Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Phuket?
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 Phuket or Santiago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket 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: Phuket or Santiago?
Phuket
Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $133Santiago $155
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $133, 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 Phuket and Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $61Santiago $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $122Santiago $226
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Phuket 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: Phuket Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $12Santiago $5.56
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$9.01
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Phuket Airport (HKT) Arrival Transfer to Phuket Hotels (Shared or Private): $11
- Phuket Airport (HKT) Departure Transfer from Phuket Hotels (Shared or Private): $11
- Phuket Airport Private Transfer To or From All Phuket Hotels: $13
- One-Way to/from Phi Phi Premium Ferry Transfer: $13
- Phuket Airport Transfer (SHA Plus): $14
- Phuket Private Transfer from/to Phuket Airport HKT (one way): $15
- Private Phuket Airport Transfer to Hotel and Vice Versa: $15
- Ferry Transfer to/from Phi Phi Tonsai or Laem Tong: $16
- One-Way Ferry Transfer to/from Koh Phi Phi: $16
- One Way Cruise Transfer from Phuket to Phi Phi – Multiple Classes: $17
- Phuket Airport Arrival Transfer – Domestic & International: $18
- Phuket Private Transfer To or From Phuket Hotel by Van & WiFi: $19
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:
- Airport Transfer and Halfday City tour Santiago de Chile: $362
- Airport Transfer: Santiago Airport SCL to Santiago by Luxury Van: $104
- Airport Transfer: Santiago to Airport SCL by Business Car: $84
- Airport Transfer: Santiago to Santiago Airport SCL by Luxury Van: $104
- City Tour Santiago with Exclusive Guide + Private Transfer: $270
- City tour santiago with excursion to valparaiso and airport transfer: $150
- Clos Apalta Winery - Tour with Private Transfer: $300
- Cruise Ship Transfer to Valparaiso Port with 6 Hour tour + Winery: $89
- Cruise Terminal Transfer from Valparaíso & Wine Tasting: $129
- Departure Transfer Santiago de Chile to Santiago Airport SCL: $82
- Departure Transfer: Santiago to Airport SCL by Luxury Van: $104
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour, Concha y Toro, Private Transfer from Santiago: $262
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago and Phuket 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 dayPhuket $41Santiago $23
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$8.68
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.11
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.70
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Bananas$0.75
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Pizza (for Two)$9.01
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- One Day Experience Cooking at Phuket Patong Thailand: $27
- Kanta Phuket Peranakan Cooking Class Experience: $31
- Catamaran Sunset Cruise in Phuket with Dinner at Promthep Cape: $41
- Phuket City Tour with Sunset and Thai Cooking: $47
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes: $52
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $55
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $56
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
- Discounted Ticket to Phuket Siam Niramit Show with Dinner: $57
- Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $58
- Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
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.
- Legacy Family Tour Lunch or Dinner Pairing 4 Strokes: $40
- 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
- 4h Cooking Class in Santiago : 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $85
- Lastarria Food Tour: Wine, Bites & Social Culinary Experience: $98
- Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
- Food Tour STGO, Eat like Locals!: $99
- Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation in Santiago: $107
- Santiago Food Tour: Bohemian Flavors and Local Gems: $109
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $47Santiago $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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One Day Boat Tour$27
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$75
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Thai Oil Massage$19
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Surfboard Rental$9.01
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Phuket Self Guided Island Tour: $8.15
- Phuket Tour with Wat Chalong, Karon View Point, Old Town: $15
- Feed Me Banana Elephant Experience Short Activity: $15
- Phuket Circus : The Adrenaline Rush Show Tickets (Aqua Circus): $16
- Rock Beach Swing Ticket with Karon Viewpoint in Phuket: $18
- Phuket Bird Park Admission Ticket: $18
- Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $18
- Phuket City Discovery Tour with Chalong Temple and Coastal Views: $19
- Phuket Highlights: Half Day City Tour with Landmark & Viewpoint: $20
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $20
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Phi Phi Cruiser: $20
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $11
- Historical Sights Walking Tour: $15
- Cable Car Admission Ticket: $18
- History Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $21
- Santiago Sightseeing Tour: Living History and Local Food Tasting: $25
- Tour of Santiago with Professional Photography: $25
- A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -: $25
- Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Old Town: $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
- City Tour Santiago - Walking Tour: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.00Santiago $8.64
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$6.01
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Beer$2.55
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Rooftop, Bars, GoGo & 3 Clubs with Shots: $21
- Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $29
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $52
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $85
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple: $172
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
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $62
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $65
- Valparaíso and Vineyard of the Sea with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $68
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $75
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $75
- Half Day Trip to Cousiño Macul Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Santiago, we can see that Santiago is more expensive. And not only is Phuket much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Phuket 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 Phuket would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phuket 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 Phuket.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket 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 Phuket or Santiago?
Santiago has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Phuket experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Phuket or Santiago in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Santiago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.
Phuket is a little warmer than Santiago in the summer. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in January.
Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Santiagoin January. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Santiago in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Santiago. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Phuket is much warmer than Santiago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phuket in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in April.
Phuket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Santiagoin April. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPhuket 27°C (81°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Santiago in the Winter?
Both Santiago and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.
In January, Phuket is generally much warmer than Santiagoin July. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In January, Phuket usually receives less rain than Santiagoin July. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Phuket is December to March.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Santiago in the Spring?
Both Santiago and Phuket during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Phuket is much warmer than Santiago in the spring. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in April than Santiagoin October. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPhuket 29°C (84°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Phuket
| Phuket | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.