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

Should you visit Aqaba or Santiago?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba 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: Aqaba or Santiago?

Aqaba

Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.

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 Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Aqaba?

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 Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $154. 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 Aqaba and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Santiago $112
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Santiago $224
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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 Aqaba


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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Santiago $5.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Hotels: $27
  • Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
  • Aqaba to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $31
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Tala bay Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $33
  • Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $35
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Port to King Hussein Airport (AQJ): $48
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $48
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Petra hotels: $48
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $48
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba City Hotels: $55

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

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


  • Metro Ride
    $1.16

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 Airport SCL to Santiago by Luxury Van: $99
  • Airport Transfer: Santiago to Airport SCL by Business Car: $80
  • Arrival Transfer - Santiago International Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $35
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport SCL to Santiago by Luxury Van: $99
  • City tour santiago with excursion to valparaiso and airport transfer: $150
  • Cruise Ship Transfer to Valparaiso Port with 6 Hour tour + Winery: $89
  • Cruise Terminal Transfer from Valparaíso & Wine Tasting: $129
  • Departure Transfer: Santiago to Airport SCL by Luxury Van: $99
  • Maipo Valley Wine Tour, Concha y Toro, Private Transfer from Santiago: $262
  • Portillo and Laguna Del Inca, Exclusive Guide and Private Transfer: $250
  • Private 15-Passenger Premium Airport Transfer – Santiago (SCL): $190

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and Aqaba 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
    Aqaba $73
    Santiago $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

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

  • Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
  • Traditional Bedouin Cooking Experience in the Desert: $50
  • Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
  • "Wadi Rum Jeep Tour + Bedouin Camp & Dinner Under the Stars: $80
  • Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $82
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $100
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $109

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

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


  • Empanada
    $1.94
  • Hamburger
    $2.57
  • Dinner
    $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago

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

  • Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $56
  • Best Santiago Street Food Tour with 4+ Tastings and Drink: $58
  • Mercado Meals Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $60
  • 4h Cooking Class in 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $77
  • 4h Cooking Class in Santiago : 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $85
  • Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
  • Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
  • Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
  • Barrio Italia Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $119
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $125
  • San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
  • Dinner Show in Bali Hai with Wine refill and transportation: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Santiago $49

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

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

  • Turgut camp with tour: $15
  • 2 Hour Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $20
  • Join Us Before Sunset – Aqaba Walking Tour Let's Go!: $27
  • Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea: $30
  • Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
  • Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
  • Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
  • Aqaba Walking Tour : History ,Culture & Food: $30
  • Wadi Rum: Premium English Speaking Guide 4WD Desert Tour: $34
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
  • 4 Hour Jeep Tour Morning or Sunset Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35

Tours and Activities in Santiago

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:

  • Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $11
  • Historical Sights Walking Tour: $15
  • Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino Admission Ticket: $17
  • Cable Car Admission Ticket: $18
  • History Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $21
  • A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -: $25
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Old Town: $25
  • Santiago Sightseeing Tour: Living History and Local Food Tasting: $25
  • Santiago : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $25
  • Guided City Tour through the historic center of Santiago: $25
  • "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $27
  • City Tour Santiago - Walking Tour: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Santiago $8.62

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago

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

  • "Chile in Your Glass" Wine Tasting.: $22
  • Pub Crawl with Unlimited Beer and Welcome Shots: $25
  • Cousiño Macul Heritage Wine Tour with Tastings: $25
  • Traditional Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Official English: $27
  • "Premium Wine Tour" Viña Cousiño Macul Official english: $45
  • Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $55
  • Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
  • Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $62
  • Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $68
  • Valparaíso and Vineyard of the Sea with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $68
  • Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
  • Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75


When comparing the travel costs between Aqaba and Santiago, we can see that Aqaba 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 Aqaba is in Middle East 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 Aqaba Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Santiago?

Santiago has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Santiago?

Santiago has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Aqaba experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Aqaba or Santiago in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Santiago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round.

It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is much warmer than Santiago in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in January.

In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Santiagoin January. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Santiago in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Santiago. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Aqaba is much warmer than Santiago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in April.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Santiagoin April. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Santiago in the Winter?

Both Santiago and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year.

In January, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Santiagoin July. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Santiagoin July. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Santiago in the Spring?

Both Santiago and Aqaba during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Aqaba is much warmer than Santiago in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in October.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Santiagoin October. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Aqaba

Aqaba Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)