Santo Domingo $80
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Santo Domingo
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar 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: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Santo Domingo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Santo Domingo $4.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Prison Island Half Day Journey With Transfers - Zanzibar: $14
- Prison Island Excursion Half-Day Tour with Transfer - Zanzibar: $15
- Prison Island Experience Half Day Trip With Transfer - Zanzibar: $15
- Prison Island Adventure Half Day Tour With Transfer - Zanzibar: $15
- Zanzibar Arrival Transfer: Zanzibar Airport to Hotel: $17
- Prison Island Experience Half Day Tour With Transfer - Zanzibar: $18
- Zanzibar Airport/Hotels transfer best price: $19
- Premium Private Transfer in Zanzibar – Airport, Hotels, Beaches: $20
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Arrivals: $20
- Guided Tour of Stone Town's Historic Sites + Transfer – Zanzibar: $20
- Zanzibar Airport Transfers to Hotels : $20
- Stone Town Historical Walking Tour with Transfers – Zanzibar: $20
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 Zanzibar or Santo Domingo?
Prices for flights to both Santo Domingo and Zanzibar 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 dayZanzibar $30Santo Domingo $53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class With Lunch: $52
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class : $59
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $77
- A Half Day Private Cooking Class At the Spice Farm: $90
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $101
- Full-Day Private Tour in Zanzibar with Cooking Class: $110
- Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $130
- Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Santo Domingo $14
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Zanzibar Organic Spice Farm Tour: $13
- Zanzibar : Stone Town Tour,history without transport: $14
- Spice Tour Zanzibar : $15
- Zanzibar stonetown walking tour with local guide: $18
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $20
- City tours zanzibar : $20
- Zanzibar stone town city tour: $20
- Stone Town tour: $20
- Zanzibar Green Tour Park Experience: $20
- Stone Town Historical & Cultural Walking Adventure – Zanzibar: $20
- Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $24
- Stone Town Tour, Historical & Cultural Landmarks in - Zanzibar: $24
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$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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Santo Domingo $7.54
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Santo Domingo, we can see that Santo Domingo is more expensive. And not only is Zanzibar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zanzibar is in Africa 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 Zanzibar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zanzibar 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 Santo Domingo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santo Domingo than you might in Zanzibar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Santo Domingo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Santo Domingo?
Santo Domingo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar 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.