Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Marbella?
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 Marbella or Santiago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella 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: Marbella or Santiago?
Marbella
Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.
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 Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
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Marbella Prices
Spain PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMarbella €145Santiago €134
The average daily cost (per person) in Marbella is €145, while the average daily cost in Santiago is €134. 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 Marbella and Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMarbella €61Santiago €97
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMarbella €122Santiago €194
Compare Hotels in Marbella and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Marbella 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: Marbella Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Marbella €24Santiago €4.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella
Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Climb La Concha Peak - Guided Hike with Transfer: $79
- Vip Malaga Private Transfer to Marbella: $99
- Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Marbella: $111
- TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to MARBELLA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $118
- TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to PUERTO BANUS-PRICE ALL INCUSIVE: $130
- Private Transfer from Marbella to Malaga (AGP) airport: $143
- Costa del Sol: Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Malaga Airport: $158
- Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $167
- Private Transfer from La Quinta Golf Resort to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $168
- Private Transfer from Alhaurín El Grande to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $220
- Private Transfer from Torreblanca to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $254
- Private Transfer from Algarrobo to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $279
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€1.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Villard Winery with exclusive guide + Premium Transfer: $220
- Valparaíso Cruise Port Transfer with Viña del Mar & Vineyard: $90
- Transfer to San Antonio port with Valparaiso & Casablanca tour: $95
- Transfer from Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski to Santiago: $83
- Transfer from Santiago To Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski: $100
- Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago Centro Commune: $52
- Transfer by Electric Car SCL Airport Santiago, Chile: $61
- Transfer Private Airport SCL to Hotels and Airbnb in Santiago: $60
- Transfer Parque Farellones Fullday 50%OFF: $59
- Transfer From Portillo Ski center to Santiago Airport or Hotel: $97
- Transfer Airport/Port - Hotel: $65
- Tour to Santiago and Valparaiso with Transfers included: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Marbella or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago and Marbella 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 dayMarbella €66Santiago €20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella
For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Dinner Experience Spanish Horses and Flamenco Fusion: $76
- Marbella Food Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $77
- Marbella Food Tour with Tapas & Drinks with a Local: $94
- Marbella Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour With Local Guide: $100
- Explore Marbella Old Town: Authentic Tapas Food Tour: $104
- The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $194
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada€1.68
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Hamburger€2.23
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Dinner€23
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Marbella €19Santiago €42
Tours and Activities in Marbella
For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- The Magic Coins of Outdoor Escape Adventure: $7.06
- Magic Blocks in Estepona: Quest Experience: $7.06
- Glorious Grazalema Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
- Quizygolf Marbella, Minigolf Ticket: $12
- Marbella’s Old Town: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $15
- Marbella Old Town Guided Tour ️: $22
- City Highlights Tour: $23
- Marbella Old Town: Group Tour with a True Local: $26
- Sightseeing Walking Tour: $28
- The Monks Trail: Mountain Hiking Adventure In Marbella: $34
- Bike City Tour Marbella: $35
- Private Walking Tour with a Local: $35
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMarbella €5.71Santiago €7.48
Sample the Local Flavors in Marbella
Also in Marbella, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- E-Mountain Bike & Wine Tour from Marbella to Sierra Blanca: $117
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 comparing the travel costs between Marbella and Santiago, we can see that Marbella 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. Even though Marbella is in Europe and Santiago is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Marbella Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Marbella or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Marbella or Santiago in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Santiago. Many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Marbella is a little warmer than Santiago in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in January.
Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Santiagoin January. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 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 JanuaryMarbella 25°C (77°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Santiago in the Autumn?
Both Santiago and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marbella in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Marbella is a little warmer than Santiago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in April.
In October, Marbella usually receives more rain than Santiagoin April. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 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 AprilMarbella 19°C (67°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Santiago in the Winter?
Both Santiago and Marbella during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Santiagoin July. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Marbella usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Santiagoin July. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 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 JulyMarbella 12°C (54°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Marbella or Santiago in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Santiago. The spring months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
Marbella is around the same temperature as Santiago in the spring. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in October.
In April, Marbella usually receives more rain than Santiagoin October. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 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 OctoberMarbella 16°C (60°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Marbella
| Marbella | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (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.