A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paris vs. Santiago for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Paris or Santiago?

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

Should I visit Paris or Santiago? 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: Paris or Santiago?

Paris

Paris is a dream destination for many people. It's location on the river Seine contributes to its stunning beauty and you can spend many days wandering through its wonderfully diverse neighborhoods. It's known as a city of culture, fashion, food and fun. There is never a shortage of entertainment and activities around town and a highlight of many people's trips to Paris is to explore the city at night, when it truly comes to life. It is not hard to see why this city has received the nickname as the "City of Lights."

Santiago

Santiago is the capital city of Chile. It is centrally located in the long and narrow country, making it a good jumping off point to explore everywhere else. It's convenient location means that you can go skiing in the Andes one day, and hang out at the beach the next.

Santiago has a cool semi-arid climate that is similar to Mediterranean climates. The summers, which are between November and March, are warm and dry. The temperatures climb to around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The winters, between June and August, are humid with cold mornings. The daily highs are around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows stay a few degrees above freezing. Rain is more common in the winter months and the dry season is between December and March.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Paris?

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

  • Paris Prices
    France Prices
    Santiago Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Paris 265
    Santiago 128

The average daily cost (per person) in Paris is €265, while the average daily cost in Santiago is €128. 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 Paris and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paris 153
    Santiago 93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paris 306
    Santiago 186
Compare Hotels in Paris and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Paris or Santiago? 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 Paris


Hotels in Santiago


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: Paris Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paris 21
    Santiago 4.60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Paris

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


  • Metro
    6.40
  • Train from Airport
    9.00
  • Metro tickets
    6.80
  • Train
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

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

  • Private round trip transfer from/to Paris airports: $24
  • Private transfer from/to CDG, ORLY airports <=> DISNEYLAND: $24
  • Private Transfer Service in Paris – Select Your Route: $41
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Train Station to Hotel in Paris: $42
  • Private Transfer Arrival and Departure Orly Airport ORY: $44
  • CDG Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Arrival Transfer: $45
  • Shuttle Arrival Transfer from Paris Airport to Hotel/ Apartment: $47
  • Paris Airport Transfers, City Transfers and Disposal Services: $48
  • Transfer From/To Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG): $48
  • Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Private Departure Transfer: $51
  • Private Transfer from Disneyland Paris to Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airports: $52
  • Transfer From Paris City Center to Orly Airport (ORY): $54

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:


  • Metro Ride
    0.96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • Private Scenic Transfer to Mendoza.: $467
  • Airport Transfer and Halfday City tour Santiago de Chile: $362
  • Private Santiago Visit Haras de Pirque Winery & Transfer Hotel: $300
  • Private Santiago, Visit Santa Rita Winery & Transfer to Hotel: $300
  • Private Transfer: Trekking to El Yeso Reservoir & Waterfall: $299
  • Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to Valparaíso: $299
  • Transfer Santiago to Cruise Port in Valparaiso or San Antonio: $290
  • Santiago de Chile : private transfer in SUV to Viña del mar or Valparaíso: $270
  • Transfer Private hotel to Cruise ship in Puerto San Antonio or Valparaiso: $270
  • Private Transfer to Sewell UNESCO Andes Town Tour with Lunch: $269
  • from Santiago airport private arrival transfer to the Valparaiso pier: $251
  • Santiago Airport (SCL) to Santo Domingo - Round-Trip Transfer: $239

Is it cheaper to fly into Paris or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and Paris 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
    Paris 72
    Santiago 19
Typical Food Prices in Paris

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


  • Ice Cream
    8.00
  • Breakfast
    7.00
  • Breakfast for 2
    30
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    86
  • Dinner
    57
  • Cheese
    13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

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

  • #1 Montmartre Pastries & Chocolate Food Tour with 6+ Tastings: $60
  • Authentic Indian Dinner in Paris : $66
  • Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $68
  • Paris Prestige Dinner Cruise from Eiffel Tower Area: $74
  • Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $78
  • Paris Food Tour: $82
  • Seine River Sightseeing Cruise and Dinner at Le Bistro Parisien: $84
  • Paris Unlimited Brunch Cruise and Cooking Workshop: $94
  • Private French Home Cooking Class in Paris with Local Chef Ioana: $99
  • Champagne & Oysters Paris Food Tour: $102
  • French Gourmet Cuisine: Dinner and Wine Pairing: $106
  • Paris 3-Course Gourmet Dinner and Sightseeing Seine River Cruise : $110

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:


  • Empanada
    1.60
  • Hamburger
    2.13
  • Dinner
    22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago

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

  • Legacy Family Tour Lunch or Dinner Pairing 4 Strokes: $40
  • Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $82
  • 4-Hour Boozy Chilean Cooking Class in Santiago: $85
  • 4-hour Boozy Chilean Cooking class in Santiago: $85
  • Bali Hai Dinner & Show, Transport and Wine refill: $106
  • Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
  • Dinner Show in Bali Hai with Wine refill and transportation: $114
  • Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
  • Private Dinner & Chilean Folk Show with Transfers: $116
  • Alyan Winery Sunset with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $117
  • San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
  • Bali Hai Polynesian Dinner Show with Transfer: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paris 76
    Santiago 40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris

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


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    18
  • Admission to Pantheon
    5.00
  • Catacombs (2)
    23

Tours and Activities in Paris

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

  • Paris Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $3.58
  • Central Paris Highlights Walking Tour: $4.78
  • Marais Walk Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.38
  • Eiffel Tower Audio Tour Experience: $5.99
  • Paris WWII: Occupation & Liberation Exploration Game and Tour: $7.16
  • Paris Jewish Quarter Marais Smartphone GPSAPP Audio Walking Tour: $7.50
  • Champs Elysées Paris Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $8.35
  • Latin Quarter, Paris Walking Tour with Audioguide: $8.35
  • Paris Big Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.35
  • Montmartre Paris Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.35
  • Paris Interactive City Tour: $8.36
  • Paris Self-Guided Walking Tour through Art and History: $8.36

Tours and Activities in Santiago

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:

  • Private Adventure at 4200 meters above sea level in the Chilean Andes Cerro Pintor: $300
  • Private Half-Day Guided Tour of the City of Santiago.: $280
  • Private Sightseeing City Tour in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar: $240
  • "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $26
  • 1 Day Tour of Isla Negra Algarrobo and Viña Undurraga from Santiago: $112
  • 1 Day Undurraga Vineyard Tour from Santiago : $85
  • 6 Hour Tour of Culture, History and Flavors from Santiago: $75
  • A Private Tour of Santiago with an Experienced Local Guide: $180
  • A full Private Tour of Valparaiso from Santiago : $240
  • A historical tour of Santiago, Chile: $18
  • An Architect's Tour of Downtown Santiago: $55
  • Andean Adventure: Cajón del Maipo & Santuario del Río Spa: $132

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paris 24
    Santiago 7.15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris

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


  • Wine
    14

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • Paris International Pub Crawl with Free Shots & Fun Games: $18
  • Original Paris Pub Crawl : $24
  • Paris Gin Craft Distillery Tour and Tasting: $36
  • Paris Nation wine tasting: $47
  • Wine tasting Paris Saint Germain des Pres: $56
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting in the Latin Quarter with Chef Alex: $59
  • Paris New Year's Eve Pub Crawl with Shots and Nightclub Entry: $84
  • The only Paris Wine Tasting experience you need to do - 2 hours : $94
  • Paris Wine Tasting Session with Expert Sommelier: $106
  • Paris Amateur Art of Pairing Cheese and Wine Tasting : $114
  • Left Bank Gastronomy & Wine tour with a Culinary School : $114
  • Walk & Wine Tour in the Latin Quarter: $118

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago

Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $34
  • Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $60
  • Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $63
  • Santiago by Night: Funicular, Wine Tasting & Cueca Show: $69
  • Undurraga Wine tour: $70
  • Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
  • Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $79
  • Inca Lagoon and Vineyard Visit with Wine Tasting: $80
  • Half Day Trip to Concha y Toro Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
  • Half Day Trip to Cousiño Macul Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
  • Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $89
  • Kross Brewery Tour: A Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $93


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

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


Which is Bigger, Paris or Santiago?

Santiago has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Paris. When comparing the sizes of Paris and Santiago, 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 Paris or Santiago?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Santiago is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Paris has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Paris or Santiago in the Summer?

Both Santiago and Paris during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Paris is around the same temperature as Santiago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paris in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Santiago averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.

Paris usually gets more rain in July than Santiagoin January. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Paris 20°C (68°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Paris or Santiago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Santiago. The autumn months attract visitors to Paris because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Paris is generally cooler than Santiagoin April. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 13°C (56°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In October, Paris usually receives more rain than Santiagoin April. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Paris 13°C (56°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Paris or Santiago in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Paris as well as Santiago. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. Paris is much colder than Santiago in the winter. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F)in July.

Paris usually gets less rain in January than Santiagoin July. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Paris 5°C (40°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Paris or Santiago in the Spring?

Both Santiago and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Paris is cooler than Santiago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paris in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in October.

In April, Paris usually receives more rain than Santiagoin October. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Paris 11°C (52°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Paris

Paris Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)