A Travel Price Comparison for Spain La Rioja vs. Cantabria for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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.


Which place is cheaper, Cantabria or La Rioja?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in La Rioja is €0.00, while the average daily cost in Cantabria is €0.00. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Rioja -
    Cantabria -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Rioja 0.00
    Cantabria 0.00
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.

Hotels in La Rioja


Hotels in Cantabria


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Rioja -
    Cantabria -

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    La Rioja -
    Cantabria -

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Rioja -
    Cantabria -

Tours and Activities in La Rioja

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

  • Private Vineyards Tour in San Vicente de la Sonsierra: $93
  • Private Tour to 3 Wineries with Tastings: $802

Tours and Activities in Cantabria

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

  • From Bilbao: Villages of Cantabria Private Tour with Lunch: $263

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Rioja -
    Cantabria -

Sample the Local Flavors in La Rioja

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in La Rioja:

  • Private Wine Tasting in San Vicente de la Sonsierra: $60
  • Rioja: Private Wine Tasting Tour: $421


When comparing the travel costs between La Rioja and Cantabria, we can see that La Rioja 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 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.