A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers London vs. Santiago for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit London or Santiago?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between London and Santiago can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: London or Santiago?

London

The capital of the United Kingdom is a thriving multicultural metropolis. Steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, London is energetic, majestic, ambitious and one of the world's greatest cities. London is a cultural and fashion capital, a great place to go out, an amazing place to eat and one of those cities that is constantly changing with new and exciting things sprouting up almost every day. History and tradition greet you at every turn in the UK's capital. London is also a city with an edgy underbelly, delighting in neon pink dive bars, cheeky graffiti and mind-blowing street food. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub or relax in one of the city's many parks. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is busy, vibrant and very tourist friendly. The only problem with London is that it's very expensive; it can eat away at your budget if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are also tons of free or cheap things to do in London that can fill your time.

Santiago

Santiago is the capital city of Chile. It is centrally located in the long and narrow country, making it a good jumping off point to explore everywhere else. It's convenient location means that you can go skiing in the Andes one day, and hang out at the beach the next.

Santiago has a cool semi-arid climate that is similar to Mediterranean climates. The summers, which are between November and March, are warm and dry. The temperatures climb to around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The winters, between June and August, are humid with cold mornings. The daily highs are around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows stay a few degrees above freezing. Rain is more common in the winter months and the dry season is between December and March.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or London?

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

  • London Prices
    UK Prices
    Santiago Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    London £217
    Santiago £115

The average daily cost (per person) in London is £217, while the average daily cost in Santiago is £115. 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 London and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    London £125
    Santiago £84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    London £250
    Santiago £168
Compare Hotels in London and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in London or Santiago? 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 London


Hotels in Santiago


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: London Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    London £26
    Santiago £4.14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in London

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


  • Taxi Ride
    £15
  • Heathrow Express
    £18
  • Luggage Storage
    £8.00
  • London Map
    £1.29
  • Oyster Card
    £36
  • Train to Gatwick Airport (2)
    £22
  • Oyster Card
    £27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in London

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

  • Bus Transfer Between Heathrow Airport & Radisson RED: $9.15
  • Transfer Heathrow Airport to/from Renaissance Hotel: $9.15
  • Bus Transfer between Heathrow Airport & Premier Inn: $9.15
  • Stansted airport: Bus transfer from/to Cambridge: $12
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Birmingham: $15
  • Gatwick Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Bristol: $16
  • Bus Transfer between Heathrow & Luton Airports: $17
  • Manchester Airport : Bus transferring to/from London: $17
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Bristol City Center: $18
  • Luton Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Birmingham: $18
  • Luton Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Oxford Gloucester Green: $26
  • Birmingham Airport : Bus transferring to/from Luton Airport: $28

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:


  • Metro Ride
    £0.87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • Private Scenic Transfer to Mendoza.: $467
  • Airport Transfer and Halfday City tour Santiago de Chile: $362
  • Private Transfer to Ski Centers: $299
  • Santiago de Chile: Private Transfer to San Antonio / Port: $270
  • Private Transfer to Sewell UNESCO Andes Town Tour with Lunch: $269
  • Maipo Valley Wine Tour, Concha y Toro, Private Transfer from Santiago: $262
  • Private cruise transfer: Puerto San Antonio or Valparaíso ↔ Santiago: $260
  • Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to San Antonio: $255
  • Private Transfer Santiago Airport SCL to Vina Concon Valparaiso: $250
  • Private Santiago, Visit Concha y Toro Winery and Transfer: $250
  • Portillo and Laguna Del Inca, Exclusive Guide and Private Transfer: $250
  • Private Transfer San Antonio Cruise from Santiago to Valparaiso: $250

Is it cheaper to fly into London or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and London 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
    London £59
    Santiago £17
Typical Food Prices in London

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:


  • Lunch at Starbucks
    £13
  • Tea
    £6.00
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    £39
  • Morning Tea
    £6.35
  • Pastry
    £5.00
  • Sushi Dinner for One
    £18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London

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

  • London Sweet Treats Food Tour: Choose Your Own Sweet Treats & Tea: $48
  • Pizza Making Masterclass: $62
  • French Cuisine Dinner & Comedy Show Experience, Covent Garden: $88
  • London Borough Market Holiday Food Tour: Sweet Treats & Tea Tour: $89
  • London Sweet Treats Food Tour: Covent Garden & West End: $89
  • Peruvian Fusion Dinner & Comedy Show Experience, Covent Garden: $89
  • Authentic Japanese Cooking Class in North London Home: $94
  • East London Indian Food Tour with 8+ Authentic Food Tastings: $101
  • London Bridge & Borough Market Food Tour with 7 Must-Do Tastings: $102
  • Devour Borough Market & Leadenhall Food Tour with Wine: $107
  • Plant Power - Vegan Food Tour: $117
  • Japanese Izakaya Dinner & Comedy Show Experience, Covent Garden: $117

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:


  • Empanada
    £1.44
  • Hamburger
    £1.91
  • Dinner
    £20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago

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

  • Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $56
  • Best Santiago Street Food Tour with 4+ Tastings and Drink: $58
  • Mercado Meals Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $60
  • 4h Cooking Class in 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $77
  • 4h Cooking Class in Santiago : 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $85
  • Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
  • Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
  • Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
  • Barrio Italia Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $119
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $125
  • San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
  • Dinner Show in Bali Hai with Wine refill and transportation: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    London £33
    Santiago £36
Typical Entertainment Prices in London

For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Two Tickets to a Concert
    £83
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    £34
  • London Pass
    £47
  • Comedy Show
    £8.00

Tours and Activities in London

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.

  • London Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.52
  • London's Hidden Gems Self Guided City Tour: $3.52
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in London: $4.69
  • Bohemian Bloomsbury: Literary London Walking Audio Tour: $5.00
  • London’s Most Luxurious Neighbourhood: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Mayfair: $5.00
  • London Mob Revenge in Westminster: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.28
  • National Gallery Audio Tour (No Entry Ticket): $5.49
  • London’s West End at War: Self-Guided WWII Puzzle Adventure: $5.98
  • London Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $5.98
  • Central London Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $6.16
  • Covent Garden Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $6.18
  • London Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $6.49

Tours and Activities in Santiago

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:

  • "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $27
  • 1 Day Tour of Viña Concha y Toro from Santiago: $120
  • 1 Day Valparaiso and Vina del Mar Tour from Santiago: $51
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour of Yungay The Coolest Neighborhood in Chile: $35
  • 3 Hours Santiago Blend Walking Tour: $30
  • A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -: $25
  • Adventure in Portillo: Laguna del Inca and Mountain Picnic: $100
  • All Santiago in One Day: Private Guided Tour: $250
  • An Architect's Tour of Downtown Santiago: $60
  • Andean Adventure: Cajón del Maipo & El Morado Lodge and Spa: $147
  • Andes Day Lagoon in Cajón del Maipo & Embalse el Yeso Private Tour: $270
  • Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    London £15
    Santiago £6.43

Sample the Local Flavors in London

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

  • City of London Historic Pub Tour: $16
  • London Italian Wine Tasting at Historic St Marks Church: $32
  • London PUB CRAWL Shots Pints & Good Times: $34
  • The Great British Pub Walking Tour: London: $40
  • Sipsmith Distillery Tour and Complimentary Tasting: $41
  • Potter Pub Tour for Muggles: London: $44
  • London Sightseeing Gusbourne Sparkling Wine Tasting & Cheese: $67
  • London Historical Pub Tour with Pilgrims and Pirates: $81
  • Pub Crawl and Sing Along London Experience: $81
  • London Historical Pub Tour with Pilgrims and Pirates: $82
  • Amy Winehouse Camden Pub Tour with beer: $96
  • Private Group: Historical Pub Walking Tour of London: $172

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago

Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • "Chile in Your Glass" Wine Tasting.: $22
  • Pub Crawl with Unlimited Beer and Welcome Shots: $25
  • Cousiño Macul Heritage Wine Tour with Tastings: $25
  • Traditional Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Official English: $27
  • "Premium Wine Tour" Viña Cousiño Macul Official english: $45
  • Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $55
  • Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
  • Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $62
  • Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $68
  • Valparaíso and Vineyard of the Sea with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $68
  • Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
  • Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between London and Santiago, we can see that London is more expensive. And not only is Santiago much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since London is in Europe and Santiago 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 Santiago would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London than you might in Santiago.

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


Which is Bigger, London or Santiago?

London has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Santiago. When comparing the sizes of London and Santiago, 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 London or Santiago?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Santiago is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but London has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit London or Santiago in the Summer?

Both Santiago and London during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to London in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, London is generally cooler than Santiagoin January. Daily temperatures in London average around 18°C (64°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

London usually gets more rain in July than Santiagoin January. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    London 18°C (64°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit London or Santiago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Santiago. Most visitors come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

London is cooler than Santiago in the autumn. The daily temperature in London averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in April.

In October, London usually receives more rain than Santiagoin April. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    London 12°C (53°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit London or Santiago in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to London as well as Santiago. The winter months attract visitors to London because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in London can be very cold. In the winter, London is much colder than Santiago. Typically, the winter temperatures in London in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Santiago averages at about 9°C (48°F)in July.

London usually gets less rain in January than Santiagoin July. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    London 4°C (40°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit London or Santiago in the Spring?

Both Santiago and London are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to London this time of year.

In April, London is generally much colder than Santiagoin October. Daily temperatures in London average around 9°C (48°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In April, London usually receives more rain than Santiagoin October. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    London 9°C (48°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and London

London Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)