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

Should you visit Bonn or Santiago?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Santiago? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Bonn or Santiago?

Bonn

Bonn was the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany (previously, West Germany) and it has a population of about 315,000 people. It sits on the Rhine River just twenty kilometers away from Cologne. Many people travel to Bonn for conferences and business, but Bonn also has a lot of cultural and historical sights to offer visitors. The city is also famous as the birth place of Ludwig van Beethoven. There's a strong student culture in the city as well, and it actually shares many characteristics with Italian cities because of its many cafes and restaurants which line the streets. Outdoor beer gardens are popular and Bonn is a particular good summer destination when the weather is pleasant and you can enjoy the outdoor setting. The city's location also makes it a great base for day trips to Cologne, Dusseldorf, and the Rhine and Eifel regions.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Bonn?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bonn is €154, while the average daily cost in Santiago is €133. 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 Bonn and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bonn 85
    Santiago 103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bonn 170
    Santiago 206
Compare Hotels in Bonn and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Bonn 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 Bonn


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: Bonn Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bonn 23
    Santiago 5.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bonn

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

  • Bonn hotels Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $55

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

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


  • Metro Ride
    1.06

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • Private Scenic Transfer to Mendoza.: $539
  • Pick up Santiago Visit Haras de Pirque Winery & Transfer Hotel: $300
  • Visit Montes Winery (7th World Best Wine) & Transfer to Hotel: $300
  • Private Transfer from Santiago or Santiago Airport to Colchagua or Santa Cruz: $300
  • Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to Valparaíso: $273
  • from Santiago airport private arrival transfer to the Valparaiso pier: $251
  • Transfer To Valle Nevado Private for small groups: $250
  • Private Transfer from Santiago Airport to Valparaíso,Viña del Mar or San Antonio: $250
  • Transfer Santiago to Cruise Port in Valparaiso or San Antonio: $250
  • Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to Viña del Mar: $237
  • City Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfers: $234
  • Transfer Santiago - Valparaíso: $210

Is it cheaper to fly into Bonn or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and Bonn 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
    Bonn 49
    Santiago 12

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

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


  • Empanada
    1.77
  • Hamburger
    2.35
  • Dinner
    24

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bonn 34
    Santiago 44

Tours and Activities in Bonn

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bonn.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Free Walking Tour Bonn - City Center: $3.23
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.31
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.58
  • Bonn Self Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $7.31
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.07
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $11
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Autumn tours with a live guide: $20
  • 1.5-Hour River Cruise on the Rhine: $20

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 Adventure at 4200 meters above sea level in the Chilean Andes Cerro Pintor: $300
  • 4 Hour Santa Rita Winery All inclusive Tour for Wine Lover: $269
  • A Private Tour of Valparaiso with an experienced local guide.: $195
  • Adventure and Viewpoints in Cajón del Maipo: $255
  • Andean Horse Ride Yerba Loca Sanctuary - Private tour from Santiago: $240
  • Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago: $120
  • Andes Day Volcano 8k Private Tour : $230
  • Andes Half-Day Private Tour with Wine and Cheese Tasting: $190
  • Andes Sunset: shared tour with Asado in the mountain: $90
  • Andes Whitewater Rafting Adventure plus Winery Tour and Tasting: $199
  • Authentic Andes Adventure: Private Horse Riding and Cheese & Wine: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bonn 23
    Santiago 7.90

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 Bonn and Santiago, we can see that Bonn is more expensive. And not only is Santiago much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bonn 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 Bonn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonn 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 Bonn Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bonn or Santiago?

Santiago has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Bonn 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 Bonn 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 Bonn has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Bonn or Santiago in the Summer?

Both Santiago and Bonn during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bonn is cooler than Santiago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bonn in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Santiago averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.

Bonn usually gets more rain in July than Santiagoin January. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Bonn 19°C (66°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Bonn or Santiago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Santiago. The autumn months attract visitors to Bonn because of the shopping scene.

In October, Bonn is generally cooler than Santiagoin April. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 12°C (53°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In October, Bonn usually receives more rain than Santiagoin April. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Bonn 12°C (53°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Bonn or Santiago in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Santiago. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bonn this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bonn in the winter. Bonn is much colder than Santiago in the winter. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F)in July.

Bonn usually gets less rain in January than Santiagoin July. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Bonn 3°C (37°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Bonn or Santiago in the Spring?

Both Santiago and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Bonn is much colder than Santiago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bonn in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in October.

In April, Bonn usually receives more rain than Santiagoin October. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Bonn 10°C (50°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Bonn

Bonn Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)