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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Bogota?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bogota is $57, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $150. 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 $24
    Santiago $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bogota $48
    Santiago $218
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 $8.00
    Santiago $5.41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota

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


  • Taxi from Airport
    $6.90
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.36
  • 2 Bus Passes
    $0.81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota

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

  • Bogotá Private Airport Transfer (BOG) to City: $10
  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: El Dorado Airport: $12
  • Bogota Private Airport Transfer: $13
  • Bogota Private Vehicle to/from Transfer Airport El Dorado: $13
  • Airport transfers: $15
  • Private Hotel to Airport Transfer service in Bogota: $17
  • Andres Carne de Res Chia: Premium Private Transfer Service: $19
  • Private Transfer El Dorado Airport to Hotels in Bogotá: $20
  • Private Bogota Airport - Hotel Transfer: Safe, Fast, and Reliable: $20
  • Roundtrip Private Airport Transfer Bogotá (BOG) to City: $20
  • Premium Private Transfer from Bogota Hotels to El Dorado Airport: $22
  • Bogota Airport BOG to Downtown Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $24

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

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


  • Metro Ride
    $1.13

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 Snowy Valley fullday for skiers : $49
  • Transfer in-out a Puerto de San Antonio o Valparaiso / Santiago: $110
  • Transfer from Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski to Santiago: $83
  • Transfer from Santiago to Portillo Ski Center: $160
  • Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago Centro Commune: $52
  • Transfer Santiago to Cruise Port in Valparaiso or San Antonio: $220
  • Transfer Santiago de Chile airport: $40
  • Transfer Santiago Airport to the commune of Providencia: $56
  • Transfer Private hotel to Cruise ship in Puerto San Antonio or Valparaiso: $270
  • Transfer From Portillo Ski center to Santiago Airport or Hotel: $97
  • TRANSFER TRANSFER AIRPORT-VIÑA DEL MAR VALPARAISO: $190

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 $21
    Santiago $23
Typical Food Prices in Bogota

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


  • Breakfast
    $1.43
  • Hot Dog
    $0.84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota

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

  • Peruvian cooking workshop: $26
  • Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
  • PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
  • Carimañola Cooking Class in Bogota: $60
  • Food Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $60
  • Bogotá Food Tour - La Candelaria: $61
  • Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $90
  • Dinner and party at Andres Carne de Res DC: $100
  • Private Street Food Tour in Candelaria Bogota: $138

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

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


  • Empanada
    $1.88
  • Hamburger
    $2.50
  • Dinner
    $26

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: $80
  • Street Food Tour in Santiago with a Local Guide: $81
  • Bali Hai Dinner & Show, Transport and Wine refill: $106
  • Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
  • Dinner Show in Bali Hai with Wine refill and transportation: $114
  • Private Dinner & Chilean Folk Show with Transfers: $116
  • Small-Group Night City Tour: San Cristobal Hill and Dinner Show: $120
  • San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
  • Sunset Alyan + 6 wines + individual snack + rustic dinner : $130
  • Dinner at a Typical Chilean Restaurant with a Traditional Dance Show in Santiago: $150
  • Concha y Toro Wine Tour with Dinner at the Winery: $172
  • Viña Concha y Toro Nocturno: Dinner Show: $173

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bogota $12
    Santiago $47
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota

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


  • Beer
    $1.20

Tours and Activities in Bogota

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

  • Learn About Emeralds in a Virtual Experience: $5.00
  • Theatron Party-Tour, 20 Clubs, Map, cocktail, bottle, After-party: $5.00
  • Bogotá: La Macarena to Parque Nacional Walking Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Traditional Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Colonial Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of La Candelaria: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part II: $6.99
  • Tour de fantasmas /GhosTour LaCandelaria Bogotá : $8.50
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Paranormal Candelaria: $10
  • Bogota Shared Gastronomy Tour in the Historic Center: $10
  • Shared Walking Tour in Bogotá, Historic Center and Graffiti Tour: $11
  • Tour stories Candelarias, voice to voice heritage: $12
  • Bogota Monserrate Regular Tickets- QR Code Sent by whatsapp/email: $13

Tours and Activities in Santiago

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

  • Experience Wildlife Encounter in Provincia Mountain of Chile.: $235
  • Private Sightseeing City Tour in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar: $215
  • Tour Tasting Colchagua Valley: $300
  • 1 Day Tour of Isla Negra Algarrobo and Viña Undurraga from Santiago: $112
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour of Yungay The Coolest Neighborhood in Chile: $35
  • 3 Hours Santiago Blend Walking Tour: $20
  • 6 Hour Tour of Culture, History and Flavors from Santiago: $75
  • A full Private Tour of Valparaiso from Santiago : $240
  • An Architect's Tour of Downtown Santiago: $55
  • Andean Adventure: Cajón del Maipo & El Morado Lodge and Spa: $123
  • Andean Horse Ride Yerba Loca Sanctuary - Private tour from Santiago: $240
  • Andean Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bogota $13
    Santiago $8.40

Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:

  • Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá, Colombia: $25
  • Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá, Colombia: $25
  • Pub Crawl in Bogotá: $42
  • 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:

  • Traditional Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Official English: $26
  • "Premium Wine Tour" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial portugués: $40
  • Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $58
  • Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $60
  • Undurraga Wine tour: $70
  • Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
  • Half Day Trip to Concha y Toro Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
  • Kross Brewery Tour: A Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $93
  • From Concha y Toro Marqués Half-Day Wine Tasting: $93
  • Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $99
  • Inca Lagoon and Vineyard Visit with Wine Tasting: $100
  • Viña Undurraga Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting: $105


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)