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

Should you visit Barcelona or Santiago?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Barcelona and Santiago can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Barcelona or Santiago?

Barcelona

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.

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 Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Barcelona?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Barcelona is €156, 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 Barcelona and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Barcelona 96
    Santiago 99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Barcelona 192
    Santiago 198
Compare Hotels in Barcelona and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Barcelona 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 Barcelona


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: Barcelona Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Barcelona 19
    Santiago 4.87
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona

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


  • 10 Trip Metro Ticket
    7.80
  • Airport Bus
    5.00
  • Metro
    2.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:

  • One-Way Shared Transfer to/from Airport and City: $9.23
  • Roca Village Shopping Mall Transfers: $13
  • Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Center Port : $18
  • Transfer departure Shuttle Barcelona City to Barcelona Port: $18
  • Transfer arrival Shuttle Barcelona Airport to Pineda de Mar: $23
  • Barcelona Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) Private Transfer: $25
  • Transfer to Montserrat Monastery from Barcelona: $27
  • Barcelona Private Airport Arrival Transfer: $28
  • Taxi - Cab - Private transfer from Barcelona City Centre to Barcelona airport: $29
  • Barcelona Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $30
  • Barcelona City to Cruise Port Private Transfer: $30
  • Private Transfer: El-Prat Airport (BCN) to Barcelona City Center: $31

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 Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer: $25
  • Santiago de Chile Airport Shuttle Transfer: $26
  • Santiago Airport (SCL) to Santiago hotels - Arrival Transfer: $28
  • Private Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago: $32
  • Private Transfer from Santiago Hotel to SCL Airport: $32
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle Santiago Airport (SCL) - Santiago de Chile City: $33
  • Private Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer: $35
  • Arrival Transfer - Santiago International Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $35
  • From Farellones/Valle Nevado Roundtrip Transfer: $35
  • Transfer to Santiago or Santiago International Airport: $35
  • Departure Transfer - Hotel in Santiago to Santiago International Airport: $35
  • Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Barcelona or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and Barcelona 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
    Barcelona 33
    Santiago 12
Typical Food Prices in Barcelona

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


  • Hot Cocoa & Churro
    4.15
  • Sandwich
    1.70
  • Baguette & Horchata
    3.80
  • Tapas on the beach
    8.28
  • Gelatto
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona

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

  • Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $21
  • Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $21
  • Walking Tour + Flamenco + Tapas Dinner (choose options): $27
  • Flamenco at El Patio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Tasty Barcelona Street Food Tour With Local Market Visit : $32
  • La Barceloneta: Tapas Food Tour: $38
  • Barcelona La Barceloneta Tapas Food Tour: $39
  • Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $43
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas 5-Course Pairing Dinner: $60
  • Wine Tasting & Tapas Pairing Dinner: $61
  • Paella Cooking Experience and Wine in Barcelona: $61

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.
    Barcelona 33
    Santiago 43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass
    42
  • Souvenir Gaudi Book
    8.55
  • Admission to Museo Picasso
    6.00

Tours and Activities in Barcelona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:

  • Sagrada Familia: History&Legends Comedy Tour: $2.17
  • History & Legends Comedy Tour: Barcelona Gothic Quarter: $2.99
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Barcelona Free Tour: Gaudi Highlights and La Sagrada Famila: $3.26
  • Alternative Free Tour of the Raval: $3.26
  • Gothic Quarter Free Walking Tour in English: $3.26
  • Gaudí Free Tour in English: $3.26
  • Escape Game and Tour: $3.26
  • Sagrada Familia Comedy Tour: $3.29
  • Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $3.29
  • Barcelona Gaudi and Sagrada Familia Tour: $3.30
  • Gaudí & Sagrada Familia Free Tour in English : $3.30

Tours and Activities in Santiago

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:

  • Explore Santiago's Soul: Walking In-App Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Official Tour of Santiago Cathedral: $9.00
  • Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $9.00
  • Santiago Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino Admission Ticket: $15
  • Undurraga Sibaris Tour Ticket: $22
  • Cousiño Macul Official Winery Tour with Tasting: $23
  • "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $23
  • Walking tour through Santiago: $26
  • From Valle Nevado and Farellones Small Group Tour: $29
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Santiago de Chile: $33
  • Viña Del Mar, Valparaiso, Casablanca & Reñaca Tour: $34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Barcelona 17
    Santiago 7.56

Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:

  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Nightlife Party Experience: $16
  • Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $16
  • Pub Crawl with VIP Venue Access and Welcome Shots: $16
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by King - Free shot with VIP Entry: $16
  • Night Pub Crawl Tour in Barcelona: $17
  • Estrella Damm Brewery in El Prat de Llobregat tour with Tasting: $17
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Tour with Tasting: $22
  • Pub Crawl Barcelona by EVOLVE The BEST night experience: $22
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $22
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Free shot and VIP Entry: $22
  • Go out like a local, pub Crawl / Tour in Raval - Barcelona: $24
  • Barcelona Bar Crawl: $26

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Barcelona and Santiago, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. And not only is Santiago much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Barcelona is in Europe and Santiago 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 Santiago would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona than you might in Santiago.

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


Which is Bigger, Barcelona or Santiago?

Santiago has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Barcelona. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona 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 Barcelona 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 Barcelona has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Barcelona or Santiago in the Summer?

Both Santiago and Barcelona are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In the summer, Barcelona is around the same temperature as Santiago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Barcelona in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Santiago averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.

In July, Barcelona usually receives more rain than Santiagoin January. Barcelona gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Barcelona 23°C (73°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Barcelona or Santiago in the Autumn?

Both Santiago and Barcelona during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Barcelona is generally a little warmer than Santiagoin April. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 17°C (63°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Barcelona usually gets more rain in October than Santiagoin April. Barcelona gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Barcelona 17°C (63°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Barcelona or Santiago in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Barcelona and Santiago. Many visitors come to Barcelona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Barcelona is around the same temperature as Santiago in the winter. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F)in July.

In January, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Santiagoin July. Barcelona gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Barcelona 9°C (48°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Barcelona or Santiago in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Barcelona as well as Santiago. Most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Barcelona is cooler than Santiago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Barcelona in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in October.

Barcelona usually gets more rain in April than Santiagoin October. Barcelona gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Barcelona 13°C (55°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Barcelona

Barcelona Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)