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

Should you visit Cordoba or Santiago?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cordoba or Santiago, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Cordoba or Santiago?

Cordoba

Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.

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 Adventure Tours to Argentina, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Cordoba?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cordoba is $8.53, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $139. 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 Cordoba and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cordoba $3.10
    Santiago $108
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cordoba $6.20
    Santiago $216
Compare Hotels in Cordoba and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Cordoba 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 Cordoba


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: Cordoba Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cordoba $2.11
    Santiago $5.29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

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

  • Transfer in private minivan from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport: $61

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

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


  • Metro Ride
    $1.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • Private Scenic Transfer to Mendoza.: $539
  • Private Transfer from Santiago or Santiago Airport to Colchagua or Santa Cruz: $300
  • Pick up Santiago Visit Haras de Pirque Winery & Transfer Hotel: $300
  • Private Transfer from Santiago to San Antonio Valparaiso or Pichilemu: $290
  • Transfer From Santiago/Airport to Valparaiso(Exclusive & Private): $289
  • Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to Valparaíso: $276
  • Transfer Private hotel to Cruise ship in Puerto San Antonio or Valparaiso: $270
  • Private Transfer From Santiago airport to San Antonio Pier or Valparaiso Pier : $251
  • Private Transfer from Santiago Airport to Valparaíso,Viña del Mar or San Antonio: $250
  • Transfer To Valle Nevado Private for small groups: $250
  • Transfer Santiago to Cruise Port in Valparaiso or San Antonio: $250
  • Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to Viña del Mar: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Cordoba or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and Cordoba 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
    Cordoba $3.89
    Santiago $13
Typical Food Prices in Cordoba

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


  • Empanadas
    $0.01
  • Sandwich
    $0.00
  • Ice Cream
    $0.00

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

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


  • Empanada
    $1.84
  • Hamburger
    $2.45
  • Dinner
    $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago

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

  • Sunset Winery Tour with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $45
  • Sunset at Alyan Family Wines Winery with Dinner: $97
  • Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
  • Small-Group Night City Tour: San Cristobal Hill and Dinner Show: $120
  • San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
  • Private Night City Tour with San Cristobal Hill And Dinner Show: $131
  • 4-Hour Private Night Tour with Dinner and Show: $150
  • Private Dinner and Show with Transfers: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cordoba $1.91
    Santiago $46

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

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

  • Traditional Córdoba CityTour x 2 Pax: $45
  • Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
  • Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $50
  • Cordoba City Tour: $50
  • Private Cordoba City Tour: $53
  • Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
  • Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
  • Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
  • Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $62
  • Full Day Tour to Punilla Valley from Cordoba: $75
  • La Cumbrecita and Villa General Belgrano Full Day Tour: $75
  • Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80

Tours and Activities in Santiago

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:

  • Private Half-Day Guided Tour of the City of Santiago.: $280
  • "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $23
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour of Yungay The Coolest Neighborhood in Chile: $35
  • 4 Hour Santa Rita Winery All inclusive Tour for Wine Lover: $269
  • 4-hour city tour of Santiago in small groups: $80
  • Adventure and Viewpoints in Cajón del Maipo: $255
  • Andean Tour: $158
  • Andes Day Lagoon in Cajón del Maipo & Embalse el Yeso Private Tour: $200
  • Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago: $120
  • Andes Experience: Cajon de Maipo & Yeso Waterfall: $85
  • Andes Half-Day Private Tour with Wine and Cheese Tasting: $190
  • Andes Puesta de Sol: tour compartido con Asado en la montaña: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cordoba $1.51
    Santiago $8.21

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:

  • Wine Tour Privado - Colonia Caroya: $120
  • Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $121
  • Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $140

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
  • Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $50
  • Concha y Toro Ticket and Tour with Wine Tasting: $50
  • Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $62
  • Half Day Trip to Concha y Toro Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
  • Undurraga Wine tour: $70
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Santiago de Chile: $77
  • From Concha y Toro Marqués Half-Day Wine Tasting: $89
  • Private Tour: Undurraga Vineyard Experience with Premium Wine Tasting: $92
  • half day wine tour to concha y toro from Santiago seasonal offer: $95
  • Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $99
  • From Maipo Valley Wine Tour: $99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cordoba and Santiago, we can see that Santiago is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Santiago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santiago than you might in Cordoba.

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


Which is Bigger, Cordoba or Santiago?

Santiago has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cordoba. When comparing the sizes of Cordoba 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 Cordoba 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 Cordoba or Santiago in the Summer?

Both Santiago and Cordoba during the summer are popular places to visit.

In the summer, Cordoba is much colder than Santiago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cordoba in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Santiago averages at about 21°C (70°F).

Cordoba usually gets more rain in January than Santiago. Cordoba gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Santiago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cordoba and Santiago.

In April, Cordoba is generally around the same temperature as Santiago. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 16°C (61°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In April, Cordoba usually receives more rain than Santiago. Cordoba gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Cordoba 16°C (61°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Santiago in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cordoba as well as Santiago.

Cordoba is much warmer than Santiago in the winter. The daily temperature in Cordoba averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Cordoba usually gets less rain in July than Santiago. Cordoba gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Santiago in the Spring?

Both Santiago and Cordoba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Cordoba is a little warmer than Santiago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cordoba in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In October, Cordoba usually receives more rain than Santiago. Cordoba gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Cordoba

Cordoba Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)