Which place is cheaper, Santillana or Lyon?
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 Lyon or Santillana?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Santillana, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Lyon or Santillana?
Lyon
Lyon, located within the region of Southeastern France, is France's third largest city in terms of population, with just over 500,000 inhabitants. This makes the city large, yet still small and personable enough to be explored properly in a short visit. Known as the gastronomic capital of Europe, your culinary needs are exceptionally well catered to here, and for those with historical and cultural interests, you will never be at a loss for new things to do and see.
Santillana
A quaint town outside of Santander in northern Spain, Santillana de Mar is renowned for its medieval architecture. One of Spain's prettiest villages, Santillana del Mar and its cobbled streets are lined with palaces, churches, and balconies full of flowers. There are plenty of traditional shops selling local specialties, and it is nearby the UNESCO world heritage site of the Altamira Caves for something a little different.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain.
-
Lyon Prices
France PricesSantillana Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLyon €155Santillana €127
The average daily cost (per person) in Lyon is €155, while the average daily cost in Santillana is €127. 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 Lyon and Santillana in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLyon €53Santillana €60
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLyon €106Santillana €120
Compare Hotels in Lyon and Santillana
Looking for a hotel in Lyon or Santillana? 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: Lyon Hotel Prices and Santillana Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lyon €17Santillana €17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lyon
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Lyon:
-
Funiculaire€5.20
-
Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus€19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lyon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lyon:
- Arrival Transfer: Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City in Luxury Van: $118
- Departure Private Transfer Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS by Luxury Van: $101
- Lyon Airport (LYS) to Aix-les-Bains - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
- Lyon Airport (LYS) to Morzine/Avoriaz - Arrival Private Transfer: $271
- Lyon Airport Private Transfer – Meet & Greet Included: $108
- Lyon Private Transfer from Lyon city centre to Lyon (LYS) Airport: $143
- Lyon Saint Exupery Airport(LYS)to Aix-les-Bain-RoundTrip Transfer: $167
- Private Transfer Grenoble Airport GNB - Grenoble Ski Resort: $251
- Private Transfer: Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City in Luxury Van: $118
- Private Transfer: Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS in Business Car: $106
- Private Transfer: Port of LYON to Lyon Airport LYS in Luxury Van: $118
- Private Transfer: Port of LYON to Lyon Airport LYS in Sedan Car: $106
Is it cheaper to fly into Lyon or Santillana?
Prices for flights to both Santillana and Lyon 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 dayLyon €71Santillana €53
Typical Food Prices in Lyon
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lyon are as follows:
-
Pastry€1.70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lyon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lyon.
- Afternoon Old Town Food tour: $90
- Food Tour in Lyon – A Full Taste of France by Do Eat Better: $96
- Food Tour by night: $102
- Lyon Old Town Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch: $106
- Lyon Old Town Food Tour with 6 French Delicacies & Fine Wine: $109
- Lyon Sunset Food Tour – A Full Taste of France by Do Eat Better: $125
- Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse Food Tour: $272
Typical Food Prices in Santillana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santillana:
-
Breakfast€7.00
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lyon €20Santillana €23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lyon
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lyon are as follows:
-
Lunch for 2€45
Tours and Activities in Lyon
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lyon are as follows:
- Lyon's History and Must-Sees with a Local! (English Walking Tour): $5.97
- Lyon Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.35
- Lyon Interactive City Tour: $8.36
- Lyon Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.55
- Lyon UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour with an App: $9.99
- Access to a Self-Guided Tour of the archaeological site of Lyon: $12
- Private Self-Guided Tour of the Curse Quest of Old Lyon: $18
- Guided Tour of the Croix-Rousse: $23
- Lyon Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Audio Commentary: $30
- 1 or 2-Hour Pedicab tour of Lyon: $36
- Historical & Cultural Walking Tour in Lyon: $36
- Lyon Highlights & Secrets Walking Guided Tour (small group) including Funicular: $39
Tours and Activities in Santillana
Here are a few actual costs in Santillana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Guided Walking Tour of Santillana del Mar: $215
- Private Walking Tour of Altamira and Neocave Museum: $239
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLyon €24Santillana €4.29
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lyon
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lyon from other travelers:
-
Drinks for 2€6.80
-
Bottle of Wine€15
Sample the Local Flavors in Lyon
Also in Lyon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $30
- Guided tour of Beaujolais by electric bike and wine tasting: $108
- Wine Tasting and Introduction to Tasting Techniques: $114
- Beaujolais Half Day Wine Tasting Tour: $118
- The Original Syrah Wine Tour (9:00 am - 1:30 pm) - Small Group Tours from Lyon: $118
- Beaujolais 100% wine tour Small-Group Tour with Tasting from Lyon: $118
- Golden stones Beaujolais Wine Tour with Tastings from Lyon: $118
- The Original Syrah Wine Tour (2:00 pm - 6:30 pm) - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $130
- Northern Rhône Valley Wine tour from Lyon Half Day: $130
- Beaujolais wine tour from Lyon half day: $130
- Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley: $142
- Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour including a Bouchon Lyonnais : $143
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lyon and Santillana, we can see that Lyon is more expensive. And not only is Santillana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santillana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santillana 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 Lyon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lyon than you might in Santillana.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lyon Expensive? and Is Santillana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lyon or Santillana?
Lyon has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Santillana, 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 Lyon or Santillana?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Lyon or Santillana in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Santillana. Many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Lyon is a little warmer than Santillana in the summer. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Santillana fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santillana this time of the year. In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lyon usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during summer. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Lyon usually receives more rain than Santillana. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLyon 22°C (71°F)Santillana 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Lyon or Santillana in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Santillana. Most visitors come to Lyon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Lyon is cooler than Santillana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lyon in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Santillana averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In the autumn, Lyon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Santillana. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 133 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Santillana. Lyon usually gets less rain in October than Santillana. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLyon 14°C (56°F)Santillana 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Lyon or Santillana in the Winter?
Both Santillana and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Lyon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Lyon can be very cold. In January, Lyon is generally much colder than Santillana. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 4°C (39°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
Lyon usually receives less sunshine than Santillana during winter. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 91 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Santillana. In January, Lyon usually receives less rain than Santillana. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLyon 4°C (39°F)Santillana 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Lyon or Santillana in the Spring?
Both Santillana and Lyon during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.
Lyon is around the same temperature as Santillana in the spring. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Santillana fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the spring, Lyon often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 148 hours of full sun.
Santillana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lyon usually gets less rain in April than Santillana. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLyon 11°C (53°F)Santillana 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Santillana and Lyon
| Lyon | Santillana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 157 mm (6.2 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.