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

Should you visit Brisbane or Santiago?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Brisbane and Santiago can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Brisbane or Santiago?

Brisbane

Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.

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 Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Brisbane?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Brisbane is $133, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $143. 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 Brisbane and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Brisbane $82
    Santiago $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Brisbane $164
    Santiago $222
Compare Hotels in Brisbane and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Brisbane 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 Brisbane


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: Brisbane Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Brisbane $18
    Santiago $5.48
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:


  • Airtrain to the City
    $9.91
  • Go Card
    $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane

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

  • Sunshine Coast Airport Arrival transfer to Hotels: $19
  • Shared Transfer Service from Brisbane Airport: $21
  • Brisbane Arrival Transfer Shuttle from Brisbane Airport to Hotel: $21
  • Private Transfer from Brisbane Hotels to Brisbane Cruise Port: $33
  • Private Transfer from Brisbane Port to Brisbane Airport (BNE): $33
  • Private Transfer from Brisbane Cruise Port to Brisbane: $33
  • Private Transfer from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane Port: $33
  • Gold Coast Airport Private Transfer for 1 to 15 Passengers : $33
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
  • Brisbane hotels to Brisbane Airport (BNE) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
  • Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $52
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Brisbane Airport to Hotel: $53

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

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


  • Metro Ride
    $1.15

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 Brisbane or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and Brisbane 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
    Brisbane $31
    Santiago $13
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:


  • Hamburger Lunch
    $5.28
  • Cup of Coffee
    $1.98
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    $8.26
  • Ice cream
    $3.63
  • Japanese Meal
    $14
  • Smoothie
    $4.29
  • Japanese Soup
    $7.60
  • Coffee & Muffin
    $4.62
  • Morning Mint Tea
    $2.31
  • Veggie Burger & Chips
    $9.25
  • Bread
    $1.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane

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

  • Vertigo Dinner: Dining on the edge!: $165

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

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


  • Empanada
    $1.91
  • Hamburger
    $2.54
  • Dinner
    $26

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.
    Brisbane $24
    Santiago $48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Concert Tickets
    $13

Tours and Activities in Brisbane

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

  • Escape to Coochiemudlo Island: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.33
  • Fortitude Valley Historical Crime Walking Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $14
  • Brilliant Brisbane Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Audio Tour FREE Ticket: $15
  • True Crime Tour: $22
  • Brisbane Dark Stories True Crime Tour: $23
  • Moonlight State Fortitude Valley Crime Tour Crime Tours Australia: $23
  • Winery Tour and Tasting: $23
  • Haunted Brisbane CBD Ghost Tour: $23
  • South Brisbane Cemetery Ghost Tour: $23
  • Ultimate Urban Adventure | Clue-Guided Experience: $28

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
    Brisbane $51
    Santiago $8.51
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:


  • Evening at the Bar
    $9.91
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $9.25
  • Guiness Beer
    $5.61
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $8.58

Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:

  • XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $24
  • XXXX Brewery Tour: $25
  • City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $50
  • Artisinal Wine Tasting and Local 2-Course Meal: $50
  • River Cruise Brewery Tour with Drinks: $65
  • Brewery Tour River Cruise in Brisbane: $66
  • Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting in Brisbane: $100
  • Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $104
  • Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour: $107
  • Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $126
  • Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $132
  • From Mount Tamborine Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch: $132

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 comparing the travel costs between Brisbane and Santiago, we can see that Santiago 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. Even though Brisbane is in Pacific and Santiago is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Santiago?

Santiago has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Santiago?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Brisbane or Santiago in the Summer?

Both Santiago and Brisbane during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Brisbane in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Brisbane is generally a little warmer than Santiago. Daily temperatures in Brisbane average around 25°C (77°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually gets more rain in January than Santiago. Brisbane gets 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Brisbane 25°C (77°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Brisbane or Santiago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brisbane and Santiago. Most visitors come to Brisbane for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

Brisbane is a little warmer than Santiago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Santiago. Brisbane gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Brisbane 22°C (71°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Brisbane or Santiago in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Brisbane as well as Santiago. The winter months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Brisbane is much warmer than Santiago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brisbane in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Santiago averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Brisbane usually gets less rain in July than Santiago. Brisbane gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Brisbane 15°C (59°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Brisbane or Santiago in the Spring?

Both Santiago and Brisbane are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

In October, Brisbane is generally a little warmer than Santiago. Daily temperatures in Brisbane average around 21°C (69°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In October, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Santiago. Brisbane gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Brisbane 21°C (69°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Brisbane

Brisbane Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 127 mm (5 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)