Which place is cheaper, Florence or Santorini?
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 Santorini or Florence?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Florence, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Santorini
Santorini is a historic, romantic, and stunning island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come to Santorini because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Santorini travel costs.
Florence
Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come to Florence because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Florence travel costs.
Santorini and Florence: Pros and Cons
Santorini
Pros- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Small town charm
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less popular old town
- Less popular with backpackers
- Less walkable
Florence
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Very walkable
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)
Is there more to do in Santorini or Florence?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Florence than Santorini. While Santorini is larger than Florence, Florence has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Florence is better known for its museums and attractions, food, and historical sights, while Santorini is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is well known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Florence is well known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Also, Florence is famous for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore).
How is Santorini different from Florence?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Florence and Santorini. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santorini or Florence?
Santorini
Florence
Florence is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.
The museums and tourist attractions in Florence are world-renowned. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santorini. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.
Is the Food Better in Santorini or Florence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Santorini
Florence
Florence is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Florence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean and cabbage soup. You'll also find all of your favorite Italian staples and many great family-owned trattorie.
Dining out in Santorini is an experience not to be missed. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Nightlife?
Santorini
Florence
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Santorini and Florence.
If you're looking for night time activities Santorini has a few options to choose from. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Resorts?
Santorini
Florence
Santorini is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Florence is not a resort destination.
Santorini offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.
Florence is not a resort destination.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Santorini
Florence
Santorini is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Santorini has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.
Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Beaches?
Santorini
Florence
Santorini is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Florence is not a beach destination.
Santorini has a beach worth visiting. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.
Florence is not a beach destination.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for its Old Town?
Santorini
Florence
Florence is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its historic old town charm.
With a famous historical old-town, Florence offers plenty to see. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.
Santorini offers a nice historic old town area. The historic towns of Fira and Oia are the two most popular with visitors, although they have become more built up and less historic over the past few decades. Historical areas are still found within these towns mixed in with restaurants, shops, and hotels set among the beautiful cliff-side views.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Hiking?
Santorini
Florence
Santorini is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.
Santorini has hiking trails worth exploring. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.
Florence is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Florence?
Santorini
Florence
If you're looking to go shopping, Santorini and Florence both offer plenty of superb spots.
Santorini is well-known for its shopping. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.
Is Santorini or Florence More Beautiful?
Santorini
Florence
Santorini and Florence are somewhat similar when it comes to the amazing scenery.
Many visitors also come to Santorini because of it's amazing beauty. It has striking blue water and contrasting white buildings. It is the place many travelers dream of visiting for its picturesque setting.
You'll find world class beauty in Florence as well. The city's beautiful architecture and impressive gardens make it among the most beautiful cities in the world.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Families?
Santorini
Florence
Santorini and Florence are both notable destinations for the whole family.
Santorini offers lots of family activities. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.
Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Couples?
Santorini
Florence
Santorini and Florence are both amazing to visit as a couple.
Santorini has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.
Florence is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Santorini
Florence
Florence is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.
With so many budget-friendly offerings, Florence is extremely popular for backpackers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.
Santorini is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Students?
Santorini
Florence
Florence is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.
Florence is a great destination for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.
Santorini is not popular with students.
Is Santorini or Florence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Santorini
Florence
Santorini and Florence both offer notable public transit to get you around.
While Santorini offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.
Florence has a few public transit options. The city has a comprehensive bus system.
Is Santorini or Florence a more walkable city?
Santorini
Florence
Florence is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.
Florence is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most people explore the city on foot and the striking beauty and and pedestrian-friendly areas make it a great place to wander. During peak seasons, the streets can get crowded.
Santorini is a somewhat walkable island. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Santorini Worth Visiting? and Is Florence Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Florence or Santorini?
How long in Santorini or Florence?
Both Santorini and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Florence has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Florence than Santorini. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.
Families should spend more time in Florence than Santorini. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Florence, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Florence than Santorini if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Florence.
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How many days in Santorini or Florence? Ideal Length of StaySantorini 3-7Florence 2-7
One day in Santorini or Florence?
Santorini is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Florence. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Santorini or Florence?
Santorini is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Florence. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Santorini or Florence?
Santorini is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santorini, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
You'll find nightlife and food around the historical city of Florence. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
A week in Santorini or Florence?
Santorini is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santorini has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.
Florence is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Florence, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Santorini Prices
Greece PricesFlorence Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantorini €250Florence €180
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €250, while the average daily cost in Florence is €180. 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 Santorini and Florence in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €118Florence €87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €236Florence €174
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Florence
Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Florence? 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: Santorini Hotel Prices and Florence Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €35Florence €22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $6,138
- Luxury Small-Group Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Open bar & Transfer: $167
- Santorini Small-Group Catamaran Sailing Trip(BBQ,drinks, transfer): $155
- Santorini Luxury Catamaran Sunset Cruise with BBQ, Drink and Transfer: $155
- Premium Small-Group Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Open Bar, Transfer: $143
- Santorini Catamaran Day Cruise: Lunch, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers: $131
- Santorini Private transfer up to 8 persons: $131
- Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer: $131
- Private Arrival Transfer From Santorini Port To All Destinations: $119
- Santorini transfer from/to port or airport, up to 7 customers, : $114
- Santorini Airport Departure Transfer (Santorini Hotels to Santorini Airport): $111
- Private Transfers from/to Santorini Port (Athinios) to/from Oia: $108
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:
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Taxi Ride Within City€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€25
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In City Parking (Full Day)€30
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Bus Pass (Full Day)€5.00
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Bus From Airport€5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence
Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Livorno Port to Accommodation: $421
- PRIVATE TRANSFER: from Florence to Assisi with stops in Montepulciano & Cortona : $299
- Private Transfer from Firenze (FLR) Airport to Tavarnelle Val di Pesa: $290
- Private Transfer from Firenze (FLR) Airport to Greve in Chianti: $288
- Private transfer from Florence to Massa with private driver: $281
- PRIVATE TRANSFER from Florence to Roma with private chauffeur: $275
- Private transfer Florence Peretola Airport from or to Pisa City: $271
- Private Transfer Florence Peretola Airport from/to Livorno Port: $271
- Private Transfer from San Casciano in Val di Pesa to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $250
- Private Transfer Florence to Siena with a Chianti Wine Tasting : $239
- Florence to Bologna Airport (BLQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $231
- Taste of Tuscany San Gimignano Winery with Transfer from Florence: $227
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Florence?
Prices for flights to both Florence and Santorini 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 daySantorini €96Florence €62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini
For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $60
- Santorini Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $94
- The Aegean Cooking Class: $119
- Santorini Flavors, a Cooking Class in a Dreamy Setting: $131
- Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $131
- Santorini Sunset Sailing Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers: $143
- Santorini Food Tour: Fira Half-Day Small-Group Tour with Tastings: $149
- Luxury Santorini Sunset Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers: $155
- Authentic Santorini Cooking Class Experience: $179
- Santorini : Cooking Class & Easy Hike: $185
- Traditional Kouzina Santorini Cooking Experience: $185
- Santorini Private Wine Tasting with Dinner at Venetsanos Winery : $203
Typical Food Prices in Florence
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:
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Panini Sandwich€6.50
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Casual Lunch (for Two)€17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence
For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Florence Old City Street Food Tour and Guided Sightseeing: $35
- Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Lunch or Dinner: $35
- Food Tour of Traditional Eateries and Wine Pairings: $36
- Pasta Making Class with Dinner and Wine in Florence: $47
- Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour from Florence: $48
- Florence's Food Tour with Authentic Local Tastigs and Sightseeing: $50
- Florence Street Food Tour and sightseeing with Central Market: $50
- Florence Street Food Tour with Walking Sightseeing and Local Guide: $50
- Pasta and Gelato Cooking Class in the heart of Florence: $51
- Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine: $53
- Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato: $54
- Cooking Class in Florence Pasta & Tiramisu Making Unlimited Wine: $54
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini €35Florence €30
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- Santorini 6 Hour Private Custom Tour : $167
- Santorini Private HIGHLIGHTS TOUR: $48
- Stress-Free Santorini Shore Excursion: Private Highlights Tour: $215
- Top Santorini Attractions Private Custom Tour: $188
- 2-hour Private Wooden E-Bike Tour in Emporio Castle, Santorini: $84
- 4 Hour Private Tour Experience in Santorini: $227
- 4 Hours Private Sightseeing Tour in Santorini: $143
- 4 hrs PRIVATE island tour and photos, Oia and Blue domes : $149
- 4h private tour of Santorini's sights: $239
- 5 Hour Mini-Group Santorini Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers: $87
- 5 Hour Santorini Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers: $82
- 5 Hour Semi Private Catamaran Tour in Santorini with Lunch: $161
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence
For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Admission to Uffizi€11
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Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi€4.00
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Firenze Card (for Two)€100
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Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)€20
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Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee€6.00
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Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee€7.00
Tours and Activities in Florence
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.
- Best of Florence walking tour & Accademia Gallery- monolingual small group tour: $75
- Exclusive Small Group Tour of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence: $78
- Florence Palazzo Vecchio Skip the Line Ticket and Audio Guide: $27
- Medici Walking Tour -Small Group : $35
- Uffizi & Accademia Highlights: Skip The Line Combo Guided Tour: $119
- "Good Morning Chianti Classico" - Tour in 2 wineries with lunch: $215
- 1-Hour Golf Cart Private Tour through the Center of Florence: $54
- 2-Hours Walking Tour in Florence: $179
- 3-Hour Private Florence Walking Tour: $203
- 3-Hour Private Food and Wine Experience in Montalcino: $144
- 4 Wines Tasting with 2 Tuscan Cheeses & Tour at the winery: $41
- A Food Lover Tour in Florence: $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €25Florence €18
Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini
Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $73
- Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting option: $90
- Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $90
- Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini : $92
- Art and Wine Tour in a Historic Santorini Winery: $96
- Premium Wine Tasting with Caldera Views: $106
- Santorini Wine Tour with sunset in Oia: $131
- Santorini Private Tailor Made Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $155
- Santorini Private Wine Tasting Tour in two or three Wineries : $161
- Santorini 3-Winery Tour with 12 Wine Tastings and Oia Sunset: $179
- Half-Day Virtual Reality Tour and Wine Tasting: $179
- Small Group Local Wine Tasting Tour In Santorini : $179
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:
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Glass of Chianti€4.20
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Bottle of Wine€7.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Florence
Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Florence Wine Tasting at Ponte Vecchio with Sommelier: $4.78
- Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $18
- Winery tour and wine tasting of organic Chianti wines and extra virgin oil: $24
- Wine Tasting Activity at Chianti Rufina: $25
- Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $27
- Wine Tasting Experience near Florence: $30
- Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $36
- Wine Tasting in an Authentic Tuscan Cellar in Radda in Chianti: $38
- Chianti Half Day Wine Tour from Florence: $42
- Montefioralle Winery - Tour and Wine Tasting in Chianti: $42
- Wine Tasting of Brunello with Tuscan Cold Cuts and Cheese: $47
- Winery tour & wine tasting in Montalcino: $48
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Florence, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Florence much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Florence would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Florence 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 Santorini would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santorini than you might in Florence.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santorini Expensive? and Is Florence Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Florence?
Santorini has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Florence, 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.
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.