Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Petra or Santiago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Santiago can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Santiago?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
-
Petra Prices
Jordan PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Santiago $146
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $146. 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 Petra and Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Santiago $106
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Santiago $212
Compare Hotels in Petra and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Petra 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: Petra Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Santiago $5.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Private Transfer From or To Airport, Petra, Wadi Rum and Dead Sea: $33
- Private Transfer from Petra to Aqaba Cruise Port: $69
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional: $88
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
- Petra to Aqaba Border (Yitzhak Rabin Terminal) – Private Transfer: $130
- Comfort VIP Private Transfer: Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels: $140
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations By Minivan: $160
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:
-
Metro Ride$1.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Private Transfer to/from Santiago Airport (SCL): $15
- SCL Airport Private Transfer ⇄ Santiago/Providencia/Las Condes: $18
- Private Transfer to Santiago Airport (SCL): $24
- Private Transfer from Santiago Airport (SCL): $24
- Transfer to Concha y Toro Winery: $30
- Private Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer: $32
- Arrival Transfer - Santiago International Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $35
- Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $37
- Private Airport Transfer: Santiago Airport (SCL) → Hotel: $37
- Private Transfer from Santiago Hotel to SCL Airport: $40
- Santiago de Chile Airport Transfer: $40
- Private Airport Transfer: Santiago Airport SCL to Hotel: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago and Petra 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 dayPetra $66Santiago $22
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
-
Dinner for Two$12
-
Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Authentic Jordanian Cooking, Taste of Comfort With Family: $28
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains.: $50
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
-
Empanada$1.82
-
Hamburger$2.42
-
Dinner$25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Best Santiago Street Food Tour with 4+ Tastings and Drink: $56
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $56
- 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 Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation 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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Santiago $46
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
-
Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- Self Guided Tour of Petra Main Trail with App (No Tickets): $8.99
- Petra 3-Hour Private Tour with a Local Guide: $60
- Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
- Private 3-Hour Guided Tour of Petra with Hotel Pickup .: $75
- Private Multilingual Guided Tour in Petra: $90
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $100
- Wadi Rum Private Guided Tour: $105
- Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
- 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $130
- Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Santiago-du-Chile Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h15 and 26 Audios: $6.73
- Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $11
- Historical Sights Walking Tour: $15
- Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino Admission Ticket: $17
- Cable Car Admission Ticket: $18
- History Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $21
- Guided Tour of Santiago de Chile History and Culture: $25
- Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Old Town: $25
- Santiago Sightseeing Tour: Living History and Local Food Tasting: $25
- Santiago : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $25
- Guided City Tour through the historic center of Santiago: $25
- "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $27
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Santiago $8.13
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
- Cousiño Macul Heritage Wine Tour with Tastings: $25
- Pub Crawl with Unlimited Beer and Welcome Shots: $25
- Tour Viña Santa Carolina in Santiago with 3 wine tasting: $53
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $55
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $65
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $75
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $75
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $75
When comparing the travel costs between Petra and Santiago, we can see that Petra 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 Petra is in Middle East 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 Petra Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 350 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra or Santiago?
Santiago has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Petra experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Petra or Santiago in the Summer?
Both Santiago and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year.
Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally much warmer than Santiagoin January. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Santiagoin January. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPetra 33°C (91°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Petra or Santiago in the Autumn?
Both Santiago and Petra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Petra is much warmer than Santiago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in April.
Petra usually gets less rain in October than Santiagoin April. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPetra 27°C (80°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Petra or Santiago in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Santiago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round.
In the winter, Petra is much warmer than Santiago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Santiago averages at about 9°C (48°F)in July.
In January, Petra usually receives less rain than Santiagoin July. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPetra 15°C (59°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Petra or Santiago in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Petra as well as Santiago. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Petra is generally much warmer than Santiagoin October. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Petra usually gets more rain in April than Santiagoin October. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPetra 25°C (76°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Petra
| Petra | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.