Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Osaka?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Osaka or Santiago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka 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: Osaka or Santiago?
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
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 Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOsaka $88Santiago $143
The average daily cost (per person) in Osaka is $88, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $143. 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 Osaka and Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOsaka $45Santiago $111
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOsaka $90Santiago $222
Compare Hotels in Osaka and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Osaka 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: Osaka Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Osaka $14Santiago $5.48
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
-
Subway$7.84
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Osaka Itami Airport to/from Osaka City: Shared Transfer: $23
- Shared Departure Transfer: Osaka City to Osaka Itami Airport: $26
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Osaka City: $26
- Private Transfer from Osaka Airport (ITM) to Maizuru Cruise Port: $48
- Osaka Airport ITM to Arima Onsen Resorts Arrival Transfer: $55
- Kuchu Teien Observatory Ticket with Private Transfer: $63
- Private Transfer from Osaka Cruise Port to Osaka city hotels: $66
- Private Transfer from Osaka city hotels to Osaka Cruise Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Osaka Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $66
- Osaka Int Airport (ITM) to Osaka city - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- Shared Departure Transfer : Osaka City to Kansai International Airport: $69
- Airport Transfer from Osaka city to Kansai airport: $70
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:
-
Metro Ride$1.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- from Santiago airport private arrival transfer to the Valparaiso pier: $251
- Visit Montes Winery (7th World Best Wine) & Transfer to Hotel: $300
- Transfer from or to the airport in Santiago, Chile: $60
- Transfer from Santiago to Portillo Ski Center: $160
- Transfer from Santiago To Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski: $83
- Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago Centro Commune: $52
- Transfer To Valle Nevado Private for small groups: $250
- Transfer Santiago to Cruise Port in Valparaiso or San Antonio: $250
- Transfer Santiago Airport to the commune of Providencia: $56
- Transfer Santiago - Viña del Mar: $210
- Transfer Santiago - Valparaíso: $210
- Transfer Privado Entre Santiago Y El Aeropuerto: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Osaka or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago and Osaka 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 dayOsaka $25Santiago $13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $23
- Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $26
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $27
- Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $37
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $47
- Nosatlgic Namba Osaka Street Food Tour.: $48
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $50
- Home Cooking Class: $51
- Homemade Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka: $51
- Enjoy artistic TEMPURA Cooking Class: $60
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $63
- Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
-
Empanada$1.91
-
Hamburger$2.54
-
Dinner$26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation in Santiago: $107
- Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
- Dinner Show in Bali Hai: $109
- Sunset at Alyan Family Wines Winery with Dinner: $116
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $117
- Small-Group Night City Tour: San Cristobal Hill and Dinner Show: $120
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour with Dinner and Show: $150
- Private Dinner and Show with Transfers: $158
- Traditional Chilean Cooking Class with a Local in Her Santiago Countryside Home: $168
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Osaka $20Santiago $48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Osaka Castle: Museum and Tower Entry Ticket: $3.92
- Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.58
- Table Tennis Experience with Local Players: $4.58
- Ryurei Teicha: Chanoyu (Tea Ceremony) Experience in Osaka: $5.23
- Osaka Sakishima Observatory Advance Ticket: $5.88
- Tsutenkaku Tower Entry Ticket: $6.54
- Tsutenkaku Entry Ticket: $7.68
- Dotonbori District Sightseeing Cruise & Beer Discount: $7.84
- Osaka Dotonbori Wonder Cruise: $8.02
- Umeda Sky Building E-Ticket: $9.81
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory E-Ticket: $12
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Experience Wildlife Encounter in Provincia Mountain of Chile.: $235
- Private Adventure at 4200 meters above sea level in the Chilean Andes Cerro Pintor: $300
- 4 Hour Santa Rita Winery All inclusive Tour for Wine Lover: $269
- A Private Tour of Valparaiso with an experienced local guide.: $195
- Adventure and Viewpoints in Cajón del Maipo: $255
- Andean Horse Ride Yerba Loca Sanctuary - Private tour from Santiago: $240
- Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago: $120
- Andes Day Volcano 8k Private Tour : $230
- Andes Half-Day Private Tour with Wine and Cheese Tasting: $190
- Andes Sunset: shared tour with Asado in the mountain: $90
- Andes Whitewater Rafting Adventure plus Winery Tour and Tasting: $199
- Authentic Andes Adventure: Private Horse Riding and Cheese & Wine: $150
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayOsaka $12Santiago $8.51
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Born & Raised Local Guide: $31
- Osaka Nights: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $33
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $39
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $40
- 3 Hour Osaka Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Namba : $52
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago
Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Premium Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Spanish official: $37
- Concha y Toro Ticket and Tour with Wine Tasting: $50
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $50
- Undurraga Wine tour: $63
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
- Private Tour: Santa Rita Vineyard with Wine Tastings: $72
- From Concha y Toro Marqués Half-Day Wine Tasting: $89
- half day wine tour to concha y toro from Santiago seasonal offer: $95
- From Maipo Valley Wine Tour: $99
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $99
- Private Tour: Viña del Mar and Valparaíso Tour with Wine Tasting in Casablanca Valley: $143
- Premium Wine Tasting and Tour at Santa Rita with Transport: $145
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Osaka and Santiago, we can see that Santiago is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Osaka 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 Osaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Osaka 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 Osaka.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Osaka Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Osaka or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Osaka. When comparing the sizes of Osaka 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 Osaka 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 Osaka has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Osaka or Santiago in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Santiago. Many travelers come to Osaka for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Osaka is generally a little warmer than Santiagoin January. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 28°C (82°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the summer. Osaka usually gets more rain in July than Santiagoin January. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryOsaka 28°C (82°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Santiago in the Autumn?
Both Santiago and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Osaka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Osaka is a little warmer than Santiago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in Osaka. In October, Osaka usually receives more rain than Santiagoin April. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilOsaka 19°C (66°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Santiago in the Winter?
Both Santiago and Osaka during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Osaka is much colder than Santiago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Osaka in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Santiago averages at about 9°C (48°F)in July.
Osaka usually gets less rain in January than Santiagoin July. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyOsaka 6°C (42°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Osaka or Santiago in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Santiago. The spring months attract visitors to Osaka because of the activities around the city.
In April, Osaka is generally around the same temperature as Santiagoin October. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 15°C (59°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Osaka usually receives more rain than Santiagoin October. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberOsaka 15°C (59°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Osaka
| Osaka | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.