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

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

Where Should I go: La Plata or Santiago?

La Plata

Just over an hour from Buenos Aires, the bustling university city of La Plata is notable for being South America's first planned city. Indeed, also known as the City of Diagonal, La Plata's intricate grid system includes diagonal streets that run through it, contributing to easy navigation but confusing intersections.La Plata is the Capital of the Province of Buenos Aires, the main Argentine state, so you will find lots of elaborate government buildings alongside leafy green plazas in this laid back as well as active city. La Plata is a happening university town with a population of over 700,000. You can walk the width of it in under an hour, stopping at trendy craft beer bars, local music joints, and great restaurants along the way. Also, football is a religion in Argentina and if you're looking for some local atmosphere, La Plata is the place to go! Two of Argentina's biggest football teams, Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata and Estudiantes de La Plata challenge each other each year. If you are around during that special day for the city, you will witness thousands of fans wearing the relevant colours heading off to watch the match and parade by calle 7.

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


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or La Plata?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in La Plata is $8.75, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $139. 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 La Plata and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Plata $3.52
    Santiago $108
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Plata $7.04
    Santiago $216
Compare Hotels in La Plata and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in La Plata 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 La Plata


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: La Plata Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Plata $2.51
    Santiago $5.29

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

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


  • Metro Ride
    $1.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • Private Scenic Transfer to Mendoza.: $539
  • Private Transfer from Santiago or Santiago Airport to Colchagua or Santa Cruz: $300
  • Pick up Santiago Visit Haras de Pirque Winery & Transfer Hotel: $300
  • Private Transfer from Santiago to San Antonio Valparaiso or Pichilemu: $290
  • Transfer From Santiago/Airport to Valparaiso(Exclusive & Private): $289
  • Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to Valparaíso: $276
  • Transfer Private hotel to Cruise ship in Puerto San Antonio or Valparaiso: $270
  • Private Transfer From Santiago airport to San Antonio Pier or Valparaiso Pier : $251
  • Private Transfer from Santiago Airport to Valparaíso,Viña del Mar or San Antonio: $250
  • Transfer To Valle Nevado Private for small groups: $250
  • Transfer Santiago to Cruise Port in Valparaiso or San Antonio: $250
  • Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to Viña del Mar: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into La Plata or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and La Plata 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
    La Plata $3.43
    Santiago $13
Typical Food Prices in La Plata

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to La Plata:


  • Ice Cream
    $0.01

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

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


  • Empanada
    $1.84
  • Hamburger
    $2.45
  • Dinner
    $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago

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

  • Sunset Winery Tour with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $45
  • Sunset at Alyan Family Wines Winery with Dinner: $97
  • Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
  • Small-Group Night City Tour: San Cristobal Hill and Dinner Show: $120
  • San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
  • Private Night City Tour with San Cristobal Hill And Dinner Show: $131
  • 4-Hour Private Night Tour with Dinner and Show: $150
  • Private Dinner and Show with Transfers: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Plata $2.19
    Santiago $46
Typical Entertainment Prices in La Plata

For La Plata, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Sciencias Naturales Museum Entrance Fee
    $0.01

Tours and Activities in Santiago

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

  • Private Half-Day Guided Tour of the City of Santiago.: $280
  • "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $23
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour of Yungay The Coolest Neighborhood in Chile: $35
  • 4 Hour Santa Rita Winery All inclusive Tour for Wine Lover: $269
  • 4-hour city tour of Santiago in small groups: $80
  • Adventure and Viewpoints in Cajón del Maipo: $255
  • Andean Tour: $158
  • Andes Day Lagoon in Cajón del Maipo & Embalse el Yeso Private Tour: $200
  • Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago: $120
  • Andes Experience: Cajon de Maipo & Yeso Waterfall: $85
  • Andes Half-Day Private Tour with Wine and Cheese Tasting: $190
  • Andes Puesta de Sol: tour compartido con Asado en la montaña: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Plata $1.22
    Santiago $8.21

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
  • Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $50
  • Concha y Toro Ticket and Tour with Wine Tasting: $50
  • Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $62
  • Half Day Trip to Concha y Toro Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
  • Undurraga Wine tour: $70
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Santiago de Chile: $77
  • From Concha y Toro Marqués Half-Day Wine Tasting: $89
  • Private Tour: Undurraga Vineyard Experience with Premium Wine Tasting: $92
  • half day wine tour to concha y toro from Santiago seasonal offer: $95
  • Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $99
  • From Maipo Valley Wine Tour: $99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Plata and Santiago, we can see that Santiago is more expensive. And not only is La Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Plata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Plata 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 La Plata.

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


Which is Bigger, La Plata or Santiago?

Santiago has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of La Plata. When comparing the sizes of La Plata 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 La Plata or Santiago?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit La Plata or Santiago in the Summer?

Both Santiago and La Plata during the summer are popular places to visit.

La Plata is a little warmer than Santiago in the summer. The daily temperature in La Plata averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

La Plata usually gets more rain in January than Santiago. La Plata gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    La Plata 25°C (77°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit La Plata or Santiago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both La Plata and Santiago.

In the autumn, La Plata is a little warmer than Santiago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Plata in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In April, La Plata usually receives more rain than Santiago. La Plata gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    La Plata 18°C (65°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit La Plata or Santiago in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to La Plata as well as Santiago.

In July, La Plata is generally a little warmer than Santiago. Daily temperatures in La Plata average around 12°C (53°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

La Plata usually gets less rain in July than Santiago. La Plata gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    La Plata 12°C (53°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit La Plata or Santiago in the Spring?

Both Santiago and La Plata are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

La Plata is a little warmer than Santiago in the spring. The daily temperature in La Plata averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite rainy in La Plata. In October, La Plata usually receives more rain than Santiago. La Plata gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    La Plata 18°C (64°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and La Plata

La Plata Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 101 mm (4 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)