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

Should you visit Petra or Santiago?

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 Petra and Santiago can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Petra or Santiago?

Petra

Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.

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 Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Petra?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $150. 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 Petra and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Santiago $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Santiago $218
Compare Hotels in Petra and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Petra 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 Petra


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: Petra Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Santiago $5.41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
  • Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
  • Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
  • Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $140
  • From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

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


  • Metro Ride
    $1.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • Santiago Airport (SCL) Private Transfer to Multiple Destinations: $18
  • Santiago de Chile Airport Private Transfer: $25
  • Official Transfer to Concha y Toro Winery: $27
  • Private Transfer to Santiago Airport (SCL): $28
  • Private Transfer from Santiago Airport (SCL): $28
  • Private Transfer From The Hotel in Santiago City To the Airport: $29
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Santiago APT-HTL (SCL): $30
  • Private Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer: $32
  • Airport Private Transfer to/from Santiago de Chile: $40
  • Transfer Santiago de Chile airport: $40
  • Farellones Full Day Roundtrip Transfer: $40
  • Santiago to Santiago Airport (SCL) - Departure Private Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and Petra 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
    Petra $66
    Santiago $23
Typical Food Prices in Petra

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $12
  • Juice
    $1.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra

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

  • Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $50
  • Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

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


  • Empanada
    $1.88
  • Hamburger
    $2.50
  • Dinner
    $26

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.
    Petra $47
    Santiago $47
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:


  • Entry to Petra for One
    $71

Tours and Activities in Petra

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

  • Hike Tour of Petra: $10
  • 3-Hour Private Petra Tour: Exclusive Classical Guided Experience: $55
  • Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
  • 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
  • Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
  • Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $100
  • Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
  • Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
  • 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
  • Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
  • Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
  • From Petra Wadi Rum Private 8 hours roundtrip tour : $140

Tours and Activities in Santiago

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

  • Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $9.00
  • Official Tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago: $9.00
  • Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino Admission Ticket: $17
  • A historical tour of Santiago, Chile: $18
  • Cable Car Admission Ticket: $18
  • Santiago City Tour: Living History and Local Food Tasting: $20
  • Guided City Tour through the historic center of Santiago: $23
  • Private Guided Walking Tour of the City Center: $24
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Old Town: $25
  • Yungay, Memory, Art, and Neighborhood Walking Tour: $25
  • Santiago : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $26
  • "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Santiago $8.40

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 comparing the travel costs between Petra and Santiago, we can see that Petra is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Petra is in Middle East and Santiago is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Petra or Santiago?

Santiago has a larger population, and is about 350 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra or Santiago?

Santiago has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Petra experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Petra or Santiago in the Summer?

Both Santiago and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year.

Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally much warmer than Santiagoin January. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Santiagoin January. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Petra or Santiago in the Autumn?

Both Santiago and Petra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Petra is much warmer than Santiago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in April.

Petra usually gets less rain in October than Santiagoin April. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Petra or Santiago in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Santiago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round.

In the winter, Petra is much warmer than Santiago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Santiago averages at about 9°C (48°F)in July.

In January, Petra usually receives less rain than Santiagoin July. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Petra or Santiago in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Petra as well as Santiago. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Petra is generally much warmer than Santiagoin October. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Petra usually gets more rain in April than Santiagoin October. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Petra

Petra Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)