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

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 Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Fortaleza?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $71, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $141. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fortaleza $31
    Santiago $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fortaleza $62
    Santiago $220
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.

Hotels in Fortaleza


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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fortaleza $22
    Santiago $5.39

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: $9.24
  • Transfer from Pinto Martins Airport to hotels in Fortaleza: $9.24
  • Shared Airport Transfer to Fortaleza Hotels: $9.85
  • Transfer to Beach Park: $12
  • Beach Park Round-Trip Transfer: $13
  • Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $16
  • Fortaleza to Fortaleza Airport (FOR) - Departure Private Transfer: $17
  • Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $17
  • Fortaleza to Pinto Martins Airport (FOR) - Departure Transfer: $17
  • Pinto Martins Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza-Arrival Private Transfer: $17
  • Roundtrip transfer from Pinto Martins Airport to Hotels in Fortaleza: $18
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Fortaleza City: $26

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

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


  • Metro Ride
    $1.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • Private Scenic Transfer to Mendoza.: $539
  • Visit Montes Winery (7th World Best Wine) & Transfer to Hotel: $300
  • 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: $277
  • Transfer Private hotel to Cruise ship in Puerto San Antonio or Valparaiso: $270
  • from Santiago airport private arrival transfer to the Valparaiso pier: $251
  • Private Transfer From Santiago airport to San Antonio Pier or Valparaiso Pier : $251
  • Transfer Santiago to Cruise Port in Valparaiso or San Antonio: $250
  • Private Transfer from Santiago Airport to Valparaíso,Viña del Mar or San Antonio: $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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Fortaleza $24
    Santiago $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fortaleza

For Fortaleza, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Thematic Show with Rotation of Pizzas in Aquiraz: $29

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

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


  • Empanada
    $1.88
  • Hamburger
    $2.49
  • Dinner
    $26

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: $50
  • Sunset at Alyan Family Wines Winery with Dinner: $97
  • Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
  • Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation in Santiago: $107
  • Santiago City Sightseeing Small-Group Tour by Night Including Dinner: $109
  • Bali Hai Dinner & Show Including Transport: $115
  • Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $117
  • Sunset Alyan + 6 wines + savory board + rustic dinner + dessert: $119
  • Small-Group Night City Tour: San Cristobal Hill and Dinner Show: $120
  • San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
  • Private Tour: Santiago at Night with Dinner and Show: $131

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fortaleza $16
    Santiago $47

Tours and Activities in Fortaleza

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

  • Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $11
  • Cumbuco Beach Tour: $12
  • One Day Bus Tour of Fortaleza and Cumbuco Beach: $12
  • 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
  • Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $14
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $15
  • Águas Belas Tour: $15
  • Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $18
  • Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $20
  • Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $21
  • The colorful sands of Morro Branco beach - Full Day Tour: $22

Tours and Activities in Santiago

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

  • Colchagua Valley Tour & Tasting: $230
  • Experience Wildlife Encounter in Provincia Mountain of Chile.: $235
  • Private Half-Day Guided Tour of the City of Santiago.: $200
  • "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
  • A Private Tour of Valparaiso with an experienced local guide.: $195
  • Adventure and Viewpoints in Cajón del Maipo: $255
  • Andean Horse Ride Yerba Loca Sanctuary - Private tour from Santiago: $240
  • Andean Tour: $158
  • Andes Day Lagoon in Cajón del Maipo & Embalse el Yeso Private Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fortaleza $10
    Santiago $8.37

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: $44
  • Concha y Toro Ticket and Tour with Wine Tasting: $44
  • Undurraga Wine tour: $63
  • Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $65
  • Half Day Trip to Concha y Toro Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $65
  • Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $68
  • Private Tour: Santa Rita Vineyard with Wine Tastings: $72
  • 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


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.

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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Fortaleza 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.

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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Fortaleza 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.

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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Fortaleza 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.

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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Fortaleza 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)