Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Santander?
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 Santander or Rijeka?
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 Rijeka can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Santander or Rijeka?
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.
Rijeka
Rijeka is the main seaport city of Croatia. It is located in Kvarner on the Kvarner Bay, which is an inlet of the Adriatic Sea. There are over 100,000 residents, making it Croatia's third largest city. The city's economy is heavily dependent on shipbuilding and maritime transport. There is also the University of Rijeka, which was founded in 1973 with roots dating back to 1632.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.
-
Santander Prices
Spain PricesRijeka Prices
Croatia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantander €138Rijeka €120
The average daily cost (per person) in Santander is €138, while the average daily cost in Rijeka is €120. 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 Rijeka in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantander €51Rijeka €51
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantander €102Rijeka €102
Compare Hotels in Santander and Rijeka
Looking for a hotel in Santander or Rijeka? 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: Santander Hotel Prices and Rijeka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santander €24Rijeka €16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:
- Santander Private Departure Transfer: $39
- Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $39
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $48
- Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $67
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $290
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $290
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rijeka
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rijeka:
- Direct Bus Transfer to/from Krk: $12
Is it cheaper to fly into Santander or Rijeka?
Prices for flights to both Rijeka 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 daySantander €70Rijeka €59
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santander €18Rijeka €8.91
Tours and Activities in Santander
Here are a few actual costs in Santander for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Santander Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $5.77
- Guided tour of Santander Cathedral: $14
- The El Centro Botin Skip the Line Entry Ticket: $15
- 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay: $17
- Guided tour in English of the center of Santander: $20
- El Sardinero Stadium Guided Tour: $21
- Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket: $30
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Train: $31
- City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $31
- Guided kayak tour of Santander Bay with a tour guide.: $41
- Guided Tour by Electric Bike: $65
- Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum with tickets- small groups: $72
Tours and Activities in Rijeka
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rijeka are as follows:
- Rijeka Tunnel (TunelRi) Entrance Ticket: $3.51
- Mreznica River Kayaking Tour from Duga Resa: $54
- Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $72
- DISCOVERING THE UNKNOWN Extended WW2&UNDERGROUND tour: $76
- TUNNEL ABSEILING PLUS tour the underground: $88
- From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $101
- Plitvice Lakes Day Tour from Rijeka, Simple & Safe: $117
- Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $133
- Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $133
- Street Art & Lost Place Tour in Rijeka: $176
- Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $257
- Private Sunset Boat Tour: $690
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySantander €14Rijeka €16
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
When comparing the travel costs between Santander and Rijeka, we can see that Santander 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santander Expensive? and Is Rijeka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santander or Rijeka?
Santander has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Santander and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?
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 Santander or Rijeka in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santander and Rijeka. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.
Santander is cooler than Rijeka in the summer. The daily temperature in Santander averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rijeka this time of the year. In Santander, it's very sunny this time of the year. Santander usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Santander gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Santander usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Santander gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySantander 19°C (66°F)Rijeka 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Santander or Rijeka in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Santander as well as Rijeka. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Santander is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santander in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In the autumn, Santander often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Santander gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.
Santander receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santander usually gets more rain in October than Rijeka. Santander gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSantander 16°C (60°F)Rijeka 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Santander or Rijeka in the Winter?
Both Rijeka and Santander are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Santander is generally much warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Santander average around 9°C (49°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Santander usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during winter. Santander gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Santander. In January, Santander usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Santander gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySantander 9°C (49°F)Rijeka 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Santander or Rijeka in the Spring?
Both Rijeka and Santander during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rijeka for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
Santander is cooler than Rijeka in the spring. The daily temperature in Santander averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the spring, Santander often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Santander gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Santander. Santander usually gets more rain in April than Rijeka. Santander gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSantander 12°C (53°F)Rijeka 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Rijeka and Santander
| Santander | Rijeka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.