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

Should you visit Frankfurt or Santiago?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Frankfurt and Santiago can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Frankfurt or Santiago?

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the financial and business hub of Germany. It houses the European Central Bank and the German Stock Exchange, and often plays host to trade shows and business fairs. It has the country's most modern skyline and the largest airport. It is also a transportation hub for Germany with many important train lines passing through. The city itself is situated on the River Main. Some of the most important sights are along the river near Romer Square and include museums and monuments. This area pulls in millions of tourists every year. Although many sights are clustered in this area, it's important to head into more off the beaten path areas that can be enjoyable to explore. These areas offer glimpses into daily life in Frankfurt.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Frankfurt?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Frankfurt is €122, while the average daily cost in Santiago is €133. 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 Frankfurt and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Frankfurt 58
    Santiago 103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Frankfurt 116
    Santiago 206
Compare Hotels in Frankfurt and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt


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: Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Frankfurt 25
    Santiago 5.09
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Frankfurt

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Frankfurt:


  • Car Rental
    50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Frankfurt

Also for Frankfurt, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Frankfurt Hahn Airport: Bus transfer from/to Mainz: $18
  • Frankfurt Hahn Airport: Bus transfer from/to city central: $20
  • Wiesbaden Thermal to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Departure Transfer: $27
  • Private One Way Frankfurt Airport Transfer To and From Frankfurt: $45
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt by business car: $54
  • Private 1-Way Transfer From Frankfurt Airport: $54
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt City - Frankfurt Airport (FRA): $54
  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Frankfurt Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Frankfurt City - Frankfurt Airport (FRA): $61
  • Departure Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA by Luxury Vehicle: $63
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt by Luxury Vehicle: $63

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

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


  • Metro Ride
    1.06

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • from Santiago airport private arrival transfer to the Valparaiso pier: $251
  • Visit Montes Winery (7th World Best Wine) & Transfer to Hotel: $300
  • Transfer from or to the airport in Santiago, Chile: $60
  • Transfer from Santiago to Portillo Ski Center: $160
  • Transfer from Santiago To Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski: $83
  • Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago Centro Commune: $52
  • Transfer To Valle Nevado Private for small groups: $250
  • Transfer Santiago to Cruise Port in Valparaiso or San Antonio: $250
  • Transfer Santiago Airport to the commune of Providencia: $56
  • Transfer Santiago - Viña del Mar: $210
  • Transfer Santiago - Valparaíso: $210
  • Transfer Privado Entre Santiago Y El Aeropuerto: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Frankfurt or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and Frankfurt 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
    Frankfurt 41
    Santiago 12
Typical Food Prices in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Soda
    2.00
  • Bagel Sandwich and Latte
    7.00
  • Ham & Cheese Sandwich and Coffee
    6.00
  • Sandwich and Cola
    7.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Frankfurt

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

  • Sharing Plate Food Tour In Frankfurt: $65
  • FOOD TOUR WITH 3-4 LOCAL INSIDER FOODSPOTS: $81
  • FOOD TOUR TO 3-4 LOCAL FOODSPOTS: $81
  • Eltz Castle Small-Group Tour from Frankfurt with Dinner: $282

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

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


  • Empanada
    1.77
  • Hamburger
    2.35
  • Dinner
    24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.

  • Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation in Santiago: $107
  • Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
  • Dinner Show in Bali Hai: $109
  • Sunset at Alyan Family Wines Winery with Dinner: $116
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $117
  • Small-Group Night City Tour: San Cristobal Hill and Dinner Show: $120
  • 4-Hour Private Night Tour with Dinner and Show: $150
  • Private Dinner and Show with Transfers: $158
  • Traditional Chilean Cooking Class with a Local in Her Santiago Countryside Home: $168

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Frankfurt 36
    Santiago 44

Tours and Activities in Frankfurt

For Frankfurt, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Frankfurt Old Town": $3.22
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.31
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.84
  • Frankfurt Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $7.00
  • Struwwelpeter Museum Entry Ticket w/Audio Guide: $7.53
  • Old Town Smartphone Audio Tour: $7.99
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour by Smartphone: $7.99
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.07
  • Historisches Museum Entry Ticket: $8.61
  • Discover Frankfurt's Heritage: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11

Tours and Activities in Santiago

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

  • Experience Wildlife Encounter in Provincia Mountain of Chile.: $235
  • Private Adventure at 4200 meters above sea level in the Chilean Andes Cerro Pintor: $300
  • 4 Hour Santa Rita Winery All inclusive Tour for Wine Lover: $269
  • 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
  • Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago: $120
  • Andes Day Volcano 8k Private Tour : $230
  • Andes Half-Day Private Tour with Wine and Cheese Tasting: $190
  • Andes Sunset: shared tour with Asado in the mountain: $90
  • Andes Whitewater Rafting Adventure plus Winery Tour and Tasting: $199
  • Authentic Andes Adventure: Private Horse Riding and Cheese & Wine: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Frankfurt 30
    Santiago 7.90
Typical Alcohol Prices in Frankfurt

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Frankfurt:


  • Becks Beer
    2.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Frankfurt

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Frankfurt:

  • Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $22
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $34
  • Full Day Private Rhine Valley Wine Tour Experience from Frankfurt: $280
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $282
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $286
  • Guided Walk Tour With Apple Wine Tasting: $336
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $404
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $517
  • Private Rhine Valley tour with river cruise & wine tasting: $752

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
  • Concha y Toro Ticket and Tour with Wine Tasting: $50
  • Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $50
  • Undurraga Wine tour: $63
  • Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
  • Private Tour: Santa Rita Vineyard with Wine Tastings: $72
  • From Concha y Toro Marqués Half-Day Wine Tasting: $89
  • half day wine tour to concha y toro from Santiago seasonal offer: $95
  • From Maipo Valley Wine Tour: $99
  • Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $99
  • Private Tour: Viña del Mar and Valparaíso Tour with Wine Tasting in Casablanca Valley: $143
  • Premium Wine Tasting and Tour at Santa Rita with Transport: $145


When comparing the travel costs between Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt is in Europe 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 Frankfurt Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or Santiago?

Santiago has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Frankfurt. When comparing the sizes of Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Frankfurt or Santiago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Frankfurt as well as Santiago. Many visitors come to Frankfurt in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Frankfurt is generally around the same temperature as Santiagoin January. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 19°C (67°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Frankfurt usually gets more rain in July than Santiagoin January. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Frankfurt 19°C (67°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Santiago in the Autumn?

Both Santiago and Frankfurt are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Frankfurt for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Frankfurt is cooler than Santiago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in April.

In October, Frankfurt usually receives more rain than Santiagoin April. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Frankfurt 11°C (51°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Santiago in the Winter?

Both Santiago and Frankfurt during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Frankfurt can be very cold. In the winter, Frankfurt is much colder than Santiago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Frankfurt in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Santiago averages at about 9°C (48°F)in July.

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in January than Santiagoin July. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Frankfurt 1°C (34°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Santiago in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Frankfurt and Santiago. The activities around the city are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year.

In April, Frankfurt is generally much colder than Santiagoin October. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 10°C (50°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In April, Frankfurt usually receives more rain than Santiagoin October. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Frankfurt 10°C (50°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Frankfurt

Frankfurt Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)