Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Luang Prabang or Santiago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Santiago, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Luang Prabang or Santiago?
Luang Prabang
Southeast Asia is a region full of mystical wonders and cultural charm, but nowhere is as charming as the city of Luang Prabang. As the former capital of Laos, Luang Prabang was reopened to tourism in 1989. With that move the city experienced an upswing in revenue and was able to restore and rebuild the beautiful colonial mansions to serve as guesthouses and hotels for the new swarm of tourists.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $17Santiago $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $17, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $159. 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 Luang Prabang and Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.50Santiago $116
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Santiago $232
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang 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.
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: Luang Prabang Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.03Santiago $5.72
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$2.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $70
- Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:
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Metro Ride$1.20
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 from Santiago or Santiago Airport to Colchagua or Santa Cruz: $300
- Private Santiago Visit Haras de Pirque Winery & Transfer Hotel: $300
- Private Santiago, Visit Santa Rita Winery & Transfer to Hotel: $300
- Private Transfer Between Santiago and Cruise Port: $270
- City Tour Santiago with Exclusive Guide + Private Transfer: $270
- 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: $253
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago and Luang Prabang 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
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Food Meals for one dayLuang Prabang $9.10Santiago $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luang Prabang
For Luang Prabang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Luang Prabang Local Market and Morning Food Tour with Drinks: $39
- The Namkhan - Kids Cooking Class: $40
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.99
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Hamburger$2.65
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Dinner$27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Legacy Family Tour Lunch or Dinner Pairing 4 Strokes: $40
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $56
- Street Food Tour in Santiago with a Local Guide: $57
- 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
- Food Tour STGO, Eat like Locals!: $99
- Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
- Santiago Food Tour: Bohemian Flavors and Local Gems: $109
- Lastarria Food Tour: Wine, Bites & Social Culinary Experience: $109
- Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.62Santiago $50
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Luang Prabang to Train Station Shared Minivan Ticket Or Private: $5.00
- Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls Shared Minivan Ticket: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Laos Buffalo Dairy Tours Interact, Learn and Taste Fresh Flavors: $14
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- Laos–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $28
- Luang Prabang Half Day Tour with Mekong River Sunset Cruise: $29
- Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries: $30
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- 1 Day Tour of Isla Negra Algarrobo and Viña Undurraga from Santiago: $112
- 1 Day Tour of Viña Concha y Toro from Santiago: $120
- 1 Day Undurraga Vineyard Tour from Santiago: $120
- 3 Hours Santiago Blend Walking Tour: $30
- 6 Hour Tour of Culture, History and Flavors from Santiago: $75
- A City Tour Walking through the Unforgettable Santiago: $26
- A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -: $25
- A Private Tour of Santiago with an Experienced Local Guide: $162
- A full Private Tour of Valparaiso from Santiago: $238
- Adega Montes Guided Tour with Private Transportation: $300
- Adventure in Portillo: Laguna del Inca and Mountain Picnic: $100
- All Santiago in One Day: Private Guided Tour: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.75Santiago $8.89
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
- Cousiño Macul Heritage Wine Tour with Tastings: $25
- Pub Crawl with Unlimited Beer and Welcome Shots: $25
- Premium Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Spanish official: $45
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $59
- Wine Tasting + Cheeseboard + Gypsum Reservoir: $60
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $62
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $75
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $75
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Santiago, we can see that Santiago is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luang Prabang is in Asia 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 Luang Prabang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luang Prabang 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 Santiago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santiago than you might in Luang Prabang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Luang Prabang Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang or Santiago?
Santiago has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luang Prabang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Santiago in the Summer?
Both Santiago and Luang Prabang during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Santiago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Santiago averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Santiagoin January. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Santiago in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Santiago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Santiagoin April. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Santiagoin April. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Santiago in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Santiago. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Santiago in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F)in July.
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Santiagoin July. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Santiago in the Spring?
Both Santiago and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Santiago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Santiagoin October. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.