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

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Osaka?

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

  • Osaka Prices
    Japan Prices
    Santiago Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Osaka $110
    Santiago $150

The average daily cost (per person) in Osaka is $110, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $150. 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 person
    Osaka $48
    Santiago $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Osaka $96
    Santiago $218
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.

Hotels in Osaka


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: Osaka Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Osaka $14
    Santiago $5.41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka

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


  • Subway
    $8.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka

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

  • Private Transfer between KIX Airport and Osaka City: $14
  • Private Transfer to/from Universal Studios Japan: $42
  • Itami Airport(ITM): Private Transfer from/to Osaka or Kyoto: $42
  • Transfer from Kansai Airport to Osaka City Hotels: $45
  • Osaka International Airport (ITM) Private Transfer to Osaka/Kyoto: $46
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Osaka City to Osaka Itami Airport: $57
  • Osaka : Private One-way Transfers to/from Kansai Airport(KIX): $59
  • Kansai Airport(KIX) to or from Osaka Kyoto Private Transfer: $62
  • Private Transfer by Sedan from Itami Airport ITM to Osaka City : $65
  • Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) to Osaka hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Osaka hotels to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Osaka to Shin Osaka Station: $70

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

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


  • Metro Ride
    $1.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • Transfer to Valparaiso Cruise Terminal with Winery & Town Tour: $109
  • Transfer to Snowy Valley fullday for skiers : $49
  • Transfer to San Antonio port with Valparaiso & Casablanca tour: $87
  • Transfer from Valparaiso or San Antonio Port + Condor Watching Tour: $230
  • 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 Santiago-Viña del Mar / Viña del Mar-Santiago: $220
  • Transfer Santiago-Valparaiso / Valparaiso-Santiago: $220
  • Transfer Santiago to Cruise Port in Valparaiso or San Antonio: $290
  • Transfer Santiago de Chile airport: $40
  • Transfer Santiago Airport to the commune of Providencia: $56

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 day
    Osaka $45
    Santiago $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka

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

  • PICCADILLY PREMIUM DINNER SHOW&NIGHTCLUB with Tasting: $17
  • Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $30
  • 1.5 Hour Food Tour at the Kuromon Market in Osaka: $34
  • Kobe Beef Bowl Cooking Class in Osaka Afternoon : $41
  • Cooking Class for Osaka Style Kushikatsu & Tonjiru (with Onigiri): $45
  • Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $45
  • Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $51
  • Private Food Tour & Bar Hopping in Namba: $52
  • Family Friendly Osaka Tempura Cooking Class: $54
  • Discover Osaka Cuisine through Cooking Class Experience: $55
  • Osaka Cooking for Japanese Pescatarian dishes: $55
  • Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (Option to add Dinner): $55

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

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


  • Empanada
    $1.88
  • Hamburger
    $2.50
  • Dinner
    $26

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: $82
  • 4-Hour Boozy Chilean Cooking Class in Santiago: $85
  • Bali Hai Dinner & Show, Transport and Wine refill: $106
  • Dinner Show in Bali Hai with Wine refill and transportation: $114
  • Private Dinner & Chilean Folk Show with Transfers: $116
  • Alyan Winery Sunset with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $117
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $122
  • San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
  • Bali Hai Polynesian Dinner Show with Transfer: $130
  • Private Night City Tour with San Cristobal Hill And Dinner Show: $181
  • Santiago Chilean and Peruvian Cooking Class with a Local Carol: $184

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Osaka $21
    Santiago $47
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)
    $31

Tours and Activities in Osaka

For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Osaka Shinsaibashi: AMMONA Nightclub Entry Ticket (For Foreign): $6.83
  • Osaka Dotonbori: GIRAFFE Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.88
  • Osaka Umeda: OWL Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.88
  • PICCADILLY PREMIUM Live Show & Nightclub Admission Tickets: $6.88
  • Osaka Food Quest: Self-Guided Culinary & History Adventure: $7.16
  • HEP Ferris Wheel Osaka Entry Ticket: $11
  • Osaka Castle Entry Ticket: $13
  • Osaka Castle Admission Ticket: $13
  • Osaka Hidden Gems Tour: Tennoji & Oldest Temple with Audio Guide: $14
  • Osaka Oracle GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
  • Osaka Dotonbori Wonder Cruise: $14
  • Osaka Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory ETicket: $14

Tours and Activities in Santiago

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

  • Private Half-Day Guided Tour of the City of Santiago.: $280
  • Private Sightseeing City Tour in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar: $240
  • "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $26
  • 1 Day Tour of Viña Concha y Toro from Santiago: $120
  • 4 Hour Santa Rita Winery All inclusive Tour for Wine Lover: $269
  • A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -small group: $25
  • A full Private Tour of Valparaiso from Santiago : $240
  • A historical tour of Santiago, Chile: $18
  • An Architect's Tour of Downtown Santiago: $55
  • Andean Adventure: Cajón del Maipo & Santuario del Río Spa: $132
  • Andean Horse Ride Yerba Loca Sanctuary - Private tour from Santiago: $240
  • Andes Day Lagoon in Cajón del Maipo & Embalse el Yeso Private Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Osaka $12
    Santiago $8.40

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: $24
  • Nada Gogo Sake Brewery Tour in Kobe from Osaka: $259

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago

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

  • Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $34
  • Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $60
  • Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $63
  • Undurraga Wine tour: $70
  • Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
  • Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $79
  • Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with wine tasting in Casablanca: $79
  • Inca Lagoon and Vineyard Visit with Wine Tasting: $80
  • Half Day Trip to Cousiño Macul Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
  • Half Day Trip to Concha y Toro Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
  • Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $89
  • Kross Brewery Tour: A Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $93


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 January
    Osaka 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 April
    Osaka 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 July
    Osaka 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 October
    Osaka 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)