Which place is cheaper, Santander or Palermo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Palermo or Santander?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Palermo and Santander 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: Palermo or Santander?
Palermo
Located on its north coast, Palermo is the capital city of Sicily. The city has a lot to offer visitors who decide to venture to this often overlooked part of Italy. There is an interesting history, some unique and delicious food, and a fascinating culture. Prices in Sicily are generally cheaper than elsewhere in Italy. There are a handful of budget accommodation options and plenty of mid range hotels that are spread throughout the city. The rooms are usually comfortable and clean but as always, read reviews before making your reservation.
Santander
Santander is the capital of the Cantabria Region which runs along the northern coast of Spain. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPalermo €92Santander €108
The average daily cost (per person) in Palermo is €92, while the average daily cost in Santander is €108. 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 Palermo and Santander in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPalermo €56Santander €51
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPalermo €112Santander €102
Compare Hotels in Palermo and Santander
Looking for a hotel in Palermo or Santander? 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: Palermo Hotel Prices and Santander Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Palermo €5.64Santander €24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palermo
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Palermo:
-
Bus to Monreale€3.00
-
Bus From Airport€6.00
-
90 Minute Bus Pass€1.30
-
Short Taxi Ride€4.35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palermo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palermo:
- Airport Transfer Palermo: $59
- From Bus Transfer to/from Trapani City Center: $10
- Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa to Palermo airport, private transfer: $44
- Grand Hotel Wagner to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $44
- Palermo Airport (PMO) Departure Transfer (Palermo Hotels or address to Airport): $156
- Palermo Airport to Palermo city or vice versa, private transfer service: $41
- Palermo Private Transfer from or to Palermo Airport in Sicily : $137
- Palermo airport transfer to Grand Hotel et des Palmes: $42
- 1-Way Bus Transfer to/from Misilmeri: $2.89
- 1-Way Private Transfer from the Airport: $62
- Bus Transfer to/from Airport and City Center: $6.42
- Private Golf Club Class w/ Transfer, Ticket, & Food: $176
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:
- Santander Private Departure Transfer: $35
- Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $35
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $41
- Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $44
- Santander Private Transfer from Santander Airport to City centre: $44
- Private Transfer from Santander Port to Bilbao Airport: $252
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $252
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $252
Is it cheaper to fly into Palermo or Santander?
Prices for flights to both Santander and Palermo 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 dayPalermo €29Santander €41
Typical Food Prices in Palermo
Some typical examples of dining costs in Palermo are as follows:
-
Sitdown Dinner (for Two)€32
-
Fast Food Lunch€5.32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palermo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Palermo.
- Street Food Tour: $42
- Street Food Tour: $65
- Explore Palermo's with a Food Tour & Pizza Making Class: $68
- Small Group Night Street Food Tour: $68
- Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine: $74
- Palermo Traditional Food Tour: $74
- Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making: $75
- Night Street Food Tour of Palermo : $75
- Secret Food Tours Palermo: $85
- Street Food Tour in Ballarò and Vucciria Markets: $86
- Walking Street Food Tour with the Chef: $91
- Sicilian Cooking Class: $101
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Palermo €17Santander €18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Palermo
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Palermo are as follows:
-
Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)€6.00
-
Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)€12
-
Theater Tickets (for Two)€49
Tours and Activities in Palermo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palermo are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
- sensorial experience of nature and ecology: $8.56
- Teatro Massimo Opera House Guided Tour: $11
- Entrance ticket to the Radici Piccolo Museo Della Natura: $11
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour 24-hour Ticket: $21
- Fast And Furious Bike Tour in Palermo: $27
- Palermo storie e segreti: tour tra arte misteri e leggende: $31
- Panoramic Trip to Mondello by CruiserCar: $32
- Palermo di sera: tour del centro storico: $32
- Walking Tour of Historic Markets and Monuments: $32
Tours and Activities in Santander
Here are a few actual costs in Santander for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay: $14
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
- City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
- Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket: $26
- From Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour: $42
- Full Day Tour Lakes of Covadonga and Santillana from Santander: $46
- Guided Tour by Electric Bike: $53
- Full Day Self Guided Tour in Santillana del Mar and Comillas: $55
- From Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour: $64
- Santoña: Anchovy Factory Tour and Boat Trip: $70
- Tour to the Towns of the Western Coast of Cantabria: $79
- Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour: $82
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPalermo €11Santander €14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Palermo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Palermo:
-
Beer€2.56
-
Bottle of Quality Wine€11
Sample the Local Flavors in Palermo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Palermo:
- Pub Crawl Palermo: $16
- Wine Tasting with Snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $41
- Natural Local Wine Tasting & Sicilian Tapas: $49
- Natural Wine Tasting with snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $53
- Eating Palermo Food & Wine Tour: $82
- 2-Hour Sicilian Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour: $128
- From Erice and Marsala Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $181
- Wine Tasting for Small Groups in the Palermo Countryside: $196
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palermo and Santander, we can see that Santander is more expensive. And not only is Palermo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palermo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palermo 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 Santander would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santander than you might in Palermo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Palermo Expensive? and Is Santander Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Palermo or Santander?
Palermo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Santander. When comparing the sizes of Palermo and Santander, 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 Palermo or Santander?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Palermo or Santander in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Santander. Many visitors come to Palermo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Palermo is a little warmer than Santander in the summer. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Santander fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santander this time of the year. In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Santander during summer. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Palermo usually receives less rain than Santander. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Santander receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPalermo 25°C (76°F)Santander 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Palermo or Santander in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Santander. Most visitors come to Palermo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Palermo is a little warmer than Santander. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palermo in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Santander averages at about 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the autumn, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Santander. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 133 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Santander. Palermo usually gets less rain in October than Santander. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santander receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPalermo 20°C (67°F)Santander 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Palermo or Santander in the Winter?
Both Santander and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Palermo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Palermo is generally a little warmer than Santander. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 12°C (53°F), and Santander fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Santander during winter. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 91 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Santander. In January, Palermo usually receives less rain than Santander. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Santander receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPalermo 12°C (53°F)Santander 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Palermo or Santander in the Spring?
Both Santander and Palermo during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Palermo this time of year.
Palermo is a little warmer than Santander in the spring. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Santander fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the spring, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Santander. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 148 hours of full sun.
Santander gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Palermo usually gets less rain in April than Santander. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santander receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPalermo 15°C (58°F)Santander 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Santander and Palermo
| Palermo | Santander | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (53°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (76°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (67°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 157 mm (6.2 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.