A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santander vs. Milan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Santander or Milan?

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 Santander and Milan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Santander or Milan?

Santander

Santander is the capital of the Cantabria Region which runs along the northern coast of Spain. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand.

Milan

Milan, known to most of the world as the capital of fashion and style, is also the heart of Italian industry and economics. Between the stock exchange, cathedrals and boutiques, this metropolis is a city-lover's dream come true. It is an escape from the stresses of the real world, and provides a playground for all the world's most lavish luxuries.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Milan or Santander?

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

  • Santander Prices
    Spain Prices
    Milan Prices
    Italy Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Santander 138
    Milan 195

The average daily cost (per person) in Santander is €138, while the average daily cost in Milan is €195. 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 Santander and Milan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santander 51
    Milan 96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santander 102
    Milan 192
Compare Hotels in Santander and Milan

Looking for a hotel in Santander or Milan? 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 Santander


Hotels in Milan


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: Santander Hotel Prices and Milan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santander 24
    Milan 35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:

  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $290
  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $290
  • Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $67
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $48
  • Santander Private Departure Transfer: $39
  • Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $39

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Milan

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Milan:


  • Train to Airport
    7.00
  • Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)
    22
  • Taxi From Airport
    90
  • Public Transit Day Pass
    4.50
  • Short Taxi Ride
    7.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milan

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

  • Airport Transfer: Malpensa Airport MXP to Milan by Luxury Van: $161
  • Airport Transfer: Milan to Linate Airport LIN by Luxury Car: $159
  • Airport Transfer: Milan to Malpensa Airport MXP by Luxury Van: $161
  • Arrival Private Transfer Luxury Van LIN airport to Milan: $96
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Malpensa Airport MXP to Milan in Luxury Van: $161
  • Cervinia: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $552
  • Champoluc: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $529
  • From Linate airport : Private 1-Way Transfer to Bellagio: $400
  • From Linate airport : Private 1-Way Transfer to Milan: $111
  • From Milan : Private 1-Way Transfer to Malpensa airport: $222
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Linate airport: $93
  • Lake Como: Train Transfer to/from Milan with Scenic Views: $7.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Santander or Milan?

Prices for flights to both Milan and Santander 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
    Santander 70
    Milan 67

Typical Food Prices in Milan

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


  • Snack at Train Station
    8.60
  • Restaurant Pizza
    6.60
  • Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)
    27
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    64
  • Cappuccino
    1.63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milan

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $32
  • Milan Street Food Tour and City Sightseeing with Local Guide: $42
  • Delicious Food Tour and City Center Sightseeing: $46
  • International aperitif + cooking class in Italian: $48
  • Street Food Tour with Tastings and Local Guide: $49
  • Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $49
  • only in ITALIAN - International aperitif + cooking class in Italian: $49
  • Tasty Milan Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $50
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Small Group Cooking Class with Wine: $66
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $66
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $67
  • Food Tour with Wine Tasting in Milan: $68

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santander 18
    Milan 31

Tours and Activities in Santander

Here are a few actual costs in Santander for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Barcena Mayor and Carmona Tour from Santander Small Groups: $72
  • Bilbao and Castro Urdiales Day Tour from Santander: $80
  • City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $31
  • Comillas, Modernism & Gaudi with entrance tickets -small groups: $81
  • El Soplao Cave Visit with entrance ticket- small groups: $102
  • Exclusive Private tour of the peninsula and the Magdalena Palace.: $266
  • Exclusive Tour of Santander with Cathedral and Booty Centre: $239
  • From Cantabria Private Tour: $543
  • From Gastronomic Tour: $142
  • From Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour: $80
  • Gastronomy tour with tastings - small groups: $131
  • Guided kayak tour of Santander Bay with a tour guide.: $41

Typical Entertainment Prices in Milan

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


  • Stairs to Duomo Rooftop
    7.00

Tours and Activities in Milan

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

  • Milan's Best-Kept Secrets: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $1.17
  • Self Guided Tours In Milan With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.57
  • The Empire and Art Tour of Milan with Self Guided Mobile App: $4.62
  • Milan Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.78
  • Milan Catch the Unicorn: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.96
  • Milan Highlights Self guided scavenger hunt and Walking Tour: $5.96
  • Stories of the Fashion Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Milan: $6.99
  • Branca Tower Entrance Ticket: $7.00
  • Royal Self-Guided Story Puzzle Adventure: $7.16
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Milan: $7.16
  • Milano Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local: $7.17
  • Duomo Milan Cathedral Walking Tour with Audioguide (no ticket): $8.35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santander 14
    Milan 24

Sample the Local Flavors in Santander

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Santander:

  • Wine Tourism and Cheese in Cantabria: $209

Typical Alcohol Prices in Milan

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Milan:


  • Cocktail at a Bar
    8.40
  • Beer
    3.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Milan

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Milan:

  • Milan Pub Crawl Party with Free Shots and Drink Deals by Riviera: $30
  • Guided Riviera Bar Crawl with Free Shots: $37
  • Wine Tasting Experience with Platter at Winelovers: $44
  • Wine Tasting Experience: $48
  • Wine Tasting Experience in the City Centre: $52
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Milan City Center: $54
  • Milan Wine Tasting Experience: $57
  • Italian Wine Tasting in Milan: $59
  • Wine Tasting Experience - Urban Cellar: $60
  • Fun Wine Tasting with an Italian Sommelier: $76
  • Private Food and Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Milan: $96
  • Milan Oltrepo Pavese Vineyards Grape Stomping and Wine Tasting: $96


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

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


Which is Bigger, Santander or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Santander. When comparing the sizes of Santander and Milan, 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 Santander or Milan?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Santander or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Santander during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Milan in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Santander is cooler than Milan in the summer. The daily temperature in Santander averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Santander. In the summer, Santander often gets less sunshine than Milan. Santander gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Santander usually gets less rain in July than Milan. Santander gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santander 19°C (66°F) 
    Milan 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Santander or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santander and Milan. Furthermore, most visitors come to Milan for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Santander is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santander in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Santander usually receives less sunshine than Milan during autumn. Santander gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Milan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santander gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Santander usually receives more rain than Milan. Santander gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santander 16°C (60°F) 
    Milan 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Santander or Milan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Santander as well as Milan. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Milan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Milan can be very cold. In January, Santander is generally much warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Santander average around 9°C (49°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Santander often gets less sunshine than Milan. Santander gets 91 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Santander receives a lot of rain in the winter. Santander usually gets more rain in January than Milan. Santander gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santander 9°C (49°F) 
    Milan 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Santander or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Santander are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

Santander is around the same temperature as Milan in the spring. The daily temperature in Santander averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Santander usually receives less sunshine than Milan during spring. Santander gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Santander. In April, Santander usually receives more rain than Milan. Santander gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santander 12°C (53°F) 
    Milan 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Milan and Santander

Santander Milan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)