Which place is cheaper, Honolulu or Santiago?
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 Santiago or Honolulu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Santiago and Honolulu. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Santiago or Honolulu?
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.
Honolulu
Hawaii's capital city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the state's center for government, finance, and transportation. It's also the home of Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the state of Hawaii. Nearly one million people live in this Honolulu metropolitan area. This is almost 80% of the state's population. The city is not the relaxed Hawaiian destination that you might be searching for, but is instead a fast paced, cosmopolitan city. In addition to attracting many tourists every year, you'll also find international businesses, military defense and a diverse culture and population.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, The Best Luxury Tours to Chile, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.
-
Santiago Prices
Chile PricesHonolulu Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantiago $150Honolulu $329
The average daily cost (per person) in Santiago is $150, while the average daily cost in Honolulu is $329. 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 Santiago and Honolulu in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantiago $109Honolulu $190
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantiago $218Honolulu $380
Compare Hotels in Santiago and Honolulu
Looking for a hotel in Santiago or Honolulu? 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: Santiago Hotel Prices and Honolulu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santiago $5.41Honolulu $26
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:
- 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 Transfer San Antonio Cruise from Santiago to Valparaiso: $300
- Transfer Santiago to Cruise Port in Valparaiso or San Antonio: $290
- Transfer Private hotel to Cruise ship in Puerto San Antonio or Valparaiso: $270
- Santiago de Chile : private transfer in SUV to Viña del mar or Valparaíso: $270
- Private Transfer to Sewell UNESCO Andes Town Tour with Lunch: $269
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour, Concha y Toro, Private Transfer from Santiago: $262
- Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to Viña del Mar: $261
- Private Transfer From Santiago airport to San Antonio Pier or Valparaiso Pier : $251
- Santiago Airport (SCL) to Santo Domingo - Round-Trip Transfer: $240
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Honolulu
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Honolulu are as follows:
-
Rental Car for One Day$35
-
Airport Shuttle for Two$30
-
Hilton Parking$24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honolulu
Also for Honolulu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Transfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Waikiki or Cruise Terminal: $18
- Private Transfer from Honolulu Port to Honolulu / Waikiki hotels: $22
- Shared Departure Transfer from Waikiki Hotels to Honolulu Airport: $23
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Honolulu Airport to Hotel or Cruise Terminal: $24
- HNL Airport Private Transfer to Honolulu|Hotels: $24
- Shared Arrival Transfer from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki Hotels: $25
- Honolulu / Waikiki to Honolulu Airport (HNL) - Departure Private Transfer: $25
- Honolulu Airport HNL to Honolulu/Waikiki Arrival Private Transfer: $25
- Hawaii: Private Airport Transfers from/to Honolulu City: $26
- Oahu: Private Transfer to/from Honolulu Airport - Waikiki: $26
- Private Transfer Honolulu Airport HNL to Honolulu / Turtle Beach: $28
- Departure - Private Transfer Waikiki Hotel to Airport: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Santiago or Honolulu?
Prices for flights to both Honolulu and Santiago 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 daySantiago $23Honolulu $91
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
- Bali Hai Dinner & Show, Transport and Wine refill: $106
- Dinner Show in Bali Hai with Wine refill and transportation: $114
- Private Dinner & Chilean Folk Show with Transfers: $116
- Alyan Winery Sunset with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $117
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $122
- San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
- Bali Hai Polynesian Dinner Show with Transfer: $130
- Private Night City Tour with San Cristobal Hill And Dinner Show: $181
- Santiago Chilean and Peruvian Cooking Class with a Local Carol: $184
Typical Food Prices in Honolulu
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Honolulu:
-
Dinner for Two$73
-
Lapperts Hawaii Ice Cream$5.55
-
Chai's Island Bistro (for 2)$53
-
Cheeseburger Waikiki (for 2)$34
-
Matsumoto Shave Ice (for 2)$7.50
-
Hot Dog with the Fixins'$8.30
-
Sushi Dinner for Two$73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Honolulu
For Honolulu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Oʻahu: Nā Lei Aloha Lūʻau & Dinner or Cocktail Show Option: $93
- Waikiki Food Tour with Local Guide: $100
- Da Local's Food Tour of Oahu: $150
- Ka Moana Luau Dinner and Show with Transportation: $166
- Sunset 5 Course Dinner Cruise with Entertainment: $193
- Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Jazz: $236
- Brewery and Local Food Tour: $600
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santiago $47Honolulu $40
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- 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 Viña Concha y Toro from Santiago: $120
- 4 Hour Santa Rita Winery All inclusive Tour for Wine Lover: $269
- 6 Hour Tour of Culture, History and Flavors from Santiago: $75
- A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -small group: $25
- 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
- Andean Horse Ride Yerba Loca Sanctuary - Private tour from Santiago: $240
Typical Entertainment Prices in Honolulu
For Honolulu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Parking for Hike$5.00
-
Pearl Harbor Audio Tour for Two$12
-
2 hr Dinner Cruise$85
-
1 Day Kayak Rental$36
Tours and Activities in Honolulu
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Honolulu.
- Oahu: USS Arizona Memorial Chief's Narrated Multimedia Tour: $9.99
- USS Arizona Commander's Narrated Multimedia Tour - 23 Stops: $12
- Arrival Trasfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Cruise Terminal: $17
- Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Ticket with Audio Tour and Shuttle: $28
- Downtown Ghostly Night Marchers Walking Tour: $28
- Ghosts of Old Honolulu Walking Tour: $28
- BYOB Weekend Sightseeing Sail towards Diamond Head: $33
- Bishop Museum General Admission Ticket: $34
- Island of the Gods Daytime Walking Tour: $35
- Diamond Head Hike Shuttle with Reservation Tickets Included: $40
- Waikiki: Waikiki Night Marchers Ghostly Walking Tour: $40
- Oahu: Waikiki Sunset Splash & Cruise: $44
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySantiago $8.40Honolulu $6.47
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
- 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
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with wine tasting in Casablanca: $79
- Inca Lagoon and Vineyard Visit with Wine Tasting: $80
- Half Day Trip to Cousiño Macul Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
- Half Day Trip to Concha y Toro 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
Sample the Local Flavors in Honolulu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Honolulu:
- Waikiki Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santiago and Honolulu, we can see that Honolulu is more expensive. And not only is Santiago much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santiago is in South America and Honolulu is in North 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 Honolulu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Honolulu 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 Santiago Expensive? and Is Honolulu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santiago or Honolulu?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Santiago and Honolulu, 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 Santiago or Honolulu?
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 Honolulu has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Santiago or Honolulu in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Santiago as well as Honolulu. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Santiago is generally cooler than Honoluluin July. Daily temperatures in Santiago average around 21°C (70°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).
Santiago usually gets less rain in January than Honoluluin July. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySantiago 21°C (70°F)Honolulu 81°F (27°C)
Should I visit Santiago or Honolulu in the Autumn?
Both Honolulu and Santiago are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.
Santiago is much colder than Honolulu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santiago averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Honolulu fluctuates around 80°F (26°C)in October.
In April, Santiago usually receives less rain than Honoluluin October. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSantiago 15°C (59°F)Honolulu 80°F (26°C)
Should I visit Santiago or Honolulu in the Winter?
Both Honolulu and Santiago during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Honolulu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Santiago is much colder than Honolulu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santiago in July average around 9°C (48°F), and Honolulu averages at about 73°F (23°C)in January.
Santiago usually gets less rain in July than Honoluluin January. Santiago gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySantiago 9°C (48°F)Honolulu 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Santiago or Honolulu in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago and Honolulu. Furthermore, many visitors come to Honolulu in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In October, Santiago is generally much colder than Honoluluin April. Daily temperatures in Santiago average around 15°C (59°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).
In October, Santiago usually receives less rain than Honoluluin April. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSantiago 15°C (59°F)Honolulu 76°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Honolulu and Santiago
| Santiago | Honolulu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
| Jun | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 80°F (26°C) | 0.5 inches (12 mm) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.6 inches (15 mm) |
| Aug | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.4 inches (11 mm) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 80°F (26°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
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.