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

Should you visit Guilin 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 Guilin and Santiago can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guilin or Santiago?

Guilin

Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Guilin?

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

  • Guilin Prices
    China Prices
    Santiago Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Guilin $89
    Santiago $161

The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $89, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $161. 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 Guilin and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guilin $37
    Santiago $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guilin $74
    Santiago $234
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Guilin 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 Guilin


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.
    Guilin $6.17
    Santiago $5.81
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

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


  • Taxi
    $2.96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • One Way Transfer Service between Guilin city and airport: $17
  • Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $18
  • Jieyang Chaoshan Airport Private airport transfer Service: $20
  • Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Guilin Train Stations: $21
  • [Airport Transfer] Haikou Airport ⇔ Haikou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! *: $23
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin International Airport (KWL) to Downtown Hotel: $27
  • Private Departure Transfer: Downtown Guilin Hotel to Airport (KWL): $27
  • Private Airport Transfer:Guilin Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport: $35
  • Private Airport Transfer: Guilin Liangjiang International Aiport to Guilin Hotel: $35
  • Guilin Railway stations Transfer Service: $37
  • Transfer from Guilin Hotels to Yangshuo Town: $37
  • Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $37

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

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


  • Metro Ride
    $1.21

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: $105
  • Airport Transfer: Santiago to Santiago Airport SCL by Luxury Van: $105
  • Casas del Bosque Winery + RE Wineries : Exclusive Tour + Transfer: $220
  • City Tour Santiago with Exclusive Guide + Private Transfer: $270
  • City tour santiago with excursion to valparaiso and airport transfer: $150
  • Departure Transfer: Santiago to Airport SCL by Business Car: $85
  • Departure Transfer: Santiago to Airport SCL by Luxury Van: $105
  • From Viña Santa Rita Tour w/Transfer: $120
  • Private 15-Passenger Premium Transfer – Santiago to Valparaíso: $149
  • Private Airport Transfer Santiago Arrival or Departure 4pax SUV: $65
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and Guilin 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
    Guilin $42
    Santiago $24
Typical Food Prices in Guilin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:


  • Fresh Coconut Drink
    $1.48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin

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

  • Wukong Guilin Neighborhood Food Tour: $65
  • Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

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


  • Empanada
    $2.02
  • Hamburger
    $2.69
  • Dinner
    $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago

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

  • Street Food Tour in Santiago with a Local Guide: $58
  • Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $82
  • 4-Hour Boozy Chilean Cooking Class in Santiago: $85
  • 4h Cooking Class in Santiago : 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $85
  • Food Tour STGO, Eat like Locals!: $99
  • Santiago Food Tour: Bohemian Flavors and Local Gems: $109
  • Dinner Show in Bali Hai with Wine refill and transportation: $114
  • Private Dinner & Chilean Folk Show with Transfers: $116
  • Alyan Winery Sunset with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $117
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $125
  • Bali Hai Dinner & Show, Transport and Wine refill: $128
  • San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guilin $30
    Santiago $51
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin

Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Caves
    $18

Tours and Activities in Guilin

Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Guilin English tour guide service: $15
  • City Tour with Elephant Hill & Ming Tea Tasting: $46
  • Guilin One Day Tour of Longjie Mountain: $46
  • Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
  • Guilin City Center Walking Group Tour at Night for Three Hours: $50
  • Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide(beginner friendly): $51
  • Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
  • 1-Day tour of Guilin-LiRiver cruise-Yangshuo Xianggong hill: $58
  • GUILIN:kayaking adventure with local guide: $60
  • Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $60
  • 1 day private tour: Longji rice terraces & Huang Luo Yao villages: $69
  • Longji Rice Terraces with Minority Village Private Day Tour: $69

Tours and Activities in Santiago

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

  • Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $9.00
  • A historical tour of Santiago, Chile: $18
  • Cable Car Admission Ticket: $18
  • Santiago City Tour: Living History and Local Food Tasting: $20
  • Guided City Tour through the historic center of Santiago: $23
  • Private Guided Walking Tour of the City Center: $24
  • A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -: $25
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Old Town: $25
  • Yungay, Memory, Art, and Neighborhood Walking Tour: $25
  • Guided Tour of Santiago de Chile History and Culture: $25
  • Santiago : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $26
  • Santiago Half Day Culture Walking Tour: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guilin $6.12
    Santiago $9.02

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago

Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Traditional Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Official English: $27
  • Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $34
  • Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $59
  • Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $60
  • Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $62
  • Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $63
  • Undurraga Wine tour: $70
  • Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
  • Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $75
  • Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $75
  • Inca Lagoon and Vineyard Visit with Wine Tasting: $80
  • Half Day Trip to Cousiño Macul Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guilin and Santiago, we can see that Santiago is more expensive. And not only is Guilin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Guilin is in Asia and Santiago is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Guilin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guilin 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 Guilin.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guilin Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guilin or Santiago?

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

Should I visit Guilin or Santiago in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Santiago.

In the summer, Guilin is a little warmer than Santiago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guilin in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Santiago averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.

Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Guilin usually receives more rain than Santiagoin January. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Guilin 30°C (86°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Santiago in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Santiago.

In October, Guilin is generally a little warmer than Santiagoin April. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 23°C (73°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Guilin usually gets more rain in October than Santiagoin April. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Guilin 23°C (73°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Santiago in the Winter?

Both Santiago and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Guilin is around the same temperature as Santiago in the winter. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F)in July.

In January, Guilin usually receives less rain than Santiagoin July. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Guilin 10°C (49°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Santiago in the Spring?

Both Santiago and Guilin during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Guilin is a little warmer than Santiago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guilin in April average around 20°C (68°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. Guilin usually gets more rain in April than Santiagoin October. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Guilin 20°C (68°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Guilin

Guilin Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)