Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Reykjavik?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Reykjavik or Santiago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reykjavik 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: Reykjavik or Santiago?
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
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 Budget Tours to Iceland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayReykjavik $246Santiago $143
The average daily cost (per person) in Reykjavik is $246, 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 Reykjavik and Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personReykjavik $139Santiago $111
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomReykjavik $278Santiago $222
Compare Hotels in Reykjavik and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Reykjavik 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: Reykjavik Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Reykjavik $46Santiago $5.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Bláfjöll - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Skálafell to Reykjavik Airport (RKV) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
- Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Skálafell - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Keflavik Airport & Reykjavik Hotels: Economy Bus Transfer: $27
- Keflavik Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $27
- Iceland: Airport Transfer Between Reykjavík Center and Keflavík : $28
- Iceland: Airport Transfers between Keflavík and Reykjavik Center: $28
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport One Way: $28
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $29
- Keflavík Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $29
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City With Hotel Drop Off: $36
- Iceland Airport Transfer from Reykjavík Hotels to KEF Airport: $38
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$1.15
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 Reykjavik or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago and Reykjavik 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 dayReykjavik $30Santiago $13
Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner (Fish Market)$178
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Exclusive dinner with a local family - Visit a Reykjavík home: $98
- Icelandic Food Tour: $124
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $128
- 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $129
- Reykjavik Market & Lunch Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $142
- Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $145
- Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $209
- Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.91
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Hamburger$2.54
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Reykjavik $72Santiago $48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Museum$11
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Wine and Spa$29
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Reykjavík: City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Reykjavik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Reykjavik Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.07
- Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
- Explore Reykjavik's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Citywalk Tour - Audioguide in English & German: $11
- Skip the Line: Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
- Geothermal Energy Exhibition Entry Ticket: $18
- Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket: $18
- Was James Bond Icelandic? Ticket with One Hour Lecture: $23
- Private audio guide of the island for self-exploration tour: $27
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayReykjavik $28Santiago $8.51
Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
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Beer$8.79
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Gin Distillery tour and tasting: $25
- Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $32
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 Reykjavik and Santiago, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Santiago much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Reykjavik is in Europe 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 Santiago would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik than you might in Santiago.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Reykjavik Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Reykjavik or Santiago in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Santiago. Many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Reykjavik is much colder than Santiago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Reykjavik in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Santiago averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.
Reykjavik usually gets more rain in July than Santiagoin January. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryReykjavik 11°C (52°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Santiago in the Autumn?
Both Santiago and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Reykjavik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Reykjavik can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Santiagoin April. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 5°C (41°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In October, Reykjavik usually receives more rain than Santiagoin April. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilReykjavik 5°C (41°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Santiago in the Winter?
Both Santiago and Reykjavik during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. Reykjavik is much colder than Santiago in the winter. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around -0°C (32°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F)in July.
Reykjavik usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Santiagoin July. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyReykjavik -0°C (32°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Santiago in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Santiago. The spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty.
The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the spring, Reykjavik is much colder than Santiago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Reykjavik in April average around 3°C (38°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in October.
In April, Reykjavik usually receives more rain than Santiagoin October. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberReykjavik 3°C (38°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Reykjavik
| Reykjavik | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.