Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Fortaleza?
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 Fortaleza or Santiago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and Santiago can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Fortaleza or Santiago?
Fortaleza
A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.
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 Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
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Fortaleza Prices
Brazil PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFortaleza $87Santiago $154
The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $87, 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 Fortaleza and Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFortaleza $30Santiago $112
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFortaleza $60Santiago $224
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza 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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fortaleza $21Santiago $5.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer leaving from the Fortaleza waterfront to Beach Park: $8.86
- Transfer to Beach Park: $12
- Shared Airport Transfer to Fortaleza Hotels: $12
- Beach Park Round-Trip Transfer: $13
- Transfer from hotels in Orla Marítima to Fortaleza Airport: $18
- Fortaleza AirPort Executive Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $20
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza City to Fortaleza (FOR) Airport: $27
- Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $32
- Private Transfer Airport to/from City Hotels: $33
- Fortaleza to Fortaleza Airport (FOR) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $33
- Fortaleza to/from Jericoacoara Transfer: $34
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 Scenic Transfer to Mendoza.: $467
- Airport Transfer and Halfday City tour Santiago de Chile: $362
- Private Transfer to Ski Centers: $299
- Santiago de Chile: Private Transfer to San Antonio / Port: $270
- Private Transfer to Sewell UNESCO Andes Town Tour with Lunch: $269
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour, Concha y Toro, Private Transfer from Santiago: $262
- Private cruise transfer: Puerto San Antonio or Valparaíso ↔ Santiago: $260
- Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to San Antonio: $255
- Private Transfer Santiago Airport SCL to Vina Concon Valparaiso: $250
- Private Santiago, Visit Concha y Toro Winery and Transfer: $250
- Portillo and Laguna Del Inca, Exclusive Guide and Private Transfer: $250
- Private Transfer San Antonio Cruise from Santiago to Valparaiso: $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago and Fortaleza 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 dayFortaleza $41Santiago $23
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.Fortaleza $15Santiago $49
Tours and Activities in Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
- Cumbuco Beach Tour: $12
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
- Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $13
- Águas Belas Tour: $15
- Lagoinha Beach Tour: $17
- Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $20
- Morro Branco and Fontes Beach Tour from Fortaleza: $23
- Panoramic City Tour with Cumbuco Beach - ForYou Receptive: $24
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $24
- Fortaleza Panoramic City Tour with visit to Cumbuco Beach: $24
- Tour 3 Beaches in 1 day (Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes and Canoa Quebrada): $24
- Jericoacoara Tour in a Full Day - Leaving Fortaleza by Girafatur: $26
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
- 1 Day Tour of Viña Concha y Toro from Santiago: $120
- 1 Day Valparaiso and Vina del Mar Tour from Santiago: $51
- 2-Hour Walking Tour of Yungay The Coolest Neighborhood in Chile: $35
- 3 Hours Santiago Blend Walking Tour: $30
- A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -: $25
- Adventure in Portillo: Laguna del Inca and Mountain Picnic: $100
- 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 dayFortaleza $10Santiago $8.62
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Santiago, we can see that Santiago is more expensive. And not only is Fortaleza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fortaleza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Fortaleza. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Santiago in the Summer?
Both Santiago and Fortaleza during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fortaleza this time of year.
Fortaleza is a little warmer than Santiago in the summer. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually gets more rain in January than Santiago. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. July to January is the dry season in Fortaleza. January to July is the rainy season in Fortaleza.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Santiago in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Santiago. Many travelers come to Fortaleza for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Fortaleza is much warmer than Santiago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fortaleza in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F).
Fortaleza gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Santiago. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 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 AprilFortaleza 27°C (80°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Santiago in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Santiago. Many visitors come to Fortaleza in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Fortaleza is generally much warmer than Santiago. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 26°C (79°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Fortaleza usually gets more rain in July than Santiago. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, July to January in Fortaleza is the dry season. January to July in Fortaleza is the rainy season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyFortaleza 26°C (79°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Santiago in the Spring?
Both Santiago and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Fortaleza for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
Fortaleza is much warmer than Santiago in the spring. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In October, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Santiago. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 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 OctoberFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Fortaleza
| Fortaleza | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 356 mm (14 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.