Costa Rica Dominican Republic: Which is Better for You?

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Gene Openshaw
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19.09.2022 12:34
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Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic are some of the most amazing tourist sites in the world. However, when they are placed head-to-head, it could be difficult to choose one over the other. This is mostly because people are not clear on the details about each location and what they are to expect from each. In this article, we attempt to compare both locations and give you a preview of what's available in each of these vacation locations.

So, if you've been wondering which is a better location between Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, then read on to find out.

A little disclaimer though: this will not be your classic Costa Rica vs the Dominican Republic holiday location brawl. If you are hoping we would make the decisions for you, you might be a little bit disappointed. We would give you all the information and leave it open for you to choose whether it would be Costa Rica or the Dominican Republic.

Costa rica vs dominican republic beach.

Best Hotels & Resorts in Costa Rica

Best hotel
Peninsula Papagayo
Four Seasons Resort
5
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Pool
$745.00
Price per night from
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Puntarenas
Makanda by The Sea Hotel
5
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Pool
$330.00
Price per night from
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La Fortuna
Nayara Gardens
5
Internet access
Free parking
Free WiFi
$279.00
Price per night from
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San José
Sheraton San Jose Hotel, Costa Rica
4
Free parking
Free WiFi
Pet-friendly
$118.00
Price per night from
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Costa Rica
Hotel Azul Ocean Club Beachfront
4
Free WiFi
Pool
Free parking
$151.00
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San José
Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection By Hilton
4
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Parking available
$140.00
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Puerto Viejo
Umami Hotel - Adults Only
4
Free breakfast
Free WiFi
Airport transfer
$169.00
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San José
Hilton San Jose La Sabana
4
Free WiFi
Parking available
Pool
$185.00
Price per night from
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Best Hotels & Resorts in Dominican Republic

Best hotel
Punta Cana
Tortuga Bay
5
Pet-friendly
Free breakfast
Free WiFi
$879.00
Price per night from
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Punta Cana
Eden Roc Cap Cana
5
Airport transfer
Free WiFi
Gym
$510.00
Price per night from
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Punta Cana
Margaritaville Island Reserve, Cap Cana All inclusive by Karisma
5
$461.00
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Punta Cana
Selectum Hacienda Punta Cana
5
Free parking
Non-smoking
Pool
$450.00
Price per night from
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Punta Cana
Villas Tropical Los Corales Beach & Spa
4
Gym
Free WiFi
Kitchenette
$287.00
Price per night from
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Punta Cana
Barcelo Bavaro Palace All Inclusive
4
Free parking
Free WiFi
Pool
$219.00
Price per night from
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Punta Cana
The Golf Suites
4
Free WiFi
Parking included
Pool
$160.00
Price per night from
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Punta Cana
Bavaro Beach Apartment
4
Free parking
Kitchen
Free WiFi
$47.00
Price per night from
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Punta Cana
Fishing Lodge Cap Cana
4
Microwave
Gym
Air conditioning
$100.00
Price per night from
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Punta Cana
My Home Hotel Punta Cana
4
24/7 front desk
Free parking
Laundry facilities
$44.00
Price per night from
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Best Time to Visit Costa Rica and Dominican Republic

One of the major factors people consider when they are trying to choose a vacation spot is the weather. This is majorly about the temperature and the level of precipitation in the place. The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season which spans from mid-December to April. This is the period when people visit Costa Rica the most as it is a more conducive time to explore the beauties of the location and to also enjoy the weather and the many fun activities that happen there. Around this time of the year, the temperature is usually running between the 70s and the 90s.

The period you want to avoid is between May and November. Around this time, it's the green season and Costa Rica receives very few tourists. This is because of the heavy rainfall that happens around this time.

For the Dominican Republic, however, the perfect time to visit is between March and early May. This is the end of the high tourist rush and is also very weather friendly. The temperature is between 71.6°F and 84.2 °F and rainfall is minute. In truth, the weather of the Dominican Republic is usually nice and warm all year round. Before you count that as a plus, you must know that the Dominican Republic is a regular recipient of the Atlantic hurricane season. Particularly between June and November, the hurricane is at its peak. It is not the best time to visit the Dominican Republic.

Between Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, the former has a more preferential visiting duration. While the Dominican Republic has great and welcoming weather all year round, the effects of the hurricane ruin the almost perfect weather.

Costa rica vs dominican republic ocean.

Costa Rica vs Dominican Republic: Average Hotel Price

One major factor to consider is the average hotel price in the different locations. So, when it comes down to hotel prices, what's the difference between Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic? In Costa Rica, the average price for a private room with hot water, AC, and a private bathroom is around $35 - $75 per day.

When compared to the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica is a bit more expensive. In the Dominican Republic, you can get average grade accommodation for around $23 and $60. This will include all the amenities available in the Costa Rican option and possibly, a lot more.

So, when it comes to getting the best of average accommodation, the Dominican Republic is a cheaper option. This doesn't however deter a person from trying out Costa Rica. The difference is around 20%. If you are interested in saving some change, then the Dominican Republic is your sure bet. If you however could spill a little more cash, then you should try out Costa Rica.

Things to Do in Costa Rica and Dominican Republic

What's a vacation without a list of fun stuff to do? Visiting any of the two locations being compared, there are tons of things to do and places to go. Let's discuss the different activities in each of these places.

There are a lot of fun things you could do in Costa Rica but the highlight of visiting this location is the sheer amount of untamed nature that you will be exposed to. From parks to biological gardens, to dense thick Rainforests, you will enjoy the best of the show that nature could put up if you go to Costa Rica. Asides from these activities, you can also involve in other stuff like:

  • Go sightseeing
  • Visit tourist attractions and ancient ruins
  • Go hiking
  • Go kayaking
  • Surfing
  • Ziplining
  • Spend a day at the beach

In the Dominican Republic, you can explore things like:

  • Hiking
  • Sightseeing
  • Try out local delicacies
  • Go to the beach
  • Try out Glamping (modern-day camping with all the amenities you would need)
  • Visit tourist sites and ancient ruins.
  • Take a mud bath, a saltwater bath, and a freshwater bath
  • Go for mountaineering
  • Go paragliding
  • Visit natural reserves.

There is a long list of stuff you can do in the Dominican Republic. If we try to exhaust it here you might be reading for a very long time. So, when it comes to fun and places to go, the Dominican Republic comes tops. However, the thought of experiencing those rainforests in Costa Rica is very tempting.

Costa rica vs dominican republic palmtree.

Conclusion: Which is Better Costa Rica or Dominican Republic?

With all of the comparisons made, the question is still on the table: which is better, Costa Rica or The Dominican Republic. Well, from our summary, you get better time options to visit Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic is more pocket-friendly and also offers tons of fun. This is not to opine that the difference between Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic is narrowed down to just this. Rather, this is to help you choose which of the two will be more suited to you. Now it's up to you to choose whether it would be Costa Rica or the Dominican Republic.

FAQ

Is Costa Rica or the Dominican Republic better?

Costa Rica is a smaller country, but it is packed with things to do. There are rainforests, beaches, volcanoes, and more to explore. Costa Rica is also a great place for adventure activities like zip-lining and surfing. If you are looking for a place to relax, Costa Rica has plenty of options for that as well. The Dominican Republic is a larger country with a more diverse landscape. In the Dominican Republic, you can find everything from mountains to beaches to desert. The Dominican Republic is also home to some great cultural attractions, like the capital city of Santo Domingo. So, which country is better? Costa Rica or the Dominican Republic? It really depends on what you are looking for in a vacation. Both countries have a lot to offer, so it is really up to you to decide which one is the best fit for you.

What is the difference between Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic?

Costa Rica is a Central American country, while the Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean. Costa Rica is known for its beaches, jungles, and volcanoes, while the Dominican Republic is known for its resorts, golf courses, and baseball players. Costa Rican culture is influenced by Spanish colonial heritage, while Dominican culture is more Afro-Caribbean.

Is Costa Rica more expensive than the Dominican Republic?

The Costa Rican economy is doing well, and the country has a higher standard of living than many of its neighbors. That said, Costa Rica is not as cheap as some other countries in Central America. If you're comparing Costa Rica to the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica is more expensive. The cost of living in Costa Rica is about 25% higher than in the Dominican Republic. Costa Rica is a great place to live, but it's not the cheapest country in the region.

Is the weather better in Costa Rica or the Dominican Republic?

The average temperatures in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic are quite similar. Both countries experience tropical weather, with Costa Rica being slightly cooler than the Dominican Republic. Costa Rica has two main seasons- a wet season and a dry season, while the Dominican Republic experiences three- a hot, rainy season, a cool, dry season, and a warm, wet season. Costa Rica is generally considered to have the best weather, as it is less humid than the Dominican Republic and experiences more sunny days.

How far is Costa Rica from the Dominican Republic?

Costa Rica is located on the Central American isthmus, just north of Panama. The Dominican Republic is located on the island of Hispaniola, in the Caribbean Sea. Costa Rica is about 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) from the Dominican Republic.

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