Which place is cheaper, Santillana or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Santillana?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Santillana. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Santillana?
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (usually shortened to Chamonix) is a resort area near the junction of France, Switzerland and Italy. At the base of Mont Blanc, the highest summit in the Alps, it's renowned for its skiing. Year-round, cable cars take visitors up to several nearby peaks with panoramic views, including Aiguille du Midi above town, and Pointe Helbronner, across vast glacier fields on the Italian border. Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France and is known as the "gateway to the European Cascades." With the sheer white heights of the Mont Blanc ridge as its sensational backdrop, the Chamonix Valley shows the Alps at their most dramatic. First discovered as a tourist destination by Brits William Windham and Richard Pococke in 1741, it has become a wintertime playground of epic proportions, more than satisfying the most demanding skiers as well as those who pack themselves into its boot-stomping bars. In summer, lift-accessible highland trails offer thrilling panoramas to hikers, mountain bikers and other high-altitude thrill seekers.
Santillana
A quaint town outside of Santander in northern Spain, Santillana de Mar is renowned for its medieval architecture. One of Spain's prettiest villages, Santillana del Mar and its cobbled streets are lined with palaces, churches, and balconies full of flowers. There are plenty of traditional shops selling local specialties, and it is nearby the UNESCO world heritage site of the Altamira Caves for something a little different.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChamonix-Mont-Blanc €235Santillana €105
The average daily cost (per person) in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is €235, while the average daily cost in Santillana is €105. 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Santillana in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChamonix-Mont-Blanc €90Santillana €60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChamonix-Mont-Blanc €180Santillana €120
Compare Hotels in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Santillana
Looking for a hotel in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Santillana? 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: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Hotel Prices and Santillana Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chamonix-Mont-Blanc €40Santillana €17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Also for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chamonix (FR) to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $131
- Chamonix to Turin Caselle Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $71
- Chamonix-Morzine-Avoriaz to Geneva Airport GVA-Departure Transfer: $147
- Courmayeur Ski Club to Linate Airport (LIN) - Departure Transfer: $162
- Courmayeur to Milan Malpensa Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $137
- Courmayeur to Turin Caselle Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $87
- Courmayeur, Italy to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $153
- Private Departure Transfer from Chamonix to Milan Airport: $170
- Private Transfer Chamonix and Morzine to Milan Malpensa Airport: $229
Is it cheaper to fly into Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Santillana?
Prices for flights to both Santillana and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 dayChamonix-Mont-Blanc €48Santillana €30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
For Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Food Tour in Chamonix: $444
Typical Food Prices in Santillana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santillana:
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Breakfast€7.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chamonix-Mont-Blanc €80Santillana €23
Tours and Activities in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
For Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- On an adventure with Rosalie - Nancy-sur-Cluses: $5.45
- Monte Bianco Skyway Experience : $144
- Fly in Paragliding! Paragliding experience over Chamonix!: $171
- Live an eBike Mountain Bike Experience in the Heart of Chamonix Mont-Blanc: $195
- Bespoke Private Chamonix Experience: $196
- Altitude experience above Chamonix by eBike: $298
- Chamonix: Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
- From Geneva: Chamonix Mont-Blanc Private Guided Tour: $416
- Geneva: Private Chamonix Mont Blanc Day Tour: $538
Tours and Activities in Santillana
Here are a few actual costs in Santillana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Memorable Family Walking Tour in Ancient Santillana del Mar: $428
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChamonix-Mont-Blanc €9.64Santillana €4.29
Sample the Local Flavors in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Also in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tour with private driver - 10 hours: $823
Sample the Local Flavors in Santillana
Also in Santillana, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Santillana Uncorked: A Wine Tasting Adventure: $1,022
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Santillana, we can see that Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more expensive. And not only is Santillana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santillana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santillana 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than you might in Santillana.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Expensive? and Is Santillana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Santillana?
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Santillana, 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.
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.