Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Canberra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Canberra or Santiago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Canberra 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: Canberra or Santiago?
Canberra
There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."
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 Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCanberra $135Santiago $143
The average daily cost (per person) in Canberra is $135, 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 Canberra and Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCanberra $83Santiago $111
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCanberra $166Santiago $222
Compare Hotels in Canberra and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Canberra 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.
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: Canberra Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Canberra $25Santiago $5.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra
Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Canberra to Canberra Int Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $34
- Canberra Int'l Airport to Canberra - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- Private Transfer from Canberra city hotels to Eden Cruise Port: $82
- Private Transfer from Canberra Airport CBR to Eden Cruise Port : $82
- Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $118
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:
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Metro Ride$1.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- from Santiago airport private arrival transfer to the Valparaiso pier: $251
- Visit Montes Winery (7th World Best Wine) & Transfer to Hotel: $300
- Transfer from or to the airport in Santiago, Chile: $60
- Transfer from Santiago to Portillo Ski Center: $160
- Transfer from Santiago To Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski: $83
- Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago Centro Commune: $52
- 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 Santiago - Valparaíso: $210
- Transfer Privado Entre Santiago Y El Aeropuerto: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Canberra or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago and Canberra 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
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Food Meals for one dayCanberra $35Santiago $13
Typical Food Prices in Canberra
For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$17
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.91
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Hamburger$2.54
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Canberra $17Santiago $48
Tours and Activities in Canberra
For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
- Museum Highlights Tour | 1pm Daily: $13
- First Australians Tour | 3pm Daily: $13
- Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
- Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour in Canberra: $30
- LGBTQIA+ History Walking Tour: $33
- Guided Tree Ropes Course Experience in Majura Pines: $39
- Women's History Walking Tour with Local Guide: $40
- Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage Walking Tour: $40
- Best of Wildlife Tour: $89
- Best of Wildlife and Birds Tour: $98
- Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour: $112
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCanberra $16Santiago $8.51
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:
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Drinks at a Bar$9.25
Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra
Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Canberra Brewery and Beer Tour in 3 Hours: $99
- Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $112
- Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $122
- CanBEERa Explorer: Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $123
- From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $149
- Canberra Wine Tour: $158
- Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $162
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 Canberra 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 Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Canberra or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Canberra 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 Canberra 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 Canberra or Santiago in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Santiago. Most visitors come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Canberra is around the same temperature as Santiago in the summer. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Canberra usually gets more rain in January than Santiago. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryCanberra 20°C (68°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Canberra or Santiago in the Autumn?
Both Santiago and Canberra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Canberra because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Canberra is a little warmer than Santiago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Canberra in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F).
It's quite rainy in Canberra. In April, Canberra usually receives more rain than Santiago. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilCanberra 17°C (63°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Canberra or Santiago in the Winter?
Both Santiago and Canberra during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.
In July, Canberra is generally a little warmer than Santiago. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 11°C (52°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Canberra usually gets less rain in July than Santiago. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyCanberra 11°C (52°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Canberra or Santiago in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Santiago. Many travelers come to Canberra for the activities around the city.
Canberra is around the same temperature as Santiago in the spring. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In October, Canberra usually receives more rain than Santiago. Canberra gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberCanberra 15°C (60°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Canberra
| Canberra | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (67°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (54°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (53°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (60°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.