Which place is cheaper, Cantabria or La Rioja?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit La Rioja or Cantabria?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit La Rioja or Cantabria? 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: La Rioja or Cantabria?
La Rioja
La Rioja is an area in northern Spain located in the Iberia peninsula. It is not as commonly known as some of the bigger cities, but it is a great place to visit. The area has more than 500 wineries, and though the area may not be well known as a tourist location, the name is often recognizable for its quality wine. La Rioja is full of natural beauty and Spanish culture. Because it is not as touristy as some of the larger areas of Spain, you are more likely to get a more genuine idea of real Spanish life and culture by visiting this region. The La Rioja area is nestled between cities like Burgos, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Pamplona and Zaragoza, so you are never far from the more popular northern cities.
Cantabria
Occupying Spain's northern coast, the region of Cantabria is known for its mountains, cave paintings, and the capital city of Santander. Its diverse landscape allows for locals and visitors alike to hit the beach in the summer and go on mountain adventures in the winter. While these natural features alone are breathtaking, there is also much to say for Cantabria's quaint seaside towns, fresh cuisine, and rich history.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain.
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La Rioja Prices
Spain PricesCantabria Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLa Rioja €137,991Cantabria €8,340
The average daily cost (per person) in La Rioja is €137,991, while the average daily cost in Cantabria is €8,340. 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 Rioja and Cantabria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLa Rioja €42,730Cantabria €4,166
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLa Rioja €
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84Cantabria €
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8.00
Compare Hotels in La Rioja and Cantabria
Looking for a hotel in La Rioja or Cantabria? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.La Rioja €9,556Cantabria €915
Is it cheaper to fly into La Rioja or Cantabria?
Prices for flights to both Cantabria and La Rioja 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
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Food Meals for one dayLa Rioja €67,087Cantabria €1,773
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.La Rioja €24,435Cantabria €1,863
Tours and Activities in La Rioja
For La Rioja, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Semi-Private La Rioja Tour of 3 Premium Wineries from Bilbao: $266
Tours and Activities in Cantabria
Here are a few actual costs in Cantabria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Barcena Mayor and Carmona Tour from Santander Small Groups: $71
- From Bilbao: Villages of Cantabria Private Tour with Lunch: $292
- Playa de la Arnía: UNESCO Costa Quebrada Private Tour: $266
- Private Guided Walking Tour of Santillana del Mar: $217
- Private Walking Tour of Altamira and Neocave Museum: $241
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLa Rioja €6,453Cantabria €345
Sample the Local Flavors in La Rioja
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in La Rioja:
- Rioja: Wine tasting and sampling at the Martínez Alesanco family winery: $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Rioja and Cantabria, we can see that La Rioja is more expensive. And not only is Cantabria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cantabria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cantabria 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 La Rioja would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Rioja than you might in Cantabria.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Rioja Expensive? and Is Cantabria Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, La Rioja or Cantabria?
Cantabria has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of La Rioja. When comparing the sizes of La Rioja and Cantabria, 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.
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.