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 €74. 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 32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisbon 126
    Valparaiso 64
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 4.35
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 Transfer Service in Lisbon: $140
  • Airport transfer to Lisbon (metropolitan area).: $64
  • Arrival Transfer by Sedan from Lisbon Airport LIS to Lisbon City: $47
  • Cascais Aerodrome (CAT) to Lisbon city - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
  • Costa da Caparica Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $35
  • From Lisbon to Porto Luxury Transfer stops Óbidos,Coimbra,Aveiro: $192
  • Horse Riding on the Beach with private transfer from Lisbon: $282
  • Lisbon - Coimbra, Private Transfer & up to 3 Cities visits: $640
  • Lisbon - Sintra or Cascais Private Transfer (or vice versa): $140
  • Lisbon Airport (LIS) Private Transfer – Arrival or Departure: $31
  • Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Lisbon Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Lisbon Airport (LIS) to Lisbon Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $82

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Valparaiso

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


  • Taxi Ride
    2.83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valparaiso

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valparaiso:

  • Valparaiso to Santiago Private Transfer or Santiago to Valparaiso: $142
  • Transfers from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to Santiago: $120
  • Private transfer from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to San Antonio: $133
  • Private Transfer from Viña del Mar to Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport: $253
  • 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: $204
  • Private Transfer Viña del Mar to Santiago Airport: $170
  • Private Transfer Cruise Port to Santiago with Wine tour & tasting: $209

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 35
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:

  • Lisbon Sunset Luxury Boat Vibes with Drinks & Pizza: $31
  • Lisbon Night Luxury Boat Vibes with Drinks & Pizza: $31
  • Lisbon Luxury Cozy Cruise with Drinks & Pizza: $31
  • Lisbon Night Cozy Boat Cruise with Open Bar & Pizza: $35
  • Lisbon Sunset Cozy Boat Cruise with Open Bar & Pizza: $37
  • Lisbon Sunset DJ Party Cruise with Pizza & Drinks: $41
  • Lisbon Night Party Cruise with DJ, Pizza & Drinks: $47
  • Dinner with Rising Stars of Fado at Canto do Poeta: $64
  • Taste Lisbon Like a Local: The Ultimate Full-Meal Food Tour: $76
  • Show in Lisbon with Dinner: $76
  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Lisbon: $79
  • Vegan Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Lisbon: $79

Typical Food Prices in Valparaiso

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


  • Empanada
    1.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valparaiso

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

  • 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:

  • Alfama Walking Tour Lisbon: $0.69
  • Bairro Alto + Downtown Walking Tour: $0.69
  • Alfama and Mouraria Tour - The oldest neighbourhoods in Lisbon: $1.20
  • Lisbon Walking Tour: Baixa, Chiado & the 1755 Earthquake: $2.80
  • Alfama Tour in Lisbon Old Town: $3.49
  • Walk Lisbon Like a Local: Bairro Alto & Downtown Experience: $3.49
  • Lisbon Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.49
  • Lisbon City Center Tour - The Unmissable Lisbon: $3.49
  • Lisbon Belém Walking Tour with Dog Lilly and Guide Annie: $3.49
  • Lisbon Walking Tour: $3.49
  • Self-Guided Tours in Lisbon with 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.49
  • Lisbon Walking Tour - Discover Belém and the Discoveries Age: $3.49

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
    3.77

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: $218
  • Cultural Tour of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar: $40
  • Explore 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: $189
  • 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: $218
  • LGBT Tour Valparaiso: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisbon 18
    Valparaiso 7.01

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

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

  • Lisbon Pub Crawl Nightlife Experience Bars Games and Club Entry: $22
  • Private Pub Crawl in Lisbon: $23
  • Lisbon Rooftop Bar Crawl Private Group Experience: $23
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: $23
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: $23
  • Halloween Haunts: Lisbon Pub Crawl Experience: $29
  • A Taste of Wine Tasting Experience: $41
  • Wine Tasting with a Perfumer: $64
  • Lisbon Small-Group Portuguese Food and Wine Tour: $77
  • Small-Group Évora & Monsaraz Tour with Wine Tasting from Lisbon: $78
  • Lisbon Food and Wine Tasting Tour of HIDDEN GEMS (Small Groups): $84
  • Devour Lisbon Bairro Alto Evening Food & Wine Tour: $104

Typical Alcohol Prices in Valparaiso

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


  • Beer
    0.90

Sample the Local Flavors in Valparaiso

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Valparaiso:

  • From Santiago: Aconcagua Valley Wine Tour: $129
  • Private Wine Tour in Valparaiso: $273
  • 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.