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

Should you visit Asuncion or Santiago?

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

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

Asuncion

Asuncion is a vastly underrated city. It is the capital but also the administrative economic and cultural center of Paraguay. It is located in the south central part of the country, near the border with Argentina and it is one of the oldest cities in South America, with people living here since almost 500 years. The city has a beautiful and simple center, with a few unique colonial and beaux arts buildings, international cuisine, shady plazas and friendly people. Its handful of historic buildings around the Plaza de los Heroes, Plaza Uruguaya and Manzana de la Ribera, two or three small museums, old bars and cafes, but also smart suburbs, ritzy shopping malls and fashionable nightclubs will keep you entertained for a day or two. It is a very charming city for travellers and apart from the sights, the city boasts a good tourist infrastructure with hotels and restaurants.

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 in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Asuncion?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Asuncion is $69, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $139. 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 Asuncion and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Asuncion $23
    Santiago $108
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Asuncion $46
    Santiago $216
Compare Hotels in Asuncion and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Asuncion 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 Asuncion


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: Asuncion Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Asuncion $8.88
    Santiago $5.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asuncion

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

  • Transfer in private car from Asuncion City - Asuncion Airport (ASU): $20
  • Transfer in Private Car from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $21
  • Transfer in private minivan from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $29
  • Transfer in private minivan Asuncion City - Silvio Pettirosi Airport (ASU): $29
  • RoundTrip Private Transfer Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $52
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $59

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

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


  • Metro Ride
    $1.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Santiago APT-HTL (SCL): $51
  • Transfer to Santiago or Santiago International Airport: $35
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle Santiago Airport (SCL) - Santiago de Chile City: $33
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Santiago de Chile City - Santiago Airport (SCL): $50
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Santiago Airport (SCL) - Santiago de Chile City: $49
  • Transfer from or to the airport in Santiago, Chile: $60
  • Transfer from Santiago to Portillo Ski Center: $160
  • Transfer To Valle Nevado Private for small groups: $250
  • Transfer Santiago to Cruise Port in Valparaiso or San Antonio: $250
  • Transfer Santiago Airport to the commune of Providencia: $56
  • Transfer Santiago - Viña del Mar: $210
  • Transfer Private hotel to Cruise ship in Puerto San Antonio or Valparaiso: $270

Is it cheaper to fly into Asuncion or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and Asuncion 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
    Asuncion $17
    Santiago $13

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

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


  • Empanada
    $1.84
  • Hamburger
    $2.45
  • Dinner
    $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago

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

  • Sunset Winery Tour with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $45
  • Sunset at Alyan Family Wines Winery with Dinner: $97
  • Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
  • Small-Group Night City Tour: San Cristobal Hill and Dinner Show: $120
  • San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
  • Private Night City Tour with San Cristobal Hill And Dinner Show: $131
  • 4-Hour Private Night Tour with Dinner and Show: $150
  • Private Dinner and Show with Transfers: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Asuncion $16
    Santiago $46

Tours and Activities in Asuncion

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

  • Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Asuncion: $34
  • Walking Tour with a Local in Asuncion "The Mother of Cities": $35
  • Asunción Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
  • Asuncion Birding Tour: $70
  • Golden Triangle Tour: $110
  • Crystal Fall - day tour in a reduced group: $120
  • Birding and Nature Chaco Tour: $140
  • Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour from Asunción: $160
  • Half-Day Yparacai Lake Tour from Asuncion with Pick Up: $185
  • Day tour “Circuito San Bernardino”: $214
  • Day tour “Circuito Sapucai”: $221
  • Day tour “Pai Pukú”: $230

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
  • "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $23
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour of Yungay The Coolest Neighborhood in Chile: $35
  • 4 Hour Santa Rita Winery All inclusive Tour for Wine Lover: $269
  • 4-hour city tour of Santiago in small groups: $80
  • Adventure and Viewpoints in Cajón del Maipo: $255
  • Andean Tour: $158
  • Andes Day Lagoon in Cajón del Maipo & Embalse el Yeso Private Tour: $200
  • Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago: $120
  • Andes Experience: Cajon de Maipo & Yeso Waterfall: $85
  • Andes Half-Day Private Tour with Wine and Cheese Tasting: $190
  • Andes Puesta de Sol: tour compartido con Asado en la montaña: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Asuncion $10
    Santiago $8.21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Asuncion

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Asuncion are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.23

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago

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

  • Premium Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Spanish official: $37
  • Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $50
  • Concha y Toro Ticket and Tour with Wine Tasting: $50
  • Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $62
  • Half Day Trip to Concha y Toro Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
  • Undurraga Wine tour: $70
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Santiago de Chile: $77
  • From Concha y Toro Marqués Half-Day Wine Tasting: $89
  • Private Tour: Undurraga Vineyard Experience with Premium Wine Tasting: $92
  • half day wine tour to concha y toro from Santiago seasonal offer: $95
  • Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $99
  • From Maipo Valley Wine Tour: $99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asuncion and Santiago, we can see that Santiago is more expensive. And not only is Asuncion much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Asuncion would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asuncion 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 Santiago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santiago than you might in Asuncion.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asuncion Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Asuncion or Santiago?

Santiago has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Asuncion. When comparing the sizes of Asuncion 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 Asuncion 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 Asuncion or Santiago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Asuncion as well as Santiago.

In the summer, Asuncion is a little warmer than Santiago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Asuncion in January average around 29°C (84°F), and Santiago averages at about 21°C (70°F).

Asuncion receives a lot of rain in the summer. Asuncion usually gets more rain in January than Santiago. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Asuncion 29°C (84°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Asuncion or Santiago in the Autumn?

Both Santiago and Asuncion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In April, Asuncion is generally much warmer than Santiago. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 24°C (75°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite rainy in Asuncion. In April, Asuncion usually receives more rain than Santiago. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Asuncion 24°C (75°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Asuncion or Santiago in the Winter?

Both Santiago and Asuncion during the winter are popular places to visit.

Asuncion is much warmer than Santiago in the winter. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Asuncion usually gets less rain in July than Santiago. Asuncion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Asuncion 19°C (66°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Asuncion or Santiago in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Asuncion and Santiago.

In the spring, Asuncion is much warmer than Santiago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Asuncion in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Asuncion gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Asuncion usually receives more rain than Santiago. Asuncion gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Asuncion 25°C (77°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Asuncion

Asuncion Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 29°C (84°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 50 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)