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

Should you visit Salzburg or Santiago?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg 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: Salzburg or Santiago?

Salzburg

Most people know of Salzburg from its roll in the infamous movie "The Sound of Music." Every child who fell in love with this movie knows the gazebo scene in the rain, or could sing "My Favorite Things" as they skip down the Salzach River, but once you get past the obvious cliches, you can see that Salzburg is a city with a lot of depth and culture aside from the movie.

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 Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Salzburg?

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

  • Salzburg Prices
    Austria Prices
    Santiago Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Salzburg 185
    Santiago 134

The average daily cost (per person) in Salzburg is €185, while the average daily cost in Santiago is €134. 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 Salzburg and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salzburg 91
    Santiago 97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salzburg 182
    Santiago 194
Compare Hotels in Salzburg and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Salzburg 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 Salzburg


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: Salzburg Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salzburg 19
    Santiago 4.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salzburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salzburg:

  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Business Car: $93
  • Departure Private Transfers: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Business Car: $93
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Luxury Van: $95
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Luxury Van: $95
  • Private Transfer From Salzburg To Zell am See, Innsbruck or Kitzbuhel: $123
  • Salzburg Airport to Kitzbühel Private Ski Transfer: $143
  • Salzburg Airport to Saalbach Hinterglemm Private Ski Transfer: $150
  • Saalbach-Hinterglemm to Salzburg Airport (SZG)-Departure Transfer: $165
  • Salzburg Airport (SZG) to SkiWelt - Arrival Private Transfer: $168
  • Private Transfer From Zell am See To Salzburg, English Speaking Driver: $198
  • Private Transfer From Salzburg To Kitzbuhel, English Speaking Driver: $198
  • Private Transfer from Salzburg to Prague with Scenic Stops: $220

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

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


  • Metro Ride
    1.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • Private Transfer to/from Santiago Airport (SCL): $15
  • Private Transfer from Santiago Airport (SCL): $24
  • Private Transfer to Santiago Airport (SCL): $24
  • Transfer to Concha y Toro Winery: $30
  • Private Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer: $32
  • Private Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago: $34
  • 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
  • Santiago de Chile Airport Transfer: $40
  • Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $42
  • Private Transfer from Airport to Santiago, Chile: $43

Is it cheaper to fly into Salzburg or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and Salzburg 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
    Salzburg 71
    Santiago 20
Typical Food Prices in Salzburg

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


  • Lunch Salad
    9.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salzburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salzburg.

  • Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg: $71
  • Apple Strudel & Salzburg Prezel Cooking Class Experience & Lunch: $71
  • Salzburg Christmas Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Lesson: $76
  • Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $99
  • Apple Strudel & Prezel Cooking Class incl. Dinner & Music: $100
  • Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg: $100
  • Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Salzburg with River Cruise: $133
  • Best of Mozart Concert and GOLDEN VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $157
  • Original Sound of Music Tour & Edelweiss Cooking Class Salzburg: $170

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

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


  • Empanada
    1.68
  • Hamburger
    2.23
  • Dinner
    23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.

  • Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $56
  • Best Santiago Street Food Tour with 4+ Tastings and Drink: $58
  • 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
  • Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
  • Traditional Dinner Show 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.
    Salzburg 30
    Santiago 42

Tours and Activities in Salzburg

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

  • Salzburg City Self-Guided Audio Tour With 100 Captivating Stories: $3.52
  • TOP Salzburg : Private guided tour with your mobile: $5.88
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of Salzburg with Audio Guide: $5.88
  • Salzburg Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
  • Salzburg Audio Guided Walking Tour 1h45 and 24 reviews: $6.94
  • Salzburg Sound of Music and City Highlights Audio Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Mirabell: A Baroque Odyssey Walking Tour in Salzburg: $22
  • Salzburg Panorama Cruise on the Salzach river: $22
  • Mozart's Footsteps: Puzzle Tour in Salzburg's Old Town: $26
  • Salzburg Old Town Walking Tour, Mozart, Mirabell Gardens: $29
  • Discover Salzburg Differently: Interactive Puzzle City Tour: $30
  • Lonely Goatherd Bike Tour: Cycle Salzburg's Surroundings with the Sound of Music: $35

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
  • Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino Admission Ticket: $17
  • Cable Car Admission Ticket: $18
  • History Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $21
  • A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -: $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
  • City Tour Santiago - Walking Tour: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salzburg 26
    Santiago 7.48
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salzburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salzburg:


  • Beer
    3.70

Sample the Local Flavors in Salzburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salzburg:

  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Hidden Wine Bar: $45

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
  • Traditional Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Official English: $27
  • "Premium Wine Tour" Viña Cousiño Macul Official english: $45
  • Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $55
  • Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
  • Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $62
  • Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $68
  • Valparaíso and Vineyard of the Sea with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $68
  • Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
  • Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salzburg and Santiago, we can see that Salzburg is more expensive. And not only is Santiago much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salzburg 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 Salzburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salzburg 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 Salzburg Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Santiago?

Santiago has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg 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 Salzburg 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 Salzburg has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Salzburg or Santiago in the Summer?

Both Santiago and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Salzburg is generally around the same temperature as Santiagoin January. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 20°C (68°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In July, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Santiagoin January. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Salzburg 20°C (68°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or Santiago in the Autumn?

Both Santiago and Salzburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Salzburg is cooler than Santiago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in April.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in October than Santiagoin April. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Salzburg 11°C (52°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or Santiago in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Santiago. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Salzburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Salzburg is much colder than Santiago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salzburg in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Santiago averages at about 9°C (48°F)in July.

In January, Salzburg usually receives less rain than Santiagoin July. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Salzburg -0°C (31°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or Santiago in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Santiago. The spring months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the natural beauty.

In April, Salzburg is generally cooler than Santiagoin October. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (51°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Salzburg usually gets more rain in April than Santiagoin October. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Salzburg 11°C (51°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Salzburg

Salzburg Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 93 mm (3.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 1°C (35°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)