Which place is cheaper, Puerto Montt or Auckland?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Auckland or Puerto Montt?
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 Auckland and Puerto Montt can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Auckland or Puerto Montt?
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
Puerto Montt
The Lake District is a region of snow capped volcanoes, pale green lakes and endless miles of virgin and ancient forests. Found 1,016 km away from Santiago de Chile, Puerto Montt is famous for its beautiful lakes and its germanic architecture, old wooden houses and its legendary Iglesia Catedral, found on the town's main square, la Plaza de Armas. The monument, entirely built with alerce (cypress) wood, is the oldest building of the city. The capital of the Lake Region is a good starting point for many memorable excursions in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Chile, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Chile.
-
Auckland Prices
New Zealand PricesPuerto Montt Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAuckland $170Puerto Montt $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $170, while the average daily cost in Puerto Montt is $104. 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 Auckland and Puerto Montt in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAuckland $99Puerto Montt $61
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAuckland $198Puerto Montt $122
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Puerto Montt
Looking for a hotel in Auckland or Puerto Montt? 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: Auckland Hotel Prices and Puerto Montt Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Auckland $17Puerto Montt $6.42
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
-
Bus from Airport$9.47
-
Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Departure Transfer: Auckland Central City Centre to Auckland Airport: $25
- AKL Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $26
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Airport: $26
- Auckland:City Hotel Transfers to/from Cruise Ship in Minivan: $32
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Auckland HTL-APT (AKL): $38
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Auckland APT-HTL (AKL): $38
- Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland Port: $43
- Airport Private Transfer: $43
- Auckland City Hotel to Cruise Ship Transfer by SUV: $48
- Auckland Cruise Port Private Transfer to City Hotels: $54
- Auckland:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Minivan: $58
- Private One-Way Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland City Hotel: $59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Montt
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Montt:
- Transfer from Puerto Montt Airport to Puerto Varas: $50
- Transfer from Puerto Montt Airport to Frutillar: $80
- Transfer from Puerto Montt Airport to Castro: $300
- Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) - Private Transfer: $42
- Puerto Tepual Airport (PMC) to Puerto Varas - Arrival Transfer: $42
- Puerto Montt to Puerto Varas English private Guided Transfer: $40
- Puerto Montt Shuttle Transfer: $37
- Puerto Montt El Tepual Airport (PMC) to Pucon - Arrival Transfer: $267
- Puerto Montt Departure Transfer from Hotel: $23
- Puerto Montt Airport(PMC) to Frutillar - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Puerto Montt Airport(PMC) to Frutillar - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
- Puerto Montt Airport Arrival Transfer to Hotel in Puerto Varas: $24
Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or Puerto Montt?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Montt and Auckland 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 dayAuckland $46Puerto Montt $37
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Breakfast$4.73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $101
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
- Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
- Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
- From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Auckland $27Puerto Montt $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$33
-
Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$119
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $9.27
- Skip the Line: Auckland Museum General Admission Ticket: $9.53
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $12
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour: $14
- Explore Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Vibrosaun Therapy Experience: $18
- Waitematā Harbour Cruise with Live Commentary: $20
- Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Auckland Ticket: $21
- Auckland Takapuna: Escape Game Adventure: $23
- Scenic Boat Cruise to the Riverhead Tavern: $25
- Auckland CBD: Escape Game Adventure: $26
Tours and Activities in Puerto Montt
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Montt are as follows:
- 6 Hours Shared Tour in Calbuco and Millennial Forest from Hotel: $190
- Alerce Andino National Park/Alerce Millenario/Cruises: $105
- Chiloé Island Full Day Experience Castro, Ancud, Dalcahue & Lunch: $189
- Cruise Shore Private Excursion Osorno Volcano & Petrohué Falls: $256
- Custom Tour of the Lakes Region in Chile: $80
- Explore Peulla Full Day Tour from Puerto Montt : $64
- Osorno Volcano and National Park Shore Tour for Cruisers : $90
- Petrohué Falls Osorno Volcano Pto Varas Sightseeing Driver Only: $130
- Private Day tour Petrohue Falls, Osorno Volcano & Puerto Varas: $250
- Private Shore Excursion Tour to Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas and Frutillar: $287
- Private Tour of Puerto Montt with Stops : $38
- Half day Llanquihue and Frutillar City tour : $44
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAuckland $13Puerto Montt $4.49
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
- Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $119
- Ultimate Auckland Experience Full Day Tour with Brewery Lunch : $149
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
- Kumeu Wine Tour: $164
- Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
- Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $188
- City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
- Auckland City Tour & Kumeu Wine Country Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch : $238
- Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Puerto Montt, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Montt much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and Puerto Montt 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 Puerto Montt would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Montt 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland than you might in Puerto Montt.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is Puerto Montt Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Auckland or Puerto Montt?
Auckland has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Puerto Montt. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and Puerto Montt, 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.
When is the best time to visit Auckland or Puerto Montt?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Auckland or Puerto Montt in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Puerto Montt. Many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Auckland is a little warmer than Puerto Montt in the summer. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Puerto Montt fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Puerto Montt. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auckland this time of the year. In the summer, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Puerto Montt. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Montt receives 204 hours of full sun.
Auckland usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Montt. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryAuckland 20°C (68°F)Puerto Montt 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Puerto Montt in the Autumn?
Both Puerto Montt and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Auckland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Auckland is much warmer than Puerto Montt. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Auckland in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Puerto Montt averages at about 11°C (51°F).
Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Montt during autumn. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Montt receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Montt. In April, Auckland usually receives less rain than Puerto Montt. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures AprilAuckland 16°C (61°F)Puerto Montt 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Puerto Montt in the Winter?
Both Puerto Montt and Auckland during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In July, Auckland is generally much warmer than Puerto Montt. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 11°C (52°F), and Puerto Montt fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
In the winter, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Puerto Montt. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Montt receives 67 hours of full sun.
Puerto Montt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Auckland. Auckland usually gets less rain in July than Puerto Montt. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JulyAuckland 11°C (52°F)Puerto Montt 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Puerto Montt in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Puerto Montt. The spring months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
Auckland is a little warmer than Puerto Montt in the spring. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 14°C (58°F) in October, and Puerto Montt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Montt during spring. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Montt receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.
Puerto Montt receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Auckland usually receives less rain than Puerto Montt. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures OctoberAuckland 14°C (58°F)Puerto Montt 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Montt and Auckland
| Auckland | Puerto Montt | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
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.