Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Foz do Iguacu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu 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: Foz do Iguacu or Santiago?
Foz do Iguacu
Foz do Iguacu is a larger city in Brazil that is most famous for the Iguacu Falls. The city serves as an entry point for Paraguay and Argentina as well. The obvious reason to visit the city is to see the beautiful falls, and together with Ciudad del Este, Paraguay and Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, it makes up one of the largest tourism sights in South America.
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 Tours for Seniors to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
-
Foz do Iguacu Prices
Brazil PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFoz do Iguacu $81Santiago $145
The average daily cost (per person) in Foz do Iguacu is $81, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $145. 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 Foz do Iguacu and Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFoz do Iguacu $29Santiago $105
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFoz do Iguacu $58Santiago $210
Compare Hotels in Foz do Iguacu and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Foz do Iguacu 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: Foz do Iguacu Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Foz do Iguacu $13Santiago $5.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Foz do Iguacu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Foz do Iguacu:
- Foz do Iguaçu Airport Shared Transfer: $11
- Private Transfer from Foz de Iguazu Airport (IGU): $13
- IGU Airport Transfers: $17
- Transfer Paraguay - Shopping: $20
- Foz do Iguaçu Airport Private Transfer: $24
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Foz de Iguazu Airport (IGU): $25
- PRIVATE Transfer Iguassu Airport (IGU) to Hotels in Iguassu: $30
- Brazilian Falls Tour Transfers with Tour Guide: $31
- Private airport transfers – National & International: $37
- Roundtrip Airport Transfer in Foz do Iguaçu: $51
- Private transfer from Foz do Iguaçu Airport to Puerto Iguazu: $72
- Private Transfer from IGU to Any Point within Foz Do Iguaçu City: $80
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:
-
Metro Ride$1.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Airport Transfer and Halfday City tour Santiago de Chile: $362
- Airport Transfer: Santiago Airport SCL to Santiago by Luxury Van: $102
- Airport Transfer: Santiago to Airport SCL by Business Car: $82
- Airport transfer between Santiago city center and Arturo Merino Benítez Airport: $51
- Arrival Transfer - Santiago International Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $35
- Arrival Transfer from Santiago Airport SCL to Santiago de Chile: $82
- Arrival Transfer: Airport SCL to Santiago by Luxury Van: $102
- City tour santiago with excursion to valparaiso and airport transfer: $150
- Cruise Terminal Transfer from Valparaíso & Wine Tasting: $129
- Departure Transfer Santiago de Chile to Santiago Airport SCL: $82
- Departure Transfer: Santiago to Airport SCL by Business Car: $82
- Departure Transfer: Santiago to Airport SCL by Luxury Van: $102
Is it cheaper to fly into Foz do Iguacu or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago and Foz do Iguacu 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 dayFoz do Iguacu $38Santiago $22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Foz do Iguacu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Foz do Iguacu.
- Rafain Dinner Show: $73
- Boozy Cooking Class in Foz do Iguacu with a chef: $85
- Foz do Iguacu Brazilian BBQ and Home Cooking with a Local: $85
- Rafain Steakhouse Show - Dinner and Show Included: $108
- Experience Guamini Mision Dinner and Tango Show Selva Iriapu Hotels Exclusive: $110
- Foz do Iguaçu: Latin American Show with Dinner and Transfers: $119
- Dinner Show - Rafain Steakhouse: $120
- Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse Belmond Hotel Cataratas: $135
- Rafain Samba Show & Dinner – Round Trip Transfer Included: $135
- Dinner Show at Rafain in Foz do Iguaçu: $136
- Foz: Private Guide & Transfer to Shared Dinner Show Experience: $208
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
-
Empanada$1.82
-
Hamburger$2.41
-
Dinner$25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Legacy Family Tour Lunch or Dinner Pairing 4 Strokes: $40
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $56
- Best Santiago Street Food Tour with 4+ Tastings and Drink: $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
- Food Tour STGO, Eat like Locals!: $99
- Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
- Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation in Santiago: $107
- Casillero del Diablo Night Experience – Cellars, Wine & Dinner: $110
- Barrio Italia Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $119
- San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Foz do Iguacu $24Santiago $46
Tours and Activities in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few actual costs in Foz do Iguacu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Shopping tour at Duty Free Shop Argentina: $15
- Visit to Itaipu: Panoramic Tour: $16
- Visit to Itaipu: Entrance Ticket for Panoramic View and shuttle: $24
- City Tour Puerto Iguazu: $25
- Three Borders Landmark - Rountrip Transportation + Ticket: $26
- Sightseeing Bus Tour of Foz do Iguaçu: $27
- Foz do Iguaçu City Tour: Temple, Mosque & Cathedral: $29
- Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam - Tickets Included: $32
- Iguassu Falls Shopping Tour: $33
- Puerto Iguazú City Tour Experience: $35
- Itaipu Dam Panoramic Tour: $36
- Guided tour of the Iguacu Falls on the Argentine side: $36
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Official Tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago: $11
- Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $11
- Historical Sights Walking Tour: $15
- Cable Car Admission Ticket: $18
- History Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $21
- Santiago Sightseeing Tour: Living History and Local Food Tasting: $25
- Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Old Town: $25
- Guided City Tour through the historic center of Santiago: $25
- Santiago : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $25
- City Tour Santiago - Walking Tour: $29
- Guided Walking Tour through the Historic Center: $30
- City Tour of Santiago, Chile: $30
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFoz do Iguacu $12Santiago $8.10
Typical Alcohol Prices in Foz do Iguacu
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Foz do Iguacu from other travelers:
-
Beer$0.86
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: $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: $65
- 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
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $75
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $75
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Foz do Iguacu and Santiago, we can see that Santiago is more expensive. And not only is Foz do Iguacu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Foz do Iguacu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Foz do Iguacu Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Foz do Iguacu or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Foz do Iguacu. When comparing the sizes of Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu 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 Foz do Iguacu or Santiago in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Foz do Iguacu and Santiago. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Foz do Iguacu this time of year.
Foz do Iguacu is a little warmer than Santiago in the summer. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Foz do Iguacu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Foz do Iguacu usually receives more rain than Santiago. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryFoz do Iguacu 27°C (81°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Santiago in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Foz do Iguacu as well as Santiago. Many travelers come to Foz do Iguacu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Foz do Iguacu is much warmer than Santiago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Foz do Iguacu in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F).
Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in April than Santiago. Foz do Iguacu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures AprilFoz do Iguacu 23°C (73°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Santiago in the Winter?
Both Santiago and Foz do Iguacu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Foz do Iguacu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Foz do Iguacu is generally much warmer than Santiago. Daily temperatures in Foz do Iguacu average around 18°C (64°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In July, Foz do Iguacu usually receives less rain than Santiago. Foz do Iguacu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JulyFoz do Iguacu 18°C (64°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Foz do Iguacu or Santiago in the Spring?
Both Santiago and Foz do Iguacu during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Foz do Iguacu for the natural beauty during these months.
Foz do Iguacu is much warmer than Santiago in the spring. The daily temperature in Foz do Iguacu averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Foz do Iguacu. Foz do Iguacu usually gets more rain in October than Santiago. Foz do Iguacu gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures OctoberFoz do Iguacu 24°C (75°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Foz do Iguacu
| Foz do Iguacu | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.