Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Dubrovnik?
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 Dubrovnik or Santiago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dubrovnik 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: Dubrovnik or Santiago?
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.
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 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
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Dubrovnik Prices
Croatia PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDubrovnik €158Santiago €130
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubrovnik is €158, while the average daily cost in Santiago is €130. 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 Dubrovnik and Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubrovnik €65Santiago €95
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubrovnik €130Santiago €190
Compare Hotels in Dubrovnik and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Dubrovnik 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: Dubrovnik Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubrovnik €22Santiago €4.68
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:
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Bus Around Town€1.43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik
Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Cavtat, Mlini & Srebreno to Dubrovnik Old Town Speedboat Transfer: $23
- Private transfer from Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik city: $23
- Return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $25
- Private return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $28
- Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik city private transfer: $32
- Convenient Bus Transfer from/to Split: $33
- Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $37
- Dubrovnik Cruise Port to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Cruise Port to Dubrovnik Hotels: $40
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Port to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV): $40
- Dubrovnik hotels to Dubrovnik Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Dubrovnik Cruise Port to Dubrovnik Arrival Private Transfer: $40
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€0.98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Private Scenic Transfer to Mendoza.: $467
- Airport Transfer and Halfday City tour Santiago de Chile: $362
- Clos Apalta Winery - Tour with Private Transfer: $300
- Private Transfer from Santiago or Santiago Airport to Colchagua or Santa Cruz: $300
- Private Transfer to Ski Centers: $299
- Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to Valparaíso: $285
- Transfer Private hotel to Cruise ship in Puerto San Antonio or Valparaiso: $270
- Private Transfer Between Santiago and Cruise Port: $270
- Santiago de Chile: Private Transfer to San Antonio / Port: $270
- Private Transfer to Sewell UNESCO Andes Town Tour with Lunch: $269
- Private cruise transfer: Puerto San Antonio or Valparaíso ↔ Santiago: $260
- Portillo and Laguna Del Inca, Exclusive Guide and Private Transfer: $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubrovnik or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago and Dubrovnik 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 dayDubrovnik €75Santiago €20
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:
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Seafood Dinner (for 2)€29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dubrovnik Food Tour: Local Dishes & City Stories: $113
- Sunset Dubrovnik & Dinner At St Jacob Beach: $114
- Taste A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $124
- Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m Above Ground: $130
- Old Town Dubrovnik Food Tour With 8 Authentic Croatian Tastings: $135
- Richet Cooking Class Discover Dubrovnik Culinary Treasures: $137
- Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $154
- Dubrovnik Sunset Cruise with dinner on board: $157
- Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $160
- Ston & Peljesac: All-Inclusive 5-Course Dinner with Premium Wine: $165
- Blue Cave, Elaphiti Islands, Wine Tasting and Cooking Experience: $250
- Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $273
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada€1.63
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Hamburger€2.16
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Dinner€22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Best Santiago Street Food Tour with 4+ Tastings and Drink: $56
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $56
- Mercado Meals Santiago Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $59
- Mercado Meals Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $60
- 4h Cooking Class in 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $77
- Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
- Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation 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.Dubrovnik €15Santiago €41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)€13
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Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)€53
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Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)€45
Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.
- Dubrovnik Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.41
- Self Guided Private Tour of Dubrovnik's Best Kept Secrets: $3.41
- Dubrovnik Medieval Adventure: Self-Guided City Quest: $4.85
- Game of Thrones Filming Locations Audio Tour in Dubrovnik: $5.00
- Selfguide® Secrets Tour Dubrovnik with Game of Thrones Spots: $5.12
- Self guided walking tour of Dubrovnik with audio guide: $5.69
- Dubrovnik Audio guided walking tour 1h and 18 audio reviews: $6.72
- Dubrovnik Game Of Thrones self-guided tour with mobile app: $8.99
- Private Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Dubrovnik Old Town: $9.12
- Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
- Skip the Line: Love Stories Museum Admission Ticket: $10
- Museum of Selfies & Illusions Dubrovnik Ticket: $10
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $27
- "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial portugués: $27
- 1 Day Tour of Viña Concha y Toro from Santiago: $120
- 1 Day Valparaiso and Vina del Mar Tour from Santiago: $51
- 3 Hours Santiago Blend Walking Tour: $30
- 6 Hour Tour of Culture, History and Flavors from Santiago: $75
- A full Private Tour of Valparaiso from Santiago (Standard): $290
- All Santiago in One Day: Private Guided Tour: $250
- An Architect's Tour of Downtown Santiago: $60
- Andean Adventure: Cajón del Maipo & El Morado Lodge and Spa: $147
- Andes Day Lagoon in Cajón del Maipo & Embalse el Yeso Private Tour: $270
- Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubrovnik €16Santiago €7.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:
- Dubrovnik Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $40
- Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $68
- Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $79
- Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik -Train Ride &Wine Tasting: $91
- 2-Hour Kayaking at Sunset with Wine Tasting and Appetizers: $97
- Sunset wine tasting in vineyard: $103
- Konavle Valley Wine Tasting from Dubrovnik with Light Lunch: $108
- Peljesac Peninsula Day Trip from Wine Tasting and Ston Village Tour: $131
- Peljesac peninsula private wine tour from Dubrovnik: $137
- Private Dubrovnik Highlights & Wine Tasting Tour: $141
- Luxury Speedboat Tour with Wine Tasting in Dubrovnik: $142
- 1 Hour and Half Food & Wine Tasting in Dubrovnik Old Town: $150
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
- Cousiño Macul Heritage Wine Tour with Tastings: $25
- Pub Crawl with Unlimited Beer and Welcome Shots: $25
- Tour Viña Santa Carolina in Santiago with 3 wine tasting: $53
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $55
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $65
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $75
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $75
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $75
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubrovnik and Santiago, we can see that Dubrovnik is more expensive. And not only is Santiago much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubrovnik is in Europe and Santiago is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Santiago would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago 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 Dubrovnik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubrovnik than you might in Santiago.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubrovnik Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubrovnik or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik or Santiago?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Santiago is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Dubrovnik has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Dubrovnik or Santiago in the Summer?
Both Santiago and Dubrovnik during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Dubrovnik is generally a little warmer than Santiagoin January. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 25°C (77°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Dubrovnik usually gets more rain in July than Santiagoin January. Dubrovnik gets 26 mm (1 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 July and JanuaryDubrovnik 25°C (77°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Dubrovnik or Santiago in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubrovnik and Santiago. The autumn months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Dubrovnik is a little warmer than Santiago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubrovnik averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in April.
Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Dubrovnik usually receives more rain than Santiagoin April. Dubrovnik gets 162 mm (6.4 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 October and AprilDubrovnik 18°C (64°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Dubrovnik or Santiago in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dubrovnik as well as Santiago. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.
In the winter, Dubrovnik is around the same temperature as Santiago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubrovnik in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Santiago averages at about 9°C (48°F)in July.
Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the winter. Dubrovnik usually gets more rain in January than Santiagoin July. Dubrovnik gets 139 mm (5.5 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 January and JulyDubrovnik 9°C (48°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Dubrovnik or Santiago in the Spring?
Both Santiago and Dubrovnik are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Dubrovnik is generally around the same temperature as Santiagoin October. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 14°C (57°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. In April, Dubrovnik usually receives more rain than Santiagoin October. Dubrovnik gets 104 mm (4.1 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 April and OctoberDubrovnik 14°C (57°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Dubrovnik
| Dubrovnik | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 178 mm (7 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.