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

Should you visit Athens or Santiago?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Santiago. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Athens or Santiago?

Athens

Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.

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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Athens?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, 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 Athens and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens 63
    Santiago 99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens 126
    Santiago 198
Compare Hotels in Athens and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Athens 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 Athens


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: Athens Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens 27
    Santiago 4.87
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    6.40
  • Metro
    1.50
  • Metro
    2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

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

  • Bus Transfer to/from Argos: $14
  • Santorini Private Transfer From or To Airport: $20
  • One way Private Transfer Athens City Center to / from Piraeus Port: $20
  • Private transfer between Athens hotels and Piraeus Port: $23
  • Piraeus Port: Private One-Way Transfer to Athens City Center: $23
  • From Athens Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Rafina Port: $24
  • Athens Private Transfer: Central Athens to Piraeus Cruise Port: $24
  • Athens Private Transfer: Piraeus Cruise Port to Central Athens : $24
  • Private Transfer from Athens City Center to Piraeus Port: $25
  • Piraeus port to Athens hotels Private arrival transfer: $27
  • Piraeus Port Private First Class Vehicle Transfer: $28
  • Athens Airport to Athens City Easy Van and Minibus Transfer: $29

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

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


  • Metro Ride
    1.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • Private Scenic Transfer to Mendoza.: $539
  • Private Transfer from Santiago or Santiago Airport to Colchagua or Santa Cruz: $300
  • Pick up Santiago Visit Haras de Pirque Winery & Transfer Hotel: $300
  • Private Transfer from Santiago to San Antonio Valparaiso or Pichilemu: $290
  • Transfer From Santiago/Airport to Valparaiso(Exclusive & Private): $289
  • Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to Valparaíso: $276
  • Transfer Private hotel to Cruise ship in Puerto San Antonio or Valparaiso: $270
  • Private Transfer From Santiago airport to San Antonio Pier or Valparaiso Pier : $251
  • Private Transfer from Santiago Airport to Valparaíso,Viña del Mar or San Antonio: $250
  • Transfer To Valle Nevado Private for small groups: $250
  • Transfer Santiago to Cruise Port in Valparaiso or San Antonio: $250
  • Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to Viña del Mar: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and Athens 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
    Athens 37
    Santiago 12
Typical Food Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    3.00
  • Souvlaki
    2.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
  • Greek Street Food Tour: $52
  • Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $53
  • Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $58
  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $61
  • Greek Spirits & Meze, Food Tour in Athens: $63
  • Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $64
  • Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $64
  • Ramen & Gyoza - Vegan Cooking Course in Athina: $65
  • Moroccan Cuisine: Vegan Cooking Course in Athina: $65

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

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


  • Empanada
    1.70
  • Hamburger
    2.25
  • Dinner
    23

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.
    Athens 36
    Santiago 43

Tours and Activities in Athens

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.

  • Self-guided First Discovery Walk and Reading Tour: $3.26
  • Hadrian's Library Skip-the-Line Ticket: $4.42
  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour into Byzantine Gems: $4.67
  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour in Old Plaka: $4.67
  • Herakleidon Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: Entry Ticket: $5.43
  • Skip the Line: War Museum of Athens Entrance Ticket: $6.63
  • Athens Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.63
  • Ancient Agora of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • The Best of Piraeus: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Traditional Greek Food: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Athens: $6.99
  • Ancient Agora of Athens Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Ancient Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.06

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
    Athens 23
    Santiago 7.56

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:

  • Premium Wine Tastings: $36
  • Athens Speakeasy & Alternative Bar Crawl: Discover Hidden Gems: $39
  • Athens Old Town: Wine Tasting based on Ancient Greek Grapes: $40
  • Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
  • Organic and Vegan Indigenous Wine Tasting Private Experience: $44
  • Athens Wine Tasting: $44
  • Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $53
  • Greek food and wine tasting: $54
  • Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $54
  • Wine Tasting with a Sommelier under the Acropolis: $60
  • Greek Wine Tasting with Acropolis view: $72
  • Athens Small-Group Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75

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 comparing the travel costs between Athens 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 Athens is in Europe 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Athens or Santiago?

Santiago has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Athens or Santiago in the Summer?

Both Santiago and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Santiagoin January. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Santiagoin January. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Athens or Santiago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Santiago. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year.

Athens is a little warmer than Santiago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in April.

In October, Athens usually receives more rain than Santiagoin April. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Athens or Santiago in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Santiago. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Athens is a little warmer than Santiago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Santiago averages at about 9°C (48°F)in July.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Santiagoin July. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Athens or Santiago in the Spring?

Both Santiago and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Santiagoin October. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In April, Athens usually receives more rain than Santiagoin October. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Athens

Athens Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)