Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Auckland?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Auckland or Santiago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Santiago can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Auckland or Santiago?
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
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Auckland Prices
New Zealand PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAuckland $165Santiago $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $165, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $159. 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 Auckland and Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAuckland $96Santiago $116
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAuckland $192Santiago $232
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Auckland 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.
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: Auckland Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Auckland $17Santiago $5.72
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$9.19
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Airport Shuttle$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Auckland Airport One-Way Private Transfer: Airport to CBD Hotels: $23
- Arrival Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland Central City Centre: $24
- AKL Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $26
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Airport: $26
- Auckland:City Hotel Transfers to/from Cruise Ship in Minivan: $32
- Auckland Downtown Hotel Transfers to/from Cruise Ship in Minivan: $42
- Airport Private Transfer: $43
- Auckland Airport Transfer To and From City Center: $46
- Auckland Airport to Auckland CBD - ONEWAY Private Transfer: $49
- Auckland CBD to Auckland Airport - ONEWAY Private Transfer: $49
- Private One-Way Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland City Hotel: $52
- Private Transfer from Auckland City to Auckland Cruise Port: $52
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:
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Metro Ride$1.20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Villard Winery with exclusive guide + Premium Transfer: $220
- Transfer to Snowy Valley fullday for skiers: $49
- Transfer to San Antonio port with Valparaiso & Casablanca tour: $95
- Transfer in/out cruise to/from Santiago plus tour Valparaiso: $135
- Transfer from Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski to Santiago: $83
- Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago Centro Commune: $52
- Transfer From Portillo Ski center to Santiago Airport or Hotel: $97
- Tour to Santiago and Valparaiso with Transfers included: $150
- TRANSFER TRANSFER AIRPORT-VIÑA DEL MAR VALPARAISO: $190
- Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $42
- Transfer to Concha y Toro Winery: $30
- Private Transfer to/from Santiago Airport (SCL): $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago and Auckland 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
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Food Meals for one dayAuckland $44Santiago $24
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $98
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
- The Tastebud Tour, award winning food tour of Auckland: $159
- Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
- Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
- From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.99
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Hamburger$2.65
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Dinner$27
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: $56
- Street Food Tour in Santiago with a Local Guide: $57
- 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
- Food Tour STGO, Eat like Locals!: $99
- Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
- Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation in Santiago: $107
- Santiago Food Tour: Bohemian Flavors and Local Gems: $109
- Barrio Italia Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $119
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Auckland $27Santiago $50
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$32
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$116
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Auckland Walking Tour 1h30 and 17 audio reviews: $6.84
- Auckland to Volcanoes: North Island Self-Guided Adventure: $8.10
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $9.27
- Auckland City Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour: $14
- Vibrosaun Therapy Experience: $17
- Waitematā Harbour Cruise with Live Commentary: $20
- Scenic Harbour Cruise in Auckland: $22
- Auckland Takapuna: Escape Game Adventure: $23
- Scenic Boat Cruise to the Riverhead Tavern: $25
- Auckland Sunset Harbour Cruise: $26
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $27
- 1 Day Tour of Viña Concha y Toro from Santiago: $120
- 1 Day Valparaiso and Vina del Mar Tour from Santiago: $51
- 3 Hours Santiago Blend Walking Tour: $30
- 6 Hour Tour of Culture, History and Flavors from Santiago: $75
- A Private Tour of Santiago with an Experienced Local Guide: $162
- A full Private Tour of Valparaiso from Santiago: $238
- Adega Montes Guided Tour with Private Transportation: $300
- Adventure in Portillo: Laguna del Inca and Mountain Picnic: $100
- All Santiago in One Day: Private Guided Tour: $250
- An Architect's Tour of Downtown Santiago: $60
- Andean Adventure: Cajón del Maipo & El Morado Lodge and Spa: $147
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAuckland $13Santiago $8.89
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Auckland Coastal Brewery Kayak Tour: $69
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
- Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $115
- Wineries & Brewery Tour: $130
- Ultimate Auckland Experience Full Day Tour with Brewery Lunch: $144
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
- Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
- Kumeu Wine Tasting & Local Flavours Tour: Vines, Brews & Views: $173
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $179
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
- City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
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
- Cousiño Macul Heritage Wine Tour with Tastings: $25
- Pub Crawl with Unlimited Beer and Welcome Shots: $25
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $59
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $62
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $75
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $75
- Concha y Toro Tour with Wine Tasting and Transport: $87
- Half Day Trip to Cousiño Macul Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
When comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Santiago, we can see that Auckland 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 Auckland 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 Auckland Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Auckland or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Auckland 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 Auckland 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 Auckland or Santiago in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Santiago. Many visitors come to Auckland in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Auckland is around the same temperature as Santiago in the summer. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Auckland usually gets more rain in January than Santiago. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryAuckland 20°C (68°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Santiago in the Autumn?
Both Santiago and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Auckland is around the same temperature as Santiago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Auckland in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F).
In April, Auckland usually receives more rain than Santiago. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilAuckland 16°C (61°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Santiago in the Winter?
Both Santiago and Auckland during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Auckland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Auckland is generally a little warmer than Santiago. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 11°C (52°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Auckland. Auckland usually gets more rain in July than Santiago. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyAuckland 11°C (52°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Santiago in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Santiago. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.
Auckland is around the same temperature as Santiago in the spring. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 14°C (58°F) in October, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In October, Auckland usually receives more rain than Santiago. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberAuckland 14°C (58°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Auckland
| Auckland | Santiago | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.