Which place is cheaper, Santillana or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Istanbul or Santillana?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Santillana, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Istanbul or Santillana?
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
Santillana
A quaint town outside of Santander in northern Spain, Santillana de Mar is renowned for its medieval architecture. One of Spain's prettiest villages, Santillana del Mar and its cobbled streets are lined with palaces, churches, and balconies full of flowers. There are plenty of traditional shops selling local specialties, and it is nearby the UNESCO world heritage site of the Altamira Caves for something a little different.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $126Santillana $112
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Santillana is $112. 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 Istanbul and Santillana in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $47Santillana $64
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $94Santillana $128
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Santillana
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Santillana? 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: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Santillana Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $55Santillana $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Ferry$0.09
-
Local Bus$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Airport Transfer by Private Minivan + Meet & Greet Service: $85
- Istanbul Cruise Port(Galataport) Private Transfer Service: $35
- Saw Sabiha Gokcen Airport Transfers for Old City & Taksim Hotels: $55
- 1-Way Private Transfer to/from Sabiha Gokcen Airport: $75
- Airport - Otel Transfer and City Tours: $20
- Airport Istanbul Private Transfer IST or SAW Airport : $34
- Airport transfer Istanbul: $46
- Arrival & Departure Private Transfer in Istanbul: $43
- Arrival Private Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul in Luxury Van: $70
- Bursa Uludağ Mountain Tour From Istanbul w/Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $35
- CARPEDIEM : SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT LUXURY TRANSFER (Arrival/Departure): $45
- Daily Green Bursa Tour with Cable Car & Transfer from Istanbul: $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Santillana?
Prices for flights to both Santillana and Istanbul 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 dayIstanbul $31Santillana $33
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Juice$0.06
-
Turkish Delight$0.02
-
Dessert$0.26
-
Pastries$0.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show from Istanbul: $16
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $17
- Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $21
- Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show: $25
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
- Dinner Cruise Bosphorus with Hotel Transfer: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $29
- Half Day Sunset Luxury Yacht Dinner Cruise Tour in Istanbul: $29
- 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29
Typical Food Prices in Santillana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santillana:
-
Breakfast$7.50
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $79Santillana $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Bosphurus Boat (for 2)$0.62
-
Yerebatan Cistern for Two$0.62
-
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two$0.31
-
Hagia Sofia entrance$0.93
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- App self-guided tours Istanbul with multilingual audioguide: $2.14
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Tour with Audio Guide in your smartphone: $5.35
- Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
- Hagia Sophia Exclusive Digital Audio Guided Tour: $5.35
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Istanbul Outdoor Escape Game: The Royal Adventure: $7.08
- Istanbul in a day: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.87
- Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide: $8.06
- Hippodrome and Blue Mosque Guided Tour: $8.73
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Audio Guide: $9.62
- The Royal Adventure Highlights Exploration Game: $11
Tours and Activities in Santillana
Here are a few actual costs in Santillana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Memorable Family Walking Tour in Ancient Santillana del Mar: $428
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $15Santillana $4.59
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl Big Nightout . Rooftop parties,party Bus & Nightlife: $22
- Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $27
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
- Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $50
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $80
- 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $245
- Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
- Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $844
Sample the Local Flavors in Santillana
Also in Santillana, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Santillana Uncorked: A Wine Tasting Adventure: $1,022
When comparing the travel costs between Istanbul and Santillana, we can see that Istanbul 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Santillana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Santillana?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 2760 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Santillana, 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 Istanbul or Santillana?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Istanbul or Santillana in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Santillana. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Istanbul is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Santillana averages at about 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santillana this time of the year. In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Santillana during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Santillana. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Santillana 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Santillana in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Santillana. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Santillana. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Santillana fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 133 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Santillana. Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Santillana. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Santillana 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Santillana in the Winter?
Both Santillana and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Istanbul is much colder than Santillana in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Santillana fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Santillana during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Santillana receives 91 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Santillana. In January, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Santillana. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Santillana 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Santillana in the Spring?
Both Santillana and Istanbul during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
In the spring, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Santillana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Santillana averages at about 12°C (53°F).
In the spring, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Santillana. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 148 hours of full sun.
Santillana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Santillana. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santillana receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Santillana 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Santillana and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Santillana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 157 mm (6.2 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.