A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bordeaux vs. Santander for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bordeaux or Santander?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux or Santander? 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: Bordeaux or Santander?

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is the place to go for fine wines. It's a very mellow, cultural city where you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a quaint cafe or restaurant without being rushed. The city is the capital of Gironde, and the entire metropolitan area has over one million residents. The city also has a rather large and vibrant university and the population is known to be very tolerant and liberal. There is a very strong artistic vibe in the city and, due to it's history of English rule, there is an English flair to the area. The large student population means that there is no shortage of opportunities to see shows, hear music, or visit a museum.

Santander

Santander is the capital of the Cantabria Region which runs along the northern coast of Spain. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Santander or Bordeaux?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bordeaux is €118, while the average daily cost in Santander is €108. 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 Bordeaux and Santander in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bordeaux 63
    Santander 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bordeaux 126
    Santander 102
Compare Hotels in Bordeaux and Santander

Looking for a hotel in Bordeaux or Santander? 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 Bordeaux


Hotels in Santander


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: Bordeaux Hotel Prices and Santander Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bordeaux 15
    Santander 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bordeaux

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bordeaux:

  • Airport to Bordeaux Premium Class Private Transfer: $273
  • Airport to Lège-Cap-Ferret Transfer in Business Sedan: $273
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux by Van: $115
  • Arrival Private Transfers : Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $103
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux Airport BOD to Bordeaux in Business Car: $103
  • Bordeaux Airport Transfers: Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
  • Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Business Sedan: $108
  • Bordeaux to Airport Private Transfer in Premium Class: $147
  • Departure Private Transfers : Bordeaux to Bordeaux Airport BOD in Luxury Van: $108
  • Private Transfer Bordeaux City to Bordeaux Airport BOD by Car: $97
  • Private Transfer from Airport to Bordeaux City: $165
  • Private Transfer from Bordeaux Airport to City of Bordeaux: $87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:

  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $41
  • Private Transfer from Santander Port to Bilbao Airport: $252
  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $252
  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $252
  • Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $35
  • Santander Private Departure Transfer: $35
  • Santander Private Transfer from Santander Airport to City centre: $44
  • Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Bordeaux or Santander?

Prices for flights to both Santander and Bordeaux 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
    Bordeaux 45
    Santander 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bordeaux

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bordeaux.

  • No Diet Club : Bordeaux Food Tour in Les Chartrons !: $63
  • Bordeaux - sweet food tour of the old city: $63
  • NO DIET CLUB - Unique food tour in Bordeaux !: $64
  • 2-Hour River Dinner Cruise: $74
  • Sweet Specialties Tasting Bakeries Food Tour: $82
  • Bordeaux : Afternoon Food Tour by a local guide: $84
  • Bordeaux Organic Food Tour - French Apéro Style: $93
  • Bordeaux : unforgettable Food Tour by a local guide: $95
  • Private Bakery, Chocolate & Patisserie Food Tour: $95
  • Food Tour in Bordeaux : $97
  • Bordeaux Food Tour - Bakeries, Pastries, Chocolate and more!: $98
  • Bordeaux Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $103

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bordeaux 7.89
    Santander 18

Tours and Activities in Bordeaux

Here are a few actual costs in Bordeaux for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bordeaux : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • Free Walking City Tour: $2.14
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Bordeaux Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • City Highlights & Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Tour: $6.95
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • The best of Find more than wine on this self-guided audio tour: $6.99
  • Centre of Explore 2,000 years of history on a self-guided audio tour: $8.99
  • Bordeaux Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Guided Walking Tour: $16

Tours and Activities in Santander

Here are a few actual costs in Santander for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay: $14
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
  • Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket: $26
  • From Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour: $42
  • Full Day Tour Lakes of Covadonga and Santillana from Santander: $46
  • Guided Tour by Electric Bike: $53
  • Full Day Self Guided Tour in Santillana del Mar and Comillas: $55
  • From Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour: $64
  • Santoña: Anchovy Factory Tour and Boat Trip: $70
  • Tour to the Towns of the Western Coast of Cantabria: $79
  • Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bordeaux 26
    Santander 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Bordeaux

Also in Bordeaux, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine and Trade Museum Entry Ticket & Wine Tasting: $11
  • Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum Admission Ticket with Wine Tasting: $11
  • Distillery Tour in Bordeaux with Spirits Tasting: $16
  • Wine Tasting Cruise: $22
  • Cité du Vin Direct Ticket and Wine Tasting: $24
  • Bordeaux Pub Crawl: $25
  • Taillan-Médoc: Château Visit and Wine Tasting in Bordeaux: $27
  • Wine Tour and Tasting: $29
  • Unusual Wine Tasting Experience - Wood & Wine: $30
  • Discover Bordeaux vineyard : special wine tasting with two cellar men brothers: $32
  • Wine Country Vineyards Tour w/ Local Wine Tastings: $59
  • Bordeaux Vineyards Wine Tasting Half-Day Trip: $62


When comparing the travel costs between Bordeaux and Santander, we can see that Bordeaux is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Santander?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Santander. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux and Santander, 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 Bordeaux or Santander?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Santander in the Summer?

Both Santander and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

In the summer, Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Santander. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bordeaux in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Santander averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Santander. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. Bordeaux usually receives more sunshine than Santander during summer. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bordeaux usually receives around the same amount of rain as Santander. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santander receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bordeaux 21°C (69°F) 
    Santander 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Bordeaux or Santander in the Autumn?

Both Santander and Bordeaux during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bordeaux is generally around the same temperature as Santander. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 14°C (58°F), and Santander fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Bordeaux often gets more sunshine than Santander. Bordeaux gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 133 hours of full sun.

Santander gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bordeaux usually gets less rain in October than Santander. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Santander receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bordeaux 14°C (58°F) 
    Santander 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Bordeaux or Santander in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Santander. Many visitors come to Bordeaux in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bordeaux is much colder than Santander in the winter. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Santander fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Bordeaux usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Santander during winter. Bordeaux gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 91 hours of full sun in the winter.

Santander receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bordeaux usually receives less rain than Santander. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Santander receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bordeaux 6°C (43°F) 
    Santander 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Bordeaux or Santander in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Santander. Most visitors come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Santander. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bordeaux in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Santander averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Bordeaux often gets more sunshine than Santander. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santander. Bordeaux usually gets less rain in April than Santander. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Santander receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bordeaux 12°C (53°F) 
    Santander 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Santander and Bordeaux

Bordeaux Santander
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 76 mm (3 in) 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in) 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 14°C (58°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)


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