Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Santiago?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Santiago or La Paz?
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 La Paz. 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 La Paz?
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.
La Paz
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a population of about 215,000 people and is a significant commercial center for the region. The city has a good economy and a high standard of living when compared to much of Mexico. Much of the economy is focused on eco-tourism and there are many protected marine environments in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, The Best Luxury Tours to Chile, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.
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Santiago Prices
Chile PricesLa Paz Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantiago $150La Paz $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Santiago is $150, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $132. 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 La Paz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantiago $109La Paz $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantiago $218La Paz $94
Compare Hotels in Santiago and La Paz
Looking for a hotel in Santiago or La Paz? 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 La Paz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santiago $5.41La Paz $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:
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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 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
- Private Transfer from Airport to Santiago, Chile : $43
- Santiago Int Airport (SCL) to Santiago - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
- Santiago to Santiago Airport (SCL) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
- Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $45
- Transfer to Snowy Valley fullday for skiers : $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:
- La Paz hotels to La Paz International Airport (LAP) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
- La Paz International Airport (LAP) to La Paz hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
Is it cheaper to fly into Santiago or La Paz?
Prices for flights to both La Paz 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
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Food Meals for one daySantiago $23La Paz $60
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.88
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Hamburger$2.50
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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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.
- 3 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $77
- 3 hrs SEAFOOD Tour in La Paz: $103
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santiago $47La Paz $11
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Official Tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago: $9.00
- Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $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
- Yungay, Memory, Art, and Neighborhood Walking Tour: $25
- Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Old Town: $25
- A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -small group: $25
- Santiago : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $26
Tours and Activities in La Paz
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:
- Mural and Sculpture Art Tour at the Peace Center: $40
- Coral Farm Snorkel Tour: $55
- Pearl Farm Experience and shop: $65
- Half Day Sandboarding and Paddleboarding Experience in La Paz: $83
- City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $95
- RZR Tour of Mogote Dunes and Sandboarding: $103
- Unique Mexican Spirits Tasting & Pairing Experience: $105
- holy spirit island tour: $108
- La Paz Beaches Half Day Tour: $111
- Holy Spirit Island Tour Sea Lions Snorkeling and Beach: $111
- Most Popular Tour in La Paz Isla Espíritu Santo and Sea Lions: $122
- Espiritu Santo Island Tour: $122
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantiago $8.40La Paz $11
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
When comparing the travel costs between Santiago and La Paz, we can see that Santiago 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 Santiago is in South America and La Paz is in North 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 Santiago Expensive? and Is La Paz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santiago or La Paz?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of Santiago and La Paz, 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 La Paz?
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 La Paz has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Santiago or La Paz in the Summer?
Both La Paz and Santiago are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
Santiago is cooler than La Paz in the summer. The daily temperature in Santiago averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and La Paz fluctuates around 30°C (86°F)in July.
In January, Santiago usually receives less rain than La Pazin July. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySantiago 21°C (70°F)La Paz 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Santiago or La Paz in the Autumn?
Both La Paz and Santiago during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to La Paz this time of year.
In the autumn, Santiago is much colder than La Paz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santiago in April average around 15°C (59°F), and La Paz averages at about 27°C (80°F)in October.
Santiago usually gets less rain in April than La Pazin October. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSantiago 15°C (59°F)La Paz 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Santiago or La Paz in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago and La Paz. Furthermore, many travelers come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Santiago is generally much colder than La Pazin January. Daily temperatures in Santiago average around 9°C (48°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In July, Santiago usually receives more rain than La Pazin January. Santiago gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySantiago 9°C (48°F)La Paz 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Santiago or La Paz in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Santiago as well as La Paz. Additionally, many visitors come to La Paz in the spring for the beaches.
Santiago is much colder than La Paz in the spring. The daily temperature in Santiago averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and La Paz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in April.
Santiago usually gets more rain in October than La Pazin April. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSantiago 15°C (59°F)La Paz 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for La Paz and Santiago
| Santiago | La Paz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.