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

Should you visit Granada or Santiago?

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

Should I visit Granada 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: Granada or Santiago?

Granada

Granada is a city of southern Spain located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the autonomous community of Andalucia. Perhaps the most notable feature of the city is its medieval architecture that dates to the Moorish occupation of Spain. Each example stands from another time and place, strong fortresses and castles against the backdrop of lumbering mountains. Yet they are surrounded by a city thriving with modern day quirks. From castles and fortresses to bars, restaurants, and cafes, Granada is a unique setting for an otherworldly getaway.

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 from Barcelona, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Granada?

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

  • Granada Prices
    Spain Prices
    Santiago Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Granada 150
    Santiago 134

The average daily cost (per person) in Granada is €150, while the average daily cost in Santiago is €134. 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 Granada and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Granada 59
    Santiago 97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Granada 118
    Santiago 194
Compare Hotels in Granada and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Granada 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 Granada


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: Granada Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Granada 22
    Santiago 4.82
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Granada

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Granada are as follows:


  • 7 Trip Bus Pass
    5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Granada

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

  • Private Luxury Airport Transfer: $52
  • Private Transfer Granada Airport Train Station and City: $53
  • Granada Private Transfer from Granada Airport to City centre: $76
  • Granada Private Transfer from the city centre to Granada Airport: $76
  • Via Ferrata Moclín with Transfers: $111
  • Granada City to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $133
  • From Granada; Private transfer to Sierra Nevada (all hotels): $227
  • Alhambra: Premium Excursion with Guaranteed Transfer from Cruises-Malaga: $239
  • Cordoba and its Mosque from Granada with Semiprivate Transfer: $259
  • Private Transfer from Granada Hotels to Seville: $294
  • Private transfer Granada downtown to Málaga airport (Agp): $313

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

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


  • Metro Ride
    1.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • Villard Winery with exclusive guide + Premium Transfer: $220
  • Valparaíso Cruise Port Transfer with Viña del Mar & Vineyard: $90
  • Transfer to San Antonio port with Valparaiso & Casablanca tour: $95
  • Transfer from Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski to Santiago: $83
  • Transfer from Santiago To Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski: $100
  • Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago Centro Commune: $52
  • Transfer by Electric Car SCL Airport Santiago, Chile: $61
  • Transfer Private Airport SCL to Hotels and Airbnb in Santiago: $60
  • Transfer Parque Farellones Fullday 50%OFF: $59
  • Transfer From Portillo Ski center to Santiago Airport or Hotel: $97
  • Transfer Airport/Port - Hotel: $65
  • Tour to Santiago and Valparaiso with Transfers included: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Granada or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and Granada 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
    Granada 64
    Santiago 20
Typical Food Prices in Granada

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


  • Sangria
    2.50
  • Sandwich to go
    3.00
  • Bocadillo & Drink
    6.25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Granada

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

  • Flamenco Show with Dinner at Jardines de Zoraya: $56
  • Dinner on a terrace in the Albayzin and a live flamenco show: $63
  • Sacromonte Caves Flamenco Show with Dinner: $68
  • Dinner with Paella on a Terrace in the Albayzín and Live Flamenco: $75
  • The Granada Market and Tapas Food Tour: $75
  • Flamenco Show in Granada's Albayzín Cave with Tapas Dinner: $76
  • Flamenco and Andalusian Dinner Show in the Caves of Granada: $76
  • Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Granada Food Tour Tapas Drinks and Delights with Local: $105
  • Food Tour in Granada: $115

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

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


  • Empanada
    1.68
  • Hamburger
    2.23
  • Dinner
    23

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Granada 28
    Santiago 42

Tours and Activities in Granada

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

  • Tour of the Catholic Monarchs in Granada: $3.52
  • Granada's Historic Center: A Self-Guided Tour Created by an Official Guide: $5.82
  • Sacromonte Caves Museum Admission Ticket: $5.82
  • Church of San Nicolas and Tower Access Ticket: $5.82
  • Granada Self Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
  • Granada Walking Tour 3:00 am and 23 audio reviews: $6.94
  • Discover A Self-Guided Tour: $8.22
  • Granada Self Guided Walking Tour Landmarks with Audio and Quiz: $8.23
  • Granada City Train 1 or 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket: $8.38
  • Skip the Line: Fortaleza de la Mota Admission Ticket: $9.41
  • Royal Chapel of Granada Entry Ticket: $12
  • Cathedral of Granada Entry Ticket: $12

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Granada 24
    Santiago 7.48

Sample the Local Flavors in Granada

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Granada:

  • Winefulness wine tasting, mindfulness, and senses that awaken: $47
  • Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in Granada: $49
  • Wine Tasting in Granada: $54
  • Granada Wine Tasting Andalusian Wines Gourmet Pairing: $65
  • Traditional Tapas and Wine Tour: $80
  • Granada Tapas and wine tour!: $92

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 comparing the travel costs between Granada and Santiago, we can see that Granada 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 Granada 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 Granada Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Granada or Santiago?

Santiago has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada 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 Granada has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Granada or Santiago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Granada as well as Santiago. Most visitors come to Granada for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Granada is a little warmer than Santiago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Granada in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Santiago averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Santiagoin January. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Granada 25°C (77°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Granada or Santiago in the Autumn?

Both Santiago and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Granada because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Granada is generally a little warmer than Santiagoin April. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 19°C (67°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In October, Granada usually receives more rain than Santiagoin April. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Granada 19°C (67°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Granada or Santiago in the Winter?

Both Santiago and Granada during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Granada this time of year.

Granada is a little warmer than Santiago in the winter. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F)in July.

Granada usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Santiagoin July. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Granada 12°C (54°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Granada or Santiago in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Santiago. Many travelers come to Granada for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Granada is around the same temperature as Santiago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Granada in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in October.

In April, Granada usually receives more rain than Santiagoin October. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Granada 16°C (60°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Granada

Granada Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)