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

Should you visit Adelaide or Santiago?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Santiago can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Adelaide or Santiago?

Adelaide

Adelaide is the often overlooked capital city of the State of South Australia. It's also the fifth largest city in the country. Despite being skipped by most travelers, Adelaide is an interesting city to explore and has a decent amount to offer open minded travelers. It has some fascinating architecture, unique shopping, and wonderful cafes and restaurants. Part of the appeal of Adelaide is its location in the midst of Australia's wine regions, including McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, and Clare Valley. Any of these destinations could be visited as a day trip from Adelaide.

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 Adventure Tours to Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Adelaide?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Adelaide is $133, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $150. 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 Adelaide and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Adelaide $65
    Santiago $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Adelaide $130
    Santiago $218
Compare Hotels in Adelaide and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Adelaide 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 Adelaide


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: Adelaide Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Adelaide $18
    Santiago $5.41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Adelaide

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Adelaide are as follows:


  • Shuttle from the Train Station
    $3.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Adelaide

Also for Adelaide, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • ADL Airport to City Centre | Port Private Transfer: $35
  • Private Airport & Houseboat Transfers Adelaide Bus: $298

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:

  • Transfer to Valparaiso Cruise Terminal with Winery & Town Tour: $109
  • Transfer to Snowy Valley fullday for skiers : $49
  • Transfer to San Antonio port with Valparaiso & Casablanca tour: $87
  • Transfer from Valparaiso or San Antonio Port + Condor Watching Tour: $230
  • Transfer from Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski to Santiago: $83
  • Transfer from Santiago To Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski: $100
  • Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago Centro Commune: $52
  • Transfer Santiago-Viña del Mar / Viña del Mar-Santiago: $220
  • Transfer Santiago-Valparaiso / Valparaiso-Santiago: $220
  • Transfer Santiago to Cruise Port in Valparaiso or San Antonio: $290
  • Transfer Santiago de Chile airport: $40
  • Transfer Santiago Airport to the commune of Providencia: $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Adelaide or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and Adelaide 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
    Adelaide $54
    Santiago $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option: $30
  • Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide: $65

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Adelaide $14
    Santiago $47

Tours and Activities in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • River Torrens Popeye Sightseeing Cruise: $18
  • Adelaide Oval Stadium Guided Tour: $19
  • Adelaide Oval Stadium Tour: $19
  • Adelaide's True Crime Tour: $22
  • TreeClimb Adelaide Climb For Little Adventurers: $24
  • Adelaide Hills: Jurlique Farm Tour: $26
  • River Torrens Popeye Devonshire Tea Cruise: $26
  • City Walking Tour with Guide: $29
  • Ghosts, Dark Secrets and Paranormal Hunt Gaol Tour: $30
  • Adelaide Zoo: General Admission Tickets: $32
  • TreeClimb Thrilling Climb For Adventurers: $33
  • TreeClimb Adventure: $33

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
  • 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
  • Andes Day Lagoon in Cajón del Maipo & Embalse el Yeso Private Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Adelaide $22
    Santiago $8.40

Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:

  • Half-day McLaren Vale & Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour: $59
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $60
  • Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting: $89
  • Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $91
  • Adelaide Food Odyssey: Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $105
  • Barossa Day Out: Wines, Brewery, Chocolate & Lunch: $105
  • Discover Barossa: 4 Wine Tastings, Gourmet Lunch, and Hidden Gems: $111
  • Barossa Premium Wine Tasting tour & Winery Lunch: $118
  • From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $118
  • From Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $118
  • Barossa Premium Wine Tasting Tour & lunch Departs 7 days a week : $120
  • Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting & Maggie Beers Farm Join Us: $120

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 Adelaide and Santiago, 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 Adelaide is in Pacific and Santiago is in South 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 Adelaide Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Santiago?

Santiago has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Adelaide. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide 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 Adelaide or Santiago?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Adelaide or Santiago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Santiago. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Adelaide this time of year.

In the summer, Adelaide is around the same temperature as Santiago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Adelaide in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Santiago averages at about 21°C (70°F).

Adelaide usually gets more rain in January than Santiago. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Adelaide 22°C (72°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Adelaide or Santiago in the Autumn?

Both Santiago and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Adelaide for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In April, Adelaide is generally a little warmer than Santiago. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 18°C (64°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In April, Adelaide usually receives more rain than Santiago. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Adelaide 18°C (64°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Adelaide or Santiago in the Winter?

Both Santiago and Adelaide during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Adelaide in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Adelaide is a little warmer than Santiago in the winter. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Adelaide usually gets less rain in July than Santiago. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Adelaide 11°C (52°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Adelaide or Santiago in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Santiago. Most visitors come to Adelaide for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Adelaide is around the same temperature as Santiago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Adelaide in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In October, Adelaide usually receives more rain than Santiago. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Adelaide 16°C (61°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Adelaide

Adelaide Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (72°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 21°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 18°C (64°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 12°C (54°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 13°C (56°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 18°C (65°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 21°C (69°F) 25 mm (1 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)