Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Montevideo?
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 Montevideo or Santiago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montevideo and Santiago can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Montevideo or Santiago?
Montevideo
As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
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Montevideo Prices
Uruguay PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontevideo $70Santiago $155
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $70, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $155. 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 Montevideo and Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontevideo $38Santiago $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $76Santiago $226
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Montevideo 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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montevideo $6.99Santiago $5.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Montevideo Airport to Hotel O Hotel - Aero: $23
- Montevideo to Carrasco Airport (MVD) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
- Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $40
- Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $41
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $41
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $41
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $41
- Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- Transfer from Carrasco International Aiport to Montevideo: $47
- Shared One-Way Transfer: Airport ↔ Hotel: $49
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$1.16
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 Santiago Visit Haras de Pirque Winery and Transfer Hotel: $300
- Private Santiago, Visit Santa Rita Winery and Transfer to Hotel: $300
- Private Transfer from Santiago or Santiago Airport to Colchagua or Santa Cruz: $300
- Private Transfer to Ski Centers: $299
- Private Transfer Between Santiago and Cruise Port: $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: $255
Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago and Montevideo 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 dayMontevideo $22Santiago $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Best Montevideo Street Food Tour With 5 tastings: $65
- Private Uruguayan Cooking Class with Local Chef: $85
- Uruguayan Wine Pairing Dinner at City Winery Uruguay: $90
- Show + Dinner - El Milongon (No Transport): $93
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $98
- Dinner and Tango Show at Primuseum Restaurant: $100
- Dinner and Tango Show at the Historic Bar Fun Fun, Established in 1895: $100
- Traditional Dinner & Tango Show at Primuseum: $110
- Food Tour with Asado, Chivito, and Mate: $221
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.94
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Hamburger$2.57
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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.
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $56
- Best Santiago Street Food Tour with 4+ Tastings and Drink: $57
- Mercado Meals Santiago Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $59
- Mercado Meals Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $60
- 4h Cooking Class in 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $77
- Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
- Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
- Santiago Food Tour: Bohemian Flavors and Local Gems: $109
- 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
- Alyan Family Wines Sunset Experience with Dinner and Transfer: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montevideo $20Santiago $49
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
- Montevideo Audio guided walking tour 3h and 19 audio commentary: $6.92
- El Juguetero Museum Entry Ticket: $7.00
- Museo Andes 1972 / Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
- Guided Tour of the National Hat Factory: $10
- Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $13
- Complete Half-Day Tour with Guide and 6 Stops: $20
- Experience the Local Magic at a Bohemian Nightclub with a Live Show: $20
- Montevideo Full Unique Tour Includes Barrio Carrasco: $23
- Half-Day City Tour with Live Guide: $25
- Montevideo Jogging Tour: $25
- Tourist Bus Discover Montevideo: $25
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
- 3 Hours Santiago Blend Walking Tour: $30
- A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -: $25
- Adega Montes Guided Tour with Private Transportation: $300
- Adventure in Portillo: Laguna del Inca and Mountain Picnic: $100
- An Architect's Tour of Downtown Santiago: $60
- Andean Adventure: Cajón del Maipo & El Morado Lodge and Spa: $147
- Andean Tour: $200
- Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago: $120
- Andes Day Volcano 8k Private Tour: $270
- Andes Panoramico - Guided Sightseeing Tour from Santiago: $87
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontevideo -Santiago $8.64
Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:
- Bodega Pizzorno wine tasting in Montevideo: $45
- Wine tasting of 4 wines from 4 wineries & empanadas in Montevideo: $50
- Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $125
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Private Wine Tours by Wine Explorers Uruguay: $205
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $220
- Wine Tasting Tour for Cruise Passengers: $450
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
- "Premium Wine Tour" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial portugués: $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
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $75
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
- Half Day Trip to Cousiño Macul Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montevideo and Santiago, we can see that Santiago is more expensive. And not only is Montevideo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montevideo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montevideo 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 Montevideo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montevideo Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Montevideo. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo 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 Montevideo or Santiago?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Montevideo or Santiago in the Summer?
Both Santiago and Montevideo during the summer are popular places to visit.
In January, Montevideo is generally a little warmer than Santiago. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 24°C (75°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Montevideo usually gets more rain in January than Santiago. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 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 JanuaryMontevideo 24°C (75°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Santiago in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and Santiago.
Montevideo is a little warmer than Santiago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Montevideo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Santiago. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 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 AprilMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Santiago in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as Santiago.
In the winter, Montevideo is a little warmer than Santiago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montevideo in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Santiago averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Montevideo usually gets less rain in July than Santiago. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 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 JulyMontevideo 11°C (52°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Santiago in the Spring?
Both Santiago and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In October, Montevideo is generally a little warmer than Santiago. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 17°C (63°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite rainy in Montevideo. In October, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Santiago. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 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 OctoberMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Montevideo
| Montevideo | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.