Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Belfast?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.
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Belfast Prices
UK PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBelfast £170Santiago £112
The average daily cost (per person) in Belfast is £170, while the average daily cost in Santiago is £112. 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 £81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBelfast £136Santiago £162
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 £4.02
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:
- Game of Thrones Studio Tour Admission and Transfer from Belfast : $49
- Private Belfast Arrival Transfer- Belfast City Airport to Belfast Hotel / Accomm: $52
- Private One-way Transfer From Belfast Int. Airport to Belfast: $53
- Private One-way Transfer from Belfast to Belfast Int. Airport: $53
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Comber: $56
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor : $56
- Game of Thrones Studio Tour Admission and Transfer from Dublin: $60
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Carryduff : $69
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Carrickfergus : $69
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Central: $74
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Saintfield : $74
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Donaghadee : $78
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£0.84
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Santiago Airport (SCL) Private Transfer to Multiple Destinations: $18
- Santiago de Chile Airport Private Transfer: $25
- Official Transfer to Concha y Toro Winery: $27
- Private Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer: $32
- Airport Private Transfer to/from Santiago de Chile: $40
- Transfer Santiago de Chile airport: $40
- Farellones Full Day Roundtrip Transfer: $40
- Private Transfer from Airport to Santiago, Chile : $43
- Santiago Int Airport (SCL) to Santiago - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
- Santiago to Santiago Airport (SCL) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
- Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $45
- Transfer to Snowy Valley fullday for skiers : $49
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 £88Santiago £17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.
- Belfast Centre Food Tour of 12+ Local Irish Dishes & Drinks: $112
- Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $115
- Taste & Tour: The original Belfast Food Tour™️ with drinks: $120
- The Original Belfast Food Tour™ with Drinks: $124
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada£1.40
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Hamburger£1.86
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Dinner£19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Legacy Family Tour Lunch or Dinner Pairing 4 Strokes: $40
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $82
- 4-Hour Boozy Chilean Cooking Class in Santiago: $85
- Bali Hai Dinner & Show, Transport and Wine refill: $106
- Dinner Show in Bali Hai with Wine refill and transportation: $114
- Private Dinner & Chilean Folk Show with Transfers: $116
- Alyan Winery Sunset with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $117
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $122
- San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
- Bali Hai Polynesian Dinner Show with Transfer: $130
- Private Night City Tour with San Cristobal Hill And Dinner Show: $181
- Santiago Chilean and Peruvian Cooking Class with a Local Carol: $184
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Belfast £18Santiago £35
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:
- Free Tour of the Titanic in Spanish (13:00): $3.84
- Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
- Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Haunted Belfast Exploration Game and Tour: $7.20
- Belfast Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $7.99
- Game of Thrones Northern Ireland Self Guided Coastal Drive Tour: $15
- Ulster Transport Museum Entry Ticket: $16
- Ulster Folk Museum Entry Ticket: $16
- Hop-On Hop-Off Belfast Open Top Bus Tour: $18
- Belfast Walking Tour with a Local – History & Craic: $20
- If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $20
- If Buildings Could Talk Tour: $21
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Official Tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago: $9.00
- Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $9.00
- Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino Admission Ticket: $17
- A historical tour of Santiago, Chile: $18
- Cable Car Admission Ticket: $18
- Santiago City Tour: Living History and Local Food Tasting: $20
- Guided City Tour through the historic center of Santiago: $23
- Private Guided Walking Tour of the City Center: $24
- Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Old Town: $25
- Yungay, Memory, Art, and Neighborhood Walking Tour: $25
- A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -small group: $25
- Santiago : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $26
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBelfast £7.86Santiago £6.24
Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:
- Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $19
- Belfast Pub Crawl: $22
- McConnell's Distillery Guided Tour with Tasting: $27
- Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $34
- Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $74
- Giant's Causeway and Whisky Distillery tasting tour from Belfast : $75
- Historic Pub Tour: $202
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago
Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $34
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $60
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $63
- Undurraga Wine tour: $70
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $79
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with wine tasting in Casablanca: $79
- Inca Lagoon and Vineyard Visit with Wine Tasting: $80
- Half Day Trip to Cousiño Macul Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
- Half Day Trip to Concha y Toro Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $89
- Kross Brewery Tour: A Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $93
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.