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

Should you visit Gothenburg or Santiago?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg 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: Gothenburg or Santiago?

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.

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 10-Day Tours in Sweden, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Gothenburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Gothenburg Prices
    Sweden Prices
    Santiago Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Gothenburg $142
    Santiago $159

The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $142, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $159. 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 Gothenburg and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $45
    Santiago $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $90
    Santiago $232
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg


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: Gothenburg Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $21
    Santiago $5.72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

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

  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $16
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $16
  • Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $76
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $78
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $104
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $110
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $112
  • Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $127
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $130
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $166
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $209

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

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


  • Metro Ride
    $1.20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • Villard Winery with exclusive guide + Premium Transfer: $220
  • Transfer to Snowy Valley fullday for skiers: $49
  • Transfer to San Antonio port with Valparaiso & Casablanca tour: $95
  • Transfer in/out cruise to/from Santiago plus tour Valparaiso: $135
  • Transfer from Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski to Santiago: $83
  • Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago Centro Commune: $52
  • Transfer From Portillo Ski center to Santiago Airport or Hotel: $97
  • Tour to Santiago and Valparaiso with Transfers included: $150
  • TRANSFER TRANSFER AIRPORT-VIÑA DEL MAR VALPARAISO: $190
  • Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $42
  • Transfer to Concha y Toro Winery: $30
  • Private Transfer to/from Santiago Airport (SCL): $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and Gothenburg 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
    Gothenburg $75
    Santiago $24

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

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


  • Empanada
    $1.99
  • Hamburger
    $2.65
  • Dinner
    $27

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
  • Street Food Tour in Santiago with a Local Guide: $57
  • 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
  • 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
  • Santiago Food Tour: Bohemian Flavors and Local Gems: $109
  • Barrio Italia Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $119
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Santiago $50

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

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

  • Private Self-Guided Tour in Gothenburg With 100 Audio Stories: $3.46
  • Gothenburg Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $12
  • Alfie Atkins Cultural Centre Admission Ticket: $17
  • Gothenburg Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $17
  • Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $17
  • World of Volvo Exhibition Entry Ticket: $20
  • Self-Guided Secrets of Gothenburg Exploration Game Tour: $23
  • Paradox Museum Entry Ticket: $25
  • Gothenburg Universeum Ticket - Aquarium, Science, Wildlife, Zoo: $26
  • Universeum Entry Ticket: $27
  • The Paddan Tour: $28
  • City Canal Sightseeing Cruise: $29

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
  • 3 Hours Santiago Blend Walking Tour: $30
  • 6 Hour Tour of Culture, History and Flavors from Santiago: $75
  • A Private Tour of Santiago with an Experienced Local Guide: $162
  • A full Private Tour of Valparaiso from Santiago: $238
  • Adega Montes Guided Tour with Private Transportation: $300
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $23
    Santiago $8.89

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
  • Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $59
  • Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
  • Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $62
  • Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
  • Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $75
  • Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
  • Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $75
  • Half Day Trip to Cousiño Macul Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
  • Concha y Toro Tour with Wine Tasting and Transport: $87


When comparing the travel costs between Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Santiago?

Santiago has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Gothenburg or Santiago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Santiago.

In July, Gothenburg is generally cooler than Santiagoin January. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 16°C (61°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Gothenburg usually gets more rain in July than Santiagoin January. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Santiago in the Autumn?

Both Santiago and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

Gothenburg is much colder than Santiago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 9°C (47°F) in October, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in April.

In October, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Santiagoin April. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Santiago in the Winter?

Both Santiago and Gothenburg during the winter are popular places to visit.

It's quite cold in Gothenburg in the winter. In the winter, Gothenburg is much colder than Santiago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gothenburg in January average around -2°C (29°F), and Santiago averages at about 9°C (48°F)in July.

Gothenburg usually gets less rain in January than Santiagoin July. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Santiago in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Santiago.

In April, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Santiagoin October. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 5°C (41°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In April, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Santiagoin October. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)