A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valencia vs. Santiago for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Valencia or Santiago?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia or Santiago, 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.

Where Should I go: Valencia or Santiago?

Valencia

Valencia is a port city that sits on Spain's southeastern Orange Blossom coast, where the Turia River meets the Mediterranean Sea. As the nation's third-largest city, it is continually innovative in the arts and sciences with some futuristic architecture including a planetarium, oceanarium, and an interactive museum. The nightlife and daytime culture both thrive in their own ways, bustling with limitless opportunities for sight-seeing and entertainment. While the city is surrounded by fertile farmland, its center is a modern metropolis, skirted by beautiful beaches.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Valencia?

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

  • Valencia Prices
    Spain Prices
    Santiago Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Valencia 153
    Santiago 128

The average daily cost (per person) in Valencia is €153, while the average daily cost in Santiago is €128. 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 Valencia and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Valencia 58
    Santiago 93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Valencia 116
    Santiago 186
Compare Hotels in Valencia and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Valencia or Santiago? 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 Valencia


Hotels in Santiago


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: Valencia Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Valencia 18
    Santiago 4.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valencia

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valencia:

  • Arrival Transfer Valencia Airport VLC to Valencia City by Sedan: $41
  • Barcelona to Montserrat Monastery: Tour, Transfers & Basilica: $45
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Valencia HTL-APT (VLC): $48
  • Valencia Airport (VLC) to Valencia Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer : $57
  • Private Transfer from Valencia Hotels to Valencia Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Valencia Transfer: Central Valencia to Cruise Port or Valencia Airport: $75
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Valencia (hotel OR airport pick-up): $79
  • Valencia City, Airport, Cruise Terminal Private Transfer: $96
  • Private Transfer: Valencia Airport VLC to Valencia in Luxury Van: $100
  • Private Transfer: Valencia to Valencia Airport VLC in Luxury Van: $100
  • Valencia Airport (VLC) to Valencia - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
  • Valencia Cruise Port to Valencia hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:


  • Metro Ride
    0.96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • Airport Transfer and Halfday City tour Santiago de Chile: $362
  • Airport Transfer: Santiago to Airport SCL by Business Car: $87
  • Airport transfer between Santiago city center and Arturo Merino Benítez Airport: $51
  • Arrival Transfer from Santiago Airport SCL to Santiago de Chile: $80
  • City tour santiago with excursion to valparaiso and airport transfer: $150
  • Departure Transfer: Santiago to Airport SCL by Business Car: $87
  • From Viña Santa Rita Tour w/Transfer: $120
  • Luxury Airport Private Transfer SCL: $90
  • Maipo Valley Wine Tour, Concha y Toro, Private Transfer from Santiago: $262
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Santiago Airport SCL to Santiago: $96
  • Private Round Trip Transfer on Santiago Of Chile City: $68
  • Private Santiago Visit Haras de Pirque Winery & Transfer Hotel: $300

Is it cheaper to fly into Valencia or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and Valencia 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
    Valencia 70
    Santiago 19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valencia

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Valencia.

  • Make Valencian 'Pizza' in Ruzafa: $72
  • Valencian Paella Cooking Class, Tapas & Sangria - Evening : $77
  • Valencian paella cooking class, tapas and visit to Ruzafa market.: $77
  • Valencia Evening Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $78
  • Paella Cooking Class, Wine Tasting & Central Market in Valencia: $78
  • Valencia Morning Food Tour with Central Market by Food Lover Tour: $78
  • Live the Valencian Experience Cooking Your Own Paella: $78
  • Valencia Food Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $82
  • Authentic Valencian Paella Cooking Class: $83
  • Seafood paella cooking class, tapas and visit to Ruzafa market.: $83
  • Valencia Centre Food Tour with 9+ Tastings of Regional Delicacies: $110
  • Valencia Paella & Tapas Home Cooking Class with Local Chef Jose: $115

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:


  • Empanada
    1.60
  • Hamburger
    2.13
  • Dinner
    22

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Valencia 29
    Santiago 40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Valencia

Here are a few typical costs in Valencia for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Flamenco Tour
    16

Tours and Activities in Valencia

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

  • Valencia El Cabañal Secrets: Exploration Game and Tour: $8.38
  • Christmas Boat Experience in Valencia: $8.38
  • Valencia Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $8.40
  • In Love with A Self-Guided Tour of its Landmarks: $9.99
  • Between Two Gates: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Valencia: $12
  • 2 Hours Self Guided Audio Tour in Valencia: $12
  • Valencia Uncovered GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
  • Tickets to the Museum of Illusions Valencia, Where Nothing Is What It Seems: $18
  • Guided walking tour of the city of Valencia : $18
  • Valencia Guided City Tour: $18
  • Valencia Family Tour Guided tour in Italian: $18
  • Valencia City Highlights in Guided Bike or E-Bike Tour: $18

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
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Old Town: $25
  • Yungay, Memory, Art, and Neighborhood Walking Tour: $25
  • A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -small group: $25
  • Santiago : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Valencia 20
    Santiago 7.15

Sample the Local Flavors in Valencia

Also in Valencia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in Valencia: $54
  • Ruzafa Evening Food and Wine Tour Tapas Drinks and Local Secrets: $84
  • Wine tasting tour : $115
  • Cheese Factory Workshop with Wine Tasting in Requena, Valencia: $119
  • Small Group - Half-Day Wine Tour: $138
  • Two wineries tour with wine tasting : $138
  • Horseback riding and wine tour (private tour): $180
  • Requena Half-Day Private Vineyards & Premium Wine Tastings Tour: $234

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valencia and Santiago, we can see that Valencia is more expensive. And not only is Santiago much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Valencia is in Europe and Santiago is in South 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 Valencia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valencia 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 Valencia Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Valencia or Santiago?

Santiago has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Valencia. When comparing the sizes of Valencia and Santiago, 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 Valencia or Santiago?

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 Valencia has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Valencia or Santiago in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Santiago. Many travelers come to Valencia for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Valencia is a little warmer than Santiago in the summer. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in January.

In July, Valencia usually receives less rain than Santiagoin January. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Valencia 25°C (76°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Valencia or Santiago in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Santiago. Many visitors come to Valencia in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Valencia is a little warmer than Santiago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valencia in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in April.

Valencia usually gets more rain in October than Santiagoin April. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Valencia 19°C (66°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Valencia or Santiago in the Winter?

Both Santiago and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Valencia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Valencia is generally a little warmer than Santiagoin July. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 12°C (53°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Valencia usually receives less rain than Santiagoin July. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Valencia 12°C (53°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Valencia or Santiago in the Spring?

Both Santiago and Valencia during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Valencia because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Valencia is around the same temperature as Santiago in the spring. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in October.

Valencia usually gets more rain in April than Santiagoin October. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Valencia 15°C (60°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Valencia

Valencia Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)