Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Darwin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Darwin or Santiago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Darwin 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: Darwin or Santiago?
Darwin
Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.
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.
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Darwin Prices
Australia PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDarwin $149Santiago $154
The average daily cost (per person) in Darwin is $149, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $154. 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 Darwin and Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDarwin $67Santiago $112
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDarwin $134Santiago $224
Compare Hotels in Darwin and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Darwin 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: Darwin Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Darwin $13Santiago $5.55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:
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Shuttle to Train Station$11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:
- DRW Airport to Darwin City Centre Private Transfer: $47
- Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $85
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin city hotels: $85
- Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise with Darwin Transfer Bus: $88
- Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $99
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $198
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$1.16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Private Transfer to/from Santiago Airport (SCL): $15
- Private Transfer from Santiago Airport (SCL): $24
- Private Transfer to Santiago Airport (SCL): $24
- Transfer to Concha y Toro Winery: $30
- Private Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago: $34
- Arrival Transfer - Santiago International Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $35
- Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $37
- Private Airport Transfer: Santiago Airport (SCL) → Hotel: $37
- Santiago de Chile Airport Transfer: $40
- Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $42
- Private Transfer from Airport to Santiago, Chile: $43
Is it cheaper to fly into Darwin or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago and Darwin 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 dayDarwin $69Santiago $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Darwin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Darwin.
- Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $72
- Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $96
- Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $111
- Cape Adieu Sunset Cruise with 4-Course Dinner: $112
- Signature four course Sunset Dinner Cruise: $112
- Waterfront Seafood Dinner with Wine for Two: $132
- Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $136
- Cape Adieu Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise: $136
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.94
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Hamburger$2.57
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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.
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $56
- Best Santiago Street Food Tour with 4+ Tastings and Drink: $58
- Mercado Meals Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $60
- 4h Cooking Class in 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $77
- 4h Cooking Class in Santiago : 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $85
- Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
- Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
- Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
- Barrio Italia Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $119
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $125
- San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
- Dinner Show in Bali Hai with Wine refill and transportation: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Darwin $17Santiago $49
Tours and Activities in Darwin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Darwin are as follows:
- Aquascene Fish Feeding Experience: $11
- Larrakia Cultural Centre General Entry Ticket: $22
- Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $26
- Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $32
- Darwin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $35
- Darwin Shore Excursion: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $35
- 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $39
- Adelaide River Queen Original Jumping Crocodile Cruise: $39
- Discover Darwin Harbour: Darwin Harbour Afternoon Cruise: $43
- 1-Hour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $43
- Adelaide River Cruises - Jumping Crocodile Experience: $43
- Pathfinder Original Jumping Crocodile Cruise: $50
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $11
- Historical Sights Walking Tour: $15
- Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino Admission Ticket: $17
- Cable Car Admission Ticket: $18
- History Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $21
- A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -: $25
- Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Old Town: $25
- Santiago Sightseeing Tour: Living History and Local Food Tasting: $25
- Santiago : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $25
- Guided City Tour through the historic center of Santiago: $25
- "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $27
- City Tour Santiago - Walking Tour: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDarwin $14Santiago $8.62
Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:
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Evening at a Bar$17
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Glass of Wine$4.92
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago
Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- "Chile in Your Glass" Wine Tasting.: $22
- Pub Crawl with Unlimited Beer and Welcome Shots: $25
- Cousiño Macul Heritage Wine Tour with Tastings: $25
- Traditional Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Official English: $27
- "Premium Wine Tour" Viña Cousiño Macul Official english: $45
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $55
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $62
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $68
- Valparaíso and Vineyard of the Sea with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $68
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
When comparing the travel costs between Darwin 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 Darwin 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 Darwin Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Darwin or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Darwin 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 Darwin or Santiago?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Darwin or Santiago in the Summer?
Both Santiago and Darwin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Darwin for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Darwin is a little warmer than Santiago in the summer. The daily temperature in Darwin averages around 29°C (83°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It's quite rainy in Darwin. In January, Darwin usually receives more rain than Santiago. Darwin gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryDarwin 29°C (83°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Darwin or Santiago in the Autumn?
Both Santiago and Darwin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Darwin in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Darwin is much warmer than Santiago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Darwin in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F).
Darwin usually gets more rain in April than Santiago. Darwin gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilDarwin 29°C (84°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Darwin or Santiago in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Darwin and Santiago. Most visitors come to Darwin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In July, Darwin is generally much warmer than Santiago. Daily temperatures in Darwin average around 25°C (77°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In July, Darwin usually receives less rain than Santiago. Darwin gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyDarwin 25°C (77°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Darwin or Santiago in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Darwin as well as Santiago. The spring months attract visitors to Darwin because of the beaches.
Darwin is much warmer than Santiago in the spring. The daily temperature in Darwin averages around 29°C (85°F) in October, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Darwin usually gets more rain in October than Santiago. Darwin gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberDarwin 29°C (85°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Darwin
| Darwin | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 29°C (83°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 343 mm (13.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 342 mm (13.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (85°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 30°C (85°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 29°C (85°F) | 234 mm (9.2 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.