A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisbon vs. Valparaiso for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lisbon or Valparaiso?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Lisbon or Valparaiso? 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: Lisbon or Valparaiso?

Lisbon

Portugal's capital city of Lisbon continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination. The cultural scene has come to life in recent years and the city itself is stunningly beautiful. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of hills that create a dramatic and scenic layout. The city has many white-bleached limestone buildings, narrow alleyways, and a laidback charm that appeals to visitors.

Valparaiso

Valparaiso, often referred to as Valpo, is an attractive city on the Pacific Coast in Chile. The city has a population of about 300,000 and is only 120 kilometers west of Santiago. The city's main industries aside from tourism include shipping and petroleum refining.

Valparaiso is popular with travelers because of its bohemian culture and brightly colored homes. It also offers some wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Although the city is short on specific sights, the atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a wonderful place to visit.

Valparaiso has a mild Mediterranean climate that is comparable to San Francisco or Santa Barbara. The summer is dry but fog is common year around. Rain can be heavy during the winter season and snow falls occasionally in the highest parts of the city. Winds can also be strong during the winter months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Valparaiso or Lisbon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €167, while the average daily cost in Valparaiso is €71. 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 Lisbon and Valparaiso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisbon €63
    Valparaiso €30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisbon €126
    Valparaiso €60
Compare Hotels in Lisbon and Valparaiso

Looking for a hotel in Lisbon or Valparaiso? 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 Lisbon


Hotels in Valparaiso


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: Lisbon Hotel Prices and Valparaiso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisbon €25
    Valparaiso €4.13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lisbon

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:


  • Taxi Ride
    €6.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon

Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Private Transfer to Costa da Caparica | Almada | Aroeira: $49
  • Airport Private Transfer to Ericeira | Torres Vedras | Campo Real: $49
  • Airport Transfer | Cruise Port - Estoril | Cascais | Sintra: $86
  • Airport Transfer: Lisbon to Lisbon Airport LIS by Business Car: $69
  • Arrábida Snorkeling Adventure with Transfer from Lisbon: $91
  • Arrival Transfer by Sedan from Lisbon Airport LIS to Lisbon City: $46
  • Arrival Transfer: Lisbon Airport LIS to Lisbon in Business Car: $68
  • Costa da Caparica Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $34
  • From Transfer to Porto with up to 3 City Stops: $257
  • Horse Riding on the Beach with private transfer from Lisbon: $277
  • Lisbon - Coimbra, Private Transfer & up to 3 Cities visits: $640
  • Lisbon - Sintra or Cascais Private Transfer (or vice versa): $137

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Valparaiso

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Valparaiso are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    €2.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valparaiso

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valparaiso:

  • Valparaiso to Santiago Private Transfer or Santiago to Valparaiso: $142
  • Transfer Valparaiso Cruise Terminal to Santiago + Tour & Winery: $99
  • Private Transfer from Viña del Mar to Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport: $248
  • Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel To Santiago City: $89
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Hotel or port To Santiago Airport or Hotel: $110
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Cruise Port to Santiago Hotels: $200
  • Private Transfer from San Antonio Port to Valparaiso or Viña del Mar.: $133
  • Private Transfer Viña del Mar to Santiago Airport: $170
  • Private Transfer From Valparaiso Or Viña Del Mar To San Antonio: $133
  • Private Transfer Cruise Port to Santiago with Wine tour & tasting: $235

Is it cheaper to fly into Lisbon or Valparaiso?

Prices for flights to both Valparaiso and Lisbon 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
    Lisbon €73
    Valparaiso €33
Typical Food Prices in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    €2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Premium Sangria & Pizza Cruise with Open Bar: $28
  • Lisbon Luxury Cozy Cruise with Drinks & Pizza: $30
  • Lisbon Luxury Cruise Experience with Sangria & Pizza: $30
  • 1 Hour Wine Tasting Apéritif Before Dinner: $33
  • Lisbon Night Cozy Boat Cruise with Open Bar & Pizza: $34
  • Lisbon Sunset Cozy Boat Cruise with Open Bar & Pizza: $37
  • Lisbon Night Party Cruise with DJ, Pizza & Drinks: $46
  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Lisbon: $57
  • Lisbon Fado Experience: Walking Tour, Dinner and Live Music Show: $63
  • Mesa de Frades Dinner in Lisbon Fado Show Portuguese Live Music: $69
  • Award-Winning Guided Walking Food Tour with Local Drinks: $71
  • Discover Fado with Concert and Dinner included: $74

Typical Food Prices in Valparaiso

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Valparaiso:


  • Empanada
    €1.61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valparaiso

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

  • 3hr Viña del Mar Cooking Class with local : Ceviche & Leche Asada: $29
  • Cooking Classes in Viña del Mar Learn to Make Tapas and Desserts: $75
  • Learn to Cook Like a Local: Cooking Class in a Viña del Mar Home: $132

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lisbon €24
    Valparaiso €16

Tours and Activities in Lisbon

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

  • Lisbon Walking Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.18
  • Lisbon Alfama Morning Walking Tour: Old Town & Viewpoints: $1.19
  • Belém Morning Walking Tour: Discoveries, Gold & Pastéis: $1.19
  • Age of Discoveries Walking Tour in Belém: $3.42
  • Lisbon Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.42
  • Lisbon Fundamental Tour with Revolutours: $3.42
  • Lisbon Belém Walking Tour with Dog Lilly and Guide Annie: $3.42
  • Lisbon Walking Tour - Discover Belém and the Discoveries Age: $3.42
  • Lisbon Walking Tour: $3.42
  • Lisbon City Center Tour - The Unmissable Lisbon: $3.42
  • Lisbon Walking Tour: Baixa, Chiado & the 1755 Earthquake: $3.43
  • Lisbon Alfama Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $3.43

Typical Entertainment Prices in Valparaiso

Here are a few typical costs in Valparaiso for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Boat Tour
    €3.59

Tours and Activities in Valparaiso

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

  • A Romantic Journey Through Viña del Mar - Private Tour: $214
  • Cultural Tour of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar: $38
  • Explore and Sail Valparaíso and Viña del Mar Tour: $58
  • Famous Valparaíso! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $40
  • Famous Viña del Mar! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $40
  • Full Day Private Walking Tour with a Native Guide & Public Transport: $120
  • Full-Day Tour of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Reñaca & Concón: $180
  • Gastronomic Tour in Valparaiso: $216
  • Guided Panoramic Tour in Valparaíso: $40
  • Guided tour Vina del Mar Reñaca beaches music and nature: $45
  • Jewels of Viña del Mar – Private Walking Tour: $214
  • Mamalluca Astronomical Stargazing Experience - La Serena: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisbon €18
    Valparaiso €6.66

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:

  • Lisbon Port Wine Tasting at Taylors Shop and Tasting Room: $19
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl Nightlife Experience Bars Games and Club Entry: $21
  • Halloween Haunts: Lisbon Pub Crawl Experience: $23
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: $23
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: $23
  • Port Wine Tasting Experience in Lisbon: $29
  • A Taste of Wine Tasting Experience: $40
  • Portuguese Wine Tasting Experience in Lisbon: $43
  • Wine Tasting with the best view in Lisbon: $51
  • Wine tasting at Quinta das Murgas: $63
  • Lisbon Small-Group Portuguese Food and Wine Tour: $75
  • Food & Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $80

Typical Alcohol Prices in Valparaiso

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Valparaiso are as follows:


  • Beer
    €0.85

Sample the Local Flavors in Valparaiso

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Valparaiso:

  • Valparaiso Cruise Port to Santiago with Tour and Wine Tasting: $100
  • From Santiago: Aconcagua Valley Wine Tour: $129
  • Private Wine Tour in Valparaiso: $290
  • A Valparaíso 100% Private Tour + Casablanca Wine Tasting: $320


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Valparaiso, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. And not only is Valparaiso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lisbon is in Europe and Valparaiso is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Valparaiso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valparaiso 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 Lisbon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisbon than you might in Valparaiso.

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


Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Valparaiso?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Valparaiso. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Valparaiso, 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.