Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Auckland?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAuckland $141Santiago $143
The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $141, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $143. 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 $89Santiago $111
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAuckland $178Santiago $222
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 $16Santiago $5.48
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$9.62
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Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Airport: $27
- Auckland:City Hotel Transfers to/from Cruise Ship in Minivan: $27
- Private Transfer from Auckland City to Auckland Cruise Port: $39
- Cheap airport transfer: $54
- Auckland:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Minivan: $54
- Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland Port: $55
- Private Transfer from Auckland Port to Auckland Airport (AKL): $55
- Auckland Airport Private Transfers in a Luxury Minibus: $57
- Auckland Airport (AKL) to North Shore - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
- Auckland Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Auckland: $68
- Auckland Airport Taxi: Private Transfer One Direction: $72
- Private Transfer From Auckland CBD Hotels To Cruise Ship: $72
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$1.15
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
- Visit Montes Winery (7th World Best Wine) & Transfer to Hotel: $300
- Transfer from or to the airport in Santiago, Chile: $60
- Transfer from Santiago to Portillo Ski Center: $160
- Transfer from Santiago To Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski: $83
- Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago Centro Commune: $52
- 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 Santiago - Valparaíso: $210
- Transfer Privado Entre Santiago Y El Aeropuerto: $52
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 $27Santiago $13
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Auckland Harbour 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Welcome Drink: $90
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $90
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $105
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.91
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Hamburger$2.54
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Dinner$26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation in Santiago: $107
- Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
- Dinner Show in Bali Hai: $109
- Sunset at Alyan Family Wines Winery with Dinner: $116
- 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
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour with Dinner and Show: $150
- Private Dinner and Show with Transfers: $158
- Traditional Chilean Cooking Class with a Local in Her Santiago Countryside Home: $168
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Auckland $28Santiago $48
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)$33
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$121
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Explore Auckland's Sailing Spirit: In-App Audio Tour: $5.32
- Auckland Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
- Tree Heart Park Adventure Clue Trail Family Package: $15
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $17
- Skip the Line: Auckland Museum General Admission Entry Ticket: $17
- Vibrosaun Therapy Experience: $18
- Auckland Sky Tower General Admission Ticket : $24
- Sky Tower General Admission Ticket: $25
- Hologate Virtual Reality Gaming Experience: $29
- The Lagoon Lights Family Experience at Tree Heart Park: $30
- Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Ticket: $33
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Experience Wildlife Encounter in Provincia Mountain of Chile.: $235
- Private Adventure at 4200 meters above sea level in the Chilean Andes Cerro Pintor: $300
- 4 Hour Santa Rita Winery All inclusive Tour for Wine Lover: $269
- A Private Tour of Valparaiso with an experienced local guide.: $195
- Adventure and Viewpoints in Cajón del Maipo: $255
- Andean Horse Ride Yerba Loca Sanctuary - Private tour from Santiago: $240
- Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago: $120
- Andes Day Volcano 8k Private Tour : $230
- Andes Half-Day Private Tour with Wine and Cheese Tasting: $190
- Andes Sunset: shared tour with Asado in the mountain: $90
- Andes Whitewater Rafting Adventure plus Winery Tour and Tasting: $199
- Authentic Andes Adventure: Private Horse Riding and Cheese & Wine: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAuckland $14Santiago $8.51
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Wine Tour Tasting Wines on Waiheke: $93
- Muriwai Scenic Wine Tour from Auckland: $106
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $132
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $150
- Waiheke Island: Tour with Wine Tastings and Restaurant Lunch: $150
- From Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $153
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $171
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $172
- Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $178
- Auckland Coastal Experience - Small Group City & Beach Tour Incl. Wine Tasting: $196
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
- Concha y Toro Ticket and Tour with Wine Tasting: $50
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $50
- Undurraga Wine tour: $63
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
- Private Tour: Santa Rita Vineyard with Wine Tastings: $72
- From Concha y Toro Marqués Half-Day Wine Tasting: $89
- half day wine tour to concha y toro from Santiago seasonal offer: $95
- From Maipo Valley Wine Tour: $99
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $99
- Private Tour: Viña del Mar and Valparaíso Tour with Wine Tasting in Casablanca Valley: $143
- Premium Wine Tasting and Tour at Santa Rita with Transport: $145
When comparing the travel costs between Auckland 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 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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.