Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Barcelona?
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 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
-
Barcelona Prices
Spain PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBarcelona €179Santiago €134
The average daily cost (per person) in Barcelona is €179, while the average daily cost in Santiago is €134. 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 personBarcelona €92Santiago €97
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBarcelona €184Santiago €194
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.
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 €19Santiago €4.82
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:
- Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Center Port: $19
- Barcelona Airport: Transfer to/from Tarragona Bus Station: $19
- Barcelona airport: Bus Transfer from/to Salou: $22
- Private Transfer from Barcelona Cruise Port to Sants TrainStation: $24
- Private transfer from barcelona cruise port to sants station: $24
- Barcelona Private Arrival Transfer: $25
- Barcelona Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $26
- private transfer from Barcelona city to airport: $27
- Private departure Transfer: Barcelona City to BCN El Prat International airport: $27
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Barcelona El Prat International Airport: $27
- Barcelona Arrival Private Transfer Cruise Port to City Center: $27
- Taxi - Cab - Private transfer from Barcelona City Centre to Bcn Cruise Terminal: $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:
-
Metro Ride€1.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Private Transfer to/from Santiago Airport (SCL): $15
- Private Transfer from Santiago Airport (SCL): $24
- Private Transfer to Santiago Airport (SCL): $24
- Transfer to Concha y Toro Winery: $30
- Private Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago: $34
- Arrival Transfer - Santiago International Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $35
- Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $37
- Private Airport Transfer: Santiago Airport (SCL) → Hotel: $37
- Santiago de Chile Airport Transfer: $40
- Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $42
- Private Transfer from Airport to Santiago, Chile: $43
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 dayBarcelona €58Santiago €20
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.
- Tipsy Food Tour with Paella and Sangria and History in Barcelona: $41
- Tasty Barcelona Street Food Tour With Local Market Visit: $53
- Top Awarded Flamenco Show Tablao Cordobes with dinner option: $56
- Barcelona Food Tour: Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $56
- Barcelona : Paella Cooking Experience + Boqueria Market Exclusive Tour: $66
- Barcelona Morning Tapas Crawl by Food Tour: $69
- Barcelona Tapas Food Tour in El Born: $79
- Paella & Tapas Cooking Class with Sangria Making: $80
- Paella Cooking Class in Barcelona | Small Group, Cava & Wine: $81
- Gothic And El Born Food Tour with Tapas and Wine: $81
- Plant Based Food Tour in Barcelona: $88
- Barcelona Culinary Experience: Paella & Tapas Cooking Class: $88
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
-
Empanada€1.68
-
Hamburger€2.23
-
Dinner€23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $56
- Best Santiago Street Food Tour with 4+ Tastings and Drink: $58
- 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
- Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
- Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
- Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
- Barrio Italia Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $119
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $125
- San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
- Dinner Show in Bali Hai with Wine refill and transportation: $129
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Barcelona €33Santiago €42
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:
- Barcelona Gothic Quarter Self-Guided Walking Tour, Scavenger Hunt: $3.17
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Barcelona: $3.52
- Self-Guided Private City Tour in Barcelona's Best Kept Secrets: $3.52
- Barcelona Guided Tour on Segway: $3.52
- Barcelona Electric Scooter Tour: $3.52
- Welcome to Barcelona Segway and eScooter Tour: $3.52
- Barcelona Walking Tour of Gothic and Born District: $4.70
- Private Self Guided Audio Tour in Gothic Quarter Barcelona: $4.94
- Barcelona Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $4.98
- Barcelona Panoramic Escooter or E-Bike Tour: $5.88
- Barcelona Gothic Quarter Self Guided Walking Tour with Mobile App: $5.99
- Montjuic Park Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $7.63
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $11
- Historical Sights Walking Tour: $15
- Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino Admission Ticket: $17
- Cable Car Admission Ticket: $18
- History Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $21
- A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -: $25
- Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Old Town: $25
- Santiago Sightseeing Tour: Living History and Local Food Tasting: $25
- Santiago : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $25
- Guided City Tour through the historic center of Santiago: $25
- "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $27
- City Tour Santiago - Walking Tour: $29
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBarcelona €17Santiago €7.48
Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:
- Amazing Bar Crawl in Barcelona: $15
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING -The Best Party tour & VIP Club Entry: $18
- Largest Bar Crawl in Barcelona: $18
- Barcelona Pub Crawl and VIP Club Experience: $18
- Night Pub Crawl Tour in Barcelona: $18
- Barcelona Pub Crawl with Karaoke and Beach bars and VIP Club: $19
- Pub Crawl Barcelona by EVOLVE The BEST night experience: $23
- Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $24
- Barcelona Speakeasy Pub Crawl with Hidden Bars & Optional Tapas: $29
- Admission to Torre Glories Barcelona Viewpoint with Wine Tasting: $33
- Winery tour & wine tasting in Penedès region 40min from Barcelona: $38
- Barcelona Picasso Museum & Optional El Born Tapas & Wine Tour: $47
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
- Pub Crawl with Unlimited Beer and Welcome Shots: $25
- Cousiño Macul Heritage Wine Tour with Tastings: $25
- Traditional Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Official English: $27
- "Premium Wine Tour" Viña Cousiño Macul Official english: $45
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $55
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $62
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $68
- Valparaíso and Vineyard of the Sea with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $68
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
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 JanuaryBarcelona 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 AprilBarcelona 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 JulyBarcelona 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 OctoberBarcelona 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) |
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.