Which place is cheaper, Santiago de Compostela or Coimbra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Coimbra or Santiago de Compostela?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Coimbra or Santiago de Compostela? 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: Coimbra or Santiago de Compostela?
Coimbra
Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.
Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of northwest Spain's Galicia region. Its famous cathedral marks the culmination of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route, and is the alleged burial site of the apostle himself. The pilgrimage route begins in the Pyrenees, 500 miles away, though travelers can decide to join the journey at certain points in between, depending on how far they want to walk and how much they want to see.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCoimbra €103Santiago de Compostela €91
The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €103, while the average daily cost in Santiago de Compostela is €91. 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 Coimbra and Santiago de Compostela in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCoimbra €44Santiago de Compostela €37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCoimbra €88Santiago de Compostela €74
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Santiago de Compostela
Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Santiago de Compostela? 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: Coimbra Hotel Prices and Santiago de Compostela Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Coimbra €11Santiago de Compostela €38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $147
- Transfer Viseu - Porto: $157
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago de Compostela
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago de Compostela:
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer to SCQ Airport by Van: $91
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from SCQ Airport to City centre: $51
- Departure Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela to SCQ Airport by Business Car: $38
- Arrival Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela Airport to City Center by Minivan: $91
- Airport transfer Santiago de Compostela: $71
- Airport Transfer Santiago de Compostela: $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Santiago de Compostela?
Prices for flights to both Santiago de Compostela and Coimbra 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 dayCoimbra €48Santiago de Compostela €19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Chanfana: Cooking Traditional Portuguese Cuisine Experience: $49
Typical Food Prices in Santiago de Compostela
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santiago de Compostela:
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Raspberries€3.50
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Ice Cream€2.00
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Cookie€1.00
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Kebab€7.25
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Dinner & Tapas (for 2)€28
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Tuna Empanada€3.50
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Fruit Shake€3.50
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Crepe€4.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Coimbra €18Santiago de Compostela €39
Tours and Activities in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $3.21
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.21
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.45
- Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historical Highlights: $6.99
- Tomar: Unveiling the Templar Order with a Self-Guided Tour: $7.62
- Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Tomar Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Discover Coimbra's Legacy through a Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket: $16
Tours and Activities in Santiago de Compostela
Here are a few actual costs in Santiago de Compostela for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 5-day Private Tour Northern Spain (from Bilbao or Santiago): $5,294
- Christmas Enchantment: Walking Tour in Compostela: $459
- Complete Santiago Tour with tickets- Full experience in 4H: $48
- Excursion to Finisterre, Muxia and Cabo Vilan With Boat Cruise : $59
- Exploration of Compostela Walking Tour for Families: $352
- Exploring Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour for Couples: $352
- Finisterre y Costa da Morte el tour más completo desde Santiago: $53
- From Santiago: Finisterre Lighthouse Sunset Tour: $36
- From Santiago: Fuciño do Porco Hiking Tour: $80
- From Santiago: Rías Baixas Galicia Seafood & Wine Day Tour: $59
- From Santiago: Ribeira Sacra Tour & Boat Trip: $61
- Full-Day Excursion to Santiago from A Coruña- Cruisers Only: $74
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCoimbra €12Santiago de Compostela €23
Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:
- Wine Tasting Experience in Portugal: $27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santiago de Compostela
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santiago de Compostela from other travelers:
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1 Pint Beer€2.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago de Compostela
Also in Santiago de Compostela, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $31
- Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $32
- Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $33
- Premium Porto Santiago Compostela tour lunch & wine tasting: $214
When comparing the travel costs between Coimbra and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Coimbra 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 Coimbra Expensive? and Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Santiago de Compostela?
Coimbra has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Coimbra or Santiago de Compostela?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Coimbra or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?
Both Santiago de Compostela and Coimbra during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.
In July, Coimbra is generally a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 23°C (73°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Coimbra. In the summer, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.
Coimbra usually gets less rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCoimbra 23°C (73°F)Santiago de Compostela 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Santiago de Compostela. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Coimbra is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the autumn. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Coimbra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Santiago de Compostela. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCoimbra 18°C (65°F)Santiago de Compostela 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Santiago de Compostela. Additionally, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Coimbra is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the winter temperatures in Coimbra in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In the winter, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Coimbra usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Santiago de Compostela. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCoimbra 11°C (51°F)Santiago de Compostela 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?
Both Santiago de Compostela and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Coimbra is generally a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 15°C (59°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCoimbra 15°C (59°F)Santiago de Compostela 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Coimbra
| Coimbra | Santiago de Compostela | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 128 mm (5 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.