Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Belfast?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Belfast or Santiago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Santiago, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Belfast or Santiago?
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. It has a population of about 270,000 and almost 500,000 in the metropolitan area. It's located on the mouth of the River Lagan and is set between many low hills that rise up around it.
One of the most famous, and tragic times in Belfast's history is referred to as "The Troubles." During this time, between 1969 and 1997, there were many bomb and gun attacks throughout the city. This left many areas as essentially no-go zones. Neighborhoods became completely lawless do to the lack of security and the damage is still visible today in some areas. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed and much of the politically motivated violence ended. The city actually received praise recently as the safest city in the UK based on crime rate. Tourism is growing and many visitors enjoy seeing this less popular travel destination. The city has a lot of character and will give you an interesting take on Irish and British history.
Belfast has a temperate climate and temperature and precipitation have little variation throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, making it warmer than many cities that are found at the same latitude. Rain is common with precipitation falling an average of 157 days a year. Snow is much less common, although it does happen about ten days a year. The warmest days during the summer may reach a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and the coldest days have lows that drop just below freezing.
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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, 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 dayBelfast £133Santiago £114
The average daily cost (per person) in Belfast is £133, while the average daily cost in Santiago is £114. 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 Belfast and Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBelfast £68Santiago £88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBelfast £136Santiago £176
Compare Hotels in Belfast and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Belfast 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: Belfast Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Belfast £14Santiago £4.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Belfast Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Belfast Accommodation to Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Lisburn City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Private Belfast Arrival Transfer- Belfast City Airport to Belfast Hotel / Accomm: $44
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Belfast Airport: $44
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Belfast Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $46
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Dundonald : $46
- Private Transfer from Belfast Central to Belfast City Airport (BHD): $50
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor : $50
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Comber: $50
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£0.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Arturo Merino Benítez Intl Airport: Shared Transfer: $24
- Private Departure Transfer from Santiago- Santiago Airport (SCL): $27
- Private Transfer From The Hotel in Santiago City To the Airport: $29
- Departure Transfer - Hotel in Santiago to Santiago International Airport: $35
- Private Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer: $35
- From Farellones Roundtrip Transfer: $35
- Arrival Transfer - Santiago International Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $35
- Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $39
- Private Transfer between Santiago and the Airport: $51
- Airport transfer between Santiago city center and Arturo Merino Benítez Airport: $51
- Transfer Privado Entre Santiago Y El Aeropuerto: $52
- Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago Centro Commune: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Belfast or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago and Belfast 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 dayBelfast £51Santiago £11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.
- Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $82
- Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada£1.52
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Hamburger£2.02
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Dinner£21
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.Belfast £18Santiago £38
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:
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Movie Tickets£8.00
Tours and Activities in Belfast
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:
- Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
- Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
- Museum Ticket: $6.93
- Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $13
- If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $15
- If Buildings Could Talk Tour: $15
- Crumlin Road Gaol Experience: $18
- 2.5-Hour Street Murals Tour in Spanish: $19
- Belfast Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
- Belfast Murals Political Tour in Spanish: $19
- Line of Duty Guided Walking Tour: $21
- Belfast Line of Duty Walking Tour: $22
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
- Explore Santiago's Soul: Walking In-App Audio Tour: $5.00
- Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $9.00
- La Paz from the Heights: Down hill Walking tour & Cable Cars: $12
- Cable Car Admission Ticket: $15
- Cousiño Macul Official Winery Tour with Tasting: $23
- Skip the Line: Concha y Toro Traditional Tour Ticket: $25
- Walking tour through Santiago: $26
- From Valle Nevado and Farellones Small Group Tour: $29
- The Essentials City Tour & Optional Concha y Toro: $30
- Half Day tradicional city Tour: $30
- TOUR PANORAMICO VALLE NEVADO Y FARELLONES: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBelfast £7.86Santiago £6.78
Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:
- Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
- Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
- Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
- VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belfast and Santiago, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Santiago much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Belfast 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Belfast or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Belfast or Santiago in the Summer?
Both Santiago and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Belfast is cooler than Santiago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Santiago averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.
In July, Belfast usually receives more rain than Santiagoin January. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBelfast 15°C (59°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Belfast or Santiago in the Autumn?
Both Santiago and Belfast during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Belfast in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Belfast is generally much colder than Santiagoin April. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Belfast usually gets more rain in October than Santiagoin April. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilBelfast 9°C (48°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Belfast or Santiago in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Santiago. Most visitors come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
Belfast can be very cold during winter. Belfast is much colder than Santiago in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F)in July.
In January, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Santiagoin July. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyBelfast 4°C (39°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Belfast or Santiago in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Santiago. The spring months attract visitors to Belfast because of the activities around the city.
In the spring, Belfast is much colder than Santiago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in October.
Belfast usually gets more rain in April than Santiagoin October. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberBelfast 8°C (46°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Belfast
| Belfast | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.