A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. Valparaiso for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Auckland or Valparaiso?

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 Valparaiso can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Auckland or Valparaiso?

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.

Valparaiso

Valparaiso, often referred to as Valpo, is an attractive city on the Pacific Coast in Chile. The city has a population of about 300,000 and is only 120 kilometers west of Santiago. The city's main industries aside from tourism include shipping and petroleum refining.

Valparaiso is popular with travelers because of its bohemian culture and brightly colored homes. It also offers some wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Although the city is short on specific sights, the atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a wonderful place to visit.

Valparaiso has a mild Mediterranean climate that is comparable to San Francisco or Santa Barbara. The summer is dry but fog is common year around. Rain can be heavy during the winter season and snow falls occasionally in the highest parts of the city. Winds can also be strong during the winter months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Valparaiso or Auckland?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $169, while the average daily cost in Valparaiso is $85. 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 Valparaiso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Auckland $98
    Valparaiso $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Auckland $196
    Valparaiso $74
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Valparaiso

Looking for a hotel in Auckland or Valparaiso? 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 Auckland


Hotels in Valparaiso


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 Valparaiso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Auckland $17
    Valparaiso $4.96
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland

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


  • Bus from Airport
    $9.41
  • Airport Shuttle
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland

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

  • Airport Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland by Sedan Car: $88
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Business Car: $93
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland City by Luxury Van: $112
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland City by Sedan Car: $88
  • Arrival Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland Central City Centre: $25
  • Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Auckland Airport (AKL) to North Shore - Arrival Private Transfer: $108
  • Auckland Airport (AKL) to North Shore-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $216
  • Auckland Airport Arrival Transfer to North Shore or Henderson: $127
  • Auckland Airport Luxury Shuttle - Private Transfers: $173
  • Auckland Airport Premium Private Golf Transfer To Te Arai Links: $299
  • Auckland Airport Private One-Way or Round-Trip Transfer: $69

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Valparaiso

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Valparaiso are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valparaiso

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valparaiso:

  • Valparaiso to Santiago Private Transfer or Santiago to Valparaiso: $142
  • Private transfer from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to San Antonio: $133
  • Private Transfer from Viña del Mar to Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport: $256
  • Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel To Santiago City: $89
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Hotel or port To Santiago Airport or Hotel: $110
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Cruise Port to Santiago Hotels: $206
  • Private Transfer Viña del Mar to Santiago Airport: $170
  • Private Transfer Cruise Port to Santiago with Wine tour & tasting: $209

Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or Valparaiso?

Prices for flights to both Valparaiso 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 day
    Auckland $45
    Valparaiso $39
Typical Food Prices in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $4.71

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
  • Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
  • Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $102
  • Auckland Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $116
  • Auckland Downtown Food Tour with 5 Locals Favorite Dishes: $129
  • Ponsonby Road Food Tour in Auckland: $140
  • 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 Valparaiso

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Valparaiso:


  • Empanada
    $1.94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valparaiso

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

  • Cooking Classes in Viña del Mar Learn to Make Tapas and Desserts: $75
  • Learn to Cook Like a Local: Cooking Class in a Viña del Mar Home: $132

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Auckland $27
    Valparaiso $19
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)
    $32
  • 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:

  • Auckland to Volcanoes: North Island Self-Guided Adventure: $1.15
  • Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $9.27
  • Auckland City Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
  • Maritime Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour: $14
  • Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $15
  • Skip the Line: Auckland Museum General Admission Ticket: $16
  • Vibrosaun Therapy Experience: $18
  • Waitematā Harbour Cruise with Live Commentary: $20
  • Scenic Harbour Cruise in Auckland: $22
  • Auckland Takapuna: Escape Game Adventure: $23
  • Auckland Sunset Harbour Cruise: $24

Typical Entertainment Prices in Valparaiso

Here are a few typical costs in Valparaiso for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Boat Tour
    $4.30

Tours and Activities in Valparaiso

Here are a few actual costs in Valparaiso for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • A Romantic Journey Through Viña del Mar - Private Tour: $220
  • Cultural Tour of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar: $40
  • Explore Valparaíso and Viña del Mar Tour: $58
  • Famous Valparaíso! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $40
  • Famous Viña del Mar! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $40
  • Full Day Private Walking Tour with a Native Guide & Public Transport: $120
  • Full-Day Tour of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Reñaca & Concón: $180
  • Gastronomic Tour in Valparaiso: $189
  • Guided Panoramic Tour in Valparaíso: $40
  • Guided tour Vina del Mar Reñaca beaches music and nature: $45
  • Jewels of Viña del Mar – Private Walking Tour: $220
  • Mamalluca Astronomical Stargazing Experience - La Serena: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Auckland $13
    Valparaiso $7.99

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: $71
  • Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
  • Muriwai GANNET Colony & Wine Tasting - Half Day Tour Ex Auckland: $117
  • Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $119
  • Ultimate Auckland Experience Full Day Tour with Brewery Lunch: $149
  • Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
  • Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
  • Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $176
  • 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
  • Auckland City Tour & Kumeu Wine Country Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $239

Typical Alcohol Prices in Valparaiso

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


  • Beer
    $1.02

Sample the Local Flavors in Valparaiso

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Valparaiso:

  • From Santiago: Aconcagua Valley Wine Tour: $129
  • Private Wine Tour in Valparaiso: $273
  • A Valparaíso 100% Private Tour + Casablanca Wine Tasting: $320


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Valparaiso, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Valparaiso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and Valparaiso is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Valparaiso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valparaiso 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland than you might in Valparaiso.

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


Which is Bigger, Auckland or Valparaiso?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Valparaiso. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and Valparaiso, 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.