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.
Jump to 
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.
-
Auckland Prices
New Zealand PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAuckland $158Santiago $148
The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $158, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $148. 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
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAuckland $87Santiago $107
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAuckland $174Santiago $214
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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Auckland $16Santiago $5.31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
-
Bus from Airport$9.48
-
Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Departure Transfer: Auckland Central City Centre to Auckland Airport: $25
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Airport: $26
- Auckland:City Hotel Transfers to/from Cruise Ship in Minivan: $26
- Airport Private Transfer: $34
- Private Transfer from Auckland City to Auckland Cruise Port: $39
- Auckland Downtown Hotel Transfers to/from Cruise Ship in Minivan : $40
- Cheap airport transfer: $52
- Private Transfer from Auckland Port to Auckland Airport (AKL): $54
- Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland Port: $54
- Auckland Airport Private One-Way or Round-Trip Transfer: $57
- Private Transfer From Auckland City To Auckland Airport Oaks: $57
- Private Transfer From Auckland Airport Oaks To Auckland City: $57
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:
- from Santiago airport private arrival transfer to the Valparaiso pier: $251
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Santiago APT-HTL (SCL): $51
- Transfer to Valparaiso Cruise Terminal with Winery & Town Tour: $109
- Transfer in-out a Puerto de San Antonio o Valparaiso / Santiago: $110
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Santiago de Chile City - Santiago Airport (SCL): $26
- Transfer in Private Vehicle Santiago Airport (SCL) - Santiago de Chile City: $26
- Transfer from or to the airport or hotel in Santiago de Chile: $35
- Transfer from Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski to Santiago: $83
- Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago Centro Commune: $52
- Transfer To Valle Nevado Private for small groups: $250
- Transfer Santiago-Valparaiso / Valparaiso-Santiago: $220
- Transfer Santiago to Cruise Port in Valparaiso or San Antonio: $198
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
-
Food Meals for one dayAuckland $46Santiago $22
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Breakfast$4.74
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Auckland:: Japanese Home Cooking: $80
- Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $97
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $102
- Private Street Food Tour of Auckland with a Local Guide: $156
- Local Auckland Food Tour : Explore the suburbs!: $166
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
-
Empanada$1.85
-
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.
- Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
- Dinner Show in Bali Hai with Wine refill and transportation: $109
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $117
- Small-Group Night City Tour: San Cristobal Hill and Dinner Show: $120
- San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
- Sunset Alyan + 6 wines + individual snack + rustic dinner : $130
- Sunset Winery Tour with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $130
- Viña Concha y Toro Nocturno: Dinner Show: $137
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour with Dinner and Show: $150
- Private Dinner & Chilean Folk Show with Transfers: $158
- Bali Hai Dinner Show in Santiago de Chile: $161
- Chilean Cooking Class in Santiago with Wine Pairings : $168
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Auckland $27Santiago $46
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$33
-
Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$119
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
- Auckland Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Tree Heart Park Adventure Clue Trail Family Package: $15
- Hīkoi to Britomart Guided Walking Tour - Auckland Art Gallery: $15
- Explore Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Vibrosaun Therapy Experience: $18
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $19
- Scenic Harbour Sightseeing Cruise: $23
- Auckland Takapuna: Escape Game Adventure: $23
- Auckland CBD: Escape Game Adventure: $23
- The Hunt for the Missing Monarch - An Auckland Adventure: $24
- Auckland Sky Tower General Admission Ticket : $29
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Farellones & Valle Nevado Group Tour: $100
- Private Adventure at 4200 meters above sea level in the Chilean Andes Cerro Pintor: $300
- Private Half-Day Guided Tour of the City of Santiago.: $280
- Private Sightseeing City Tour in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar: $239
- 3 Hours Santiago Blend Walking Tour: $5.00
- 4 Hours Guided Walking Tour in Santiago : $5.00
- A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -small group: $25
- A full Private Tour of Valparaiso from Santiago : $198
- An Architect's Tour of Downtown Santiago: $50
- Andean Horse Ride Yerba Loca Sanctuary - Private tour from Santiago: $240
- Andean Tour: $170
- Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago: $120
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAuckland $13Santiago $8.24
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Ultimate Late Night Bar Crawl: $20
- Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $103
- Muriwai Scenic Wine Tour from Auckland: $106
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Wine Tour Tasting Wines on Waiheke: $108
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $137
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Wine Tour with Lunch: $145
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $160
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
- Kumeu Wineries / Brewery : $178
- Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $185
- Scenic Wine Tastings Tour with Lunch: $204
- City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $204
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago
Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $50
- Concha y Toro Full Master Edition: Wine Tasting Included: $56
- Undurraga Wine tour: $60
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
- Valparaiso Art and Culture with wine tasting in Casablanca: $79
- half day wine tour to concha y toro from Santiago seasonal offer: $95
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $99
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with wine tasting in Casablanca: $99
- Inca Lagoon and Vineyard Visit with Wine Tasting: $100
- Half Day Trip to Concha y Toro Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $100
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $100
- From Concha y Toro Marqués Half-Day Wine Tasting: $103
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Spring Average Temperatures OctoberAuckland 14°C (58°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Auckland
| Auckland | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.