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

Should you visit Bogota or Santiago?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bogota 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: Bogota or Santiago?

Bogota

Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Bogota?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bogota is $52, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $139. 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 Bogota and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bogota $26
    Santiago $108
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bogota $52
    Santiago $216
Compare Hotels in Bogota and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Bogota 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 Bogota


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: Bogota Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bogota $8.61
    Santiago $5.29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota

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


  • Taxi from Airport
    $7.42
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.39
  • 2 Bus Passes
    $0.87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota

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

  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: El Dorado Airport (One Way): $13
  • Transfer from El Dorado Airport to Hotels in Bogota (one way): $14
  • Transfer in Private vehicle from El Dorado Airport -Bogota City: $15
  • Private Hotel to Airport Transfer service in Bogota: $17
  • Premium Private Transfer from Bogota Hotels to El Dorado Airport: $17
  • Transfer in private SUV from Bogota City - Bogota Airport (BOG): $18
  • Private Bogota airport pick up transfer service: $20
  • Private Transfer from Bogotá-El Dorado (BOG) Airport to Bogotá City: $33
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Bogota Airport (BOG)-Bogota City: $34
  • Andres Carne de Res Chia • Premium Private Transfer: $39
  • Private Bogota Airport transfer to your Hotel: $59
  • El Dorado International Airport (BOG) - Private Round trip transfer Bogota: $80

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

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


  • Metro Ride
    $1.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Santiago APT-HTL (SCL): $51
  • Transfer to Santiago or Santiago International Airport: $35
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle Santiago Airport (SCL) - Santiago de Chile City: $33
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Santiago de Chile City - Santiago Airport (SCL): $50
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Santiago Airport (SCL) - Santiago de Chile City: $49
  • Transfer from or to the airport in Santiago, Chile: $60
  • Transfer from Santiago to Portillo Ski Center: $160
  • Transfer To Valle Nevado Private for small groups: $250
  • Transfer Santiago to Cruise Port in Valparaiso or San Antonio: $250
  • Transfer Santiago Airport to the commune of Providencia: $56
  • Transfer Santiago - Viña del Mar: $210
  • Transfer Private hotel to Cruise ship in Puerto San Antonio or Valparaiso: $270

Is it cheaper to fly into Bogota or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and Bogota 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
    Bogota $13
    Santiago $13
Typical Food Prices in Bogota

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


  • Breakfast
    $1.54
  • Hot Dog
    $0.90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Bogota Local Food Tour in the City Center: $13
  • Peruvian cooking workshop: $26
  • Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $49
  • PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
  • Bogota Food Tour • Private Car • Fruits Cacao Lunch Coffee Beer: $59
  • Carimañola Cooking Class in Bogota: $60
  • Bogotá Food Tour - La Candelaria: $61
  • Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $90
  • Private Street Food Tour in Candelaria Bogota: $132

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

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


  • Empanada
    $1.84
  • Hamburger
    $2.45
  • Dinner
    $25

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.
    Bogota $13
    Santiago $46
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Beer
    $1.29

Tours and Activities in Bogota

For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Party Tour: 6 nightclubs, Disco-Truck, After Party, 2 openbars: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part I : $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part II: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Paranormal Candelaria: $10
  • Graffiti Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $13
  • Shared Tour of the Historic Candelaria in Bogotá: $13
  • Tour of the Colombian Armed Conflict: war, drug trafficking and peace: $13
  • Graffiti Tour: a fascinating walk through a street art City: $13
  • Walking Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $14
  • Tour Quebrada delights Bogotá: $15
  • Ghost Tour Bogotá/ Tour de fantasmas bogotá : $15
  • Cycling tour in Simon Bolivar Park and Virgilio Barco Library: $17

Tours and Activities in Santiago

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

  • Private Half-Day Guided Tour of the City of Santiago.: $280
  • "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $23
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour of Yungay The Coolest Neighborhood in Chile: $35
  • 4 Hour Santa Rita Winery All inclusive Tour for Wine Lover: $269
  • 4-hour city tour of Santiago in small groups: $80
  • Adventure and Viewpoints in Cajón del Maipo: $255
  • Andean Tour: $158
  • Andes Day Lagoon in Cajón del Maipo & Embalse el Yeso Private Tour: $200
  • Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago: $120
  • Andes Experience: Cajon de Maipo & Yeso Waterfall: $85
  • Andes Half-Day Private Tour with Wine and Cheese Tasting: $190
  • Andes Puesta de Sol: tour compartido con Asado en la montaña: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bogota $14
    Santiago $8.21

Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:

  • Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá: $26
  • Saturday Bar Crawl in La Candelaria, Bogotá: $32
  • Pub Crawl in Bogotá: $40
  • Pub Crawl in Bogota - Ancient Brews : $103

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 Bogota and Santiago, we can see that Santiago is more expensive. And not only is Bogota much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bogota would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bogota 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 Santiago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santiago than you might in Bogota.

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


Which is Bigger, Bogota or Santiago?

Bogota has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Santiago. When comparing the sizes of Bogota 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 Bogota or Santiago?

Santiago has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bogota experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bogota or Santiago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bogota as well as Santiago. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Bogota is cooler than Santiago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bogota in July average around 14°C (57°F), and Santiago averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.

Bogota usually gets more rain in July than Santiagoin January. Bogota gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Bogota 14°C (57°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Bogota or Santiago in the Autumn?

Both Santiago and Bogota are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota throughout the year.

In October, Bogota is generally around the same temperature as Santiagoin April. Daily temperatures in Bogota average around 14°C (57°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite rainy in Bogota. In October, Bogota usually receives more rain than Santiagoin April. Bogota gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Bogota 14°C (57°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Bogota or Santiago in the Winter?

Both Santiago and Bogota during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Bogota is much warmer than Santiago in the winter. The daily temperature in Bogota averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F)in July.

Bogota usually gets less rain in January than Santiagoin July. Bogota gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Bogota 14°C (57°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Bogota or Santiago in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bogota and Santiago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bogota year-round.

In the spring, Bogota is around the same temperature as Santiago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bogota in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in October.

In April, Bogota usually receives more rain than Santiagoin October. Bogota gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Bogota 15°C (59°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Bogota

Bogota Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)