Which place is cheaper, Santander or Lagos?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Lagos or Santander?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Santander. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Lagos or Santander?
Lagos
A coastal town in the south of Portugal, Lagos is known for its old world charm, plummeting cliffs, and Atlantic beaches. Many come to enjoy a full range of activities from beach-going and watersports to exploring cobbled streets lined with options for shopping and dining. Historic churches and castles add to the charm, as well as a clifftop lighthouse showing the way to Lagos for ships at sea.
Santander
Santander is the capital of the Cantabria Region which runs along the northern coast of Spain. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLagos €118Santander €108
The average daily cost (per person) in Lagos is €118, while the average daily cost in Santander is €108. 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 Lagos and Santander in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLagos €61Santander €51
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLagos €122Santander €102
Compare Hotels in Lagos and Santander
Looking for a hotel in Lagos or Santander? 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: Lagos Hotel Prices and Santander Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lagos €31Santander €24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lagos
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:
- Car or Van Departure Transfer Meia Praia or Lagos to Faro Airport: $78
- Faro Airport to/from Lagos/Private Transfer max 4 passengers: $118
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer With Options To or From Lagos: $128
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to/from Monchique or Lagos: $103
- Private Transfer from Faro Airport Up to 8 passengers: $132
- Private Transfer from Lisbon Airport Up to 8 pax: $487
- Private Transfer to Faro Airport (60 min): $107
- Private Transfer from Budens to Faro (FAO) Airport: $130
- Private Transfer from Gil Eannes Square to Faro (FAO) Airport: $102
- Private Transfer from Praia da Luz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $102
- Private Transfer from Quinta Falzina to Faro (FAO) Airport: $141
- Private Transfer from Santa Maria (Lagos) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $102
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $41
- Private Transfer from Santander Port to Bilbao Airport: $252
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $252
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $252
- Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $35
- Santander Private Departure Transfer: $35
- Santander Private Transfer from Santander Airport to City centre: $44
- Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $44
Is it cheaper to fly into Lagos or Santander?
Prices for flights to both Santander and Lagos 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 dayLagos €34Santander €41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lagos
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lagos.
- Classic Food Tour - Lagos: $97
- Full-Day West Coast Adventure with Hiking, Sunset, Dinner & Wine : $120
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lagos €26Santander €18
Tours and Activities in Lagos
Here are a few actual costs in Lagos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Lagos Scavenger Hunt and Sights Private Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Guided Walking Tour with Brodie from Australia: $16
- Ponta da Piedade Rock Formations Guided Boat Tour: $19
- Tour to go inside the Ponta da Piedade Caves/Grottos and see the beaches - Lagos: $20
- Lagos Street Art: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
- In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
- Ponta da Piedade Grotto Tour: $22
- Boat Tours: $27
- Ponta da Piedade Grotto Tour in Lagos, Algarve: $27
- Coast Cruise Trip to Ponta da Piedade from Lagos: $29
- NATURA TOUR - Countryside of Lagos - ECO TUK and LOCAL guide: $29
- TUK TUK Tour Lagos Old& New Town& Beaches- Best way to know: $31
Tours and Activities in Santander
Here are a few actual costs in Santander for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay: $14
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
- City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
- Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket: $26
- From Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour: $42
- Full Day Tour Lakes of Covadonga and Santillana from Santander: $46
- Guided Tour by Electric Bike: $53
- Full Day Self Guided Tour in Santillana del Mar and Comillas: $55
- From Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour: $64
- Santoña: Anchovy Factory Tour and Boat Trip: $70
- Tour to the Towns of the Western Coast of Cantabria: $79
- Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour: $82
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLagos €6.79Santander €14
Sample the Local Flavors in Lagos
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:
- Lagos Wine Tasting and Tapas: $44
- Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting: $86
When comparing the travel costs between Lagos and Santander, we can see that Lagos 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 Lagos Expensive? and Is Santander Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lagos or Santander?
Santander has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos and Santander, 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 Lagos or Santander?
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 Lagos or Santander in the Summer?
Both Santander and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Lagos is generally a little warmer than Santander. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 25°C (77°F), and Santander fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite rainy in Lagos. In July, Lagos usually receives more rain than Santander. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Santander receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLagos 25°C (77°F)Santander 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Lagos or Santander in the Autumn?
Both Santander and Lagos during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lagos in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Lagos is much warmer than Santander in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Santander fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Santander gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets less rain in October than Santander. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Santander receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLagos 26°C (79°F)Santander 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Lagos or Santander in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Santander. Most visitors come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Lagos is much warmer than Santander. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lagos in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Santander averages at about 9°C (49°F).
Santander receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Lagos usually receives less rain than Santander. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Santander receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLagos 27°C (81°F)Santander 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Lagos or Santander in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Santander. The spring months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Lagos is generally much warmer than Santander. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 28°C (82°F), and Santander fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
It's quite rainy in Santander. Lagos receives a lot of rain in the spring. Lagos usually gets more rain in April than Santander. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Santander receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLagos 28°C (82°F)Santander 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Santander and Lagos
| Lagos | Santander | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 29°C (84°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (79°F) | 316 mm (12.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 15 mm (0.6 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.