A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Cristobal de Las Casas vs. Savannah for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

San Cristobal de Las Casas

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a colorful, cultural, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Savannah

Savannah is a beautiful, charming, and scenic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Savannah: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Although San Cristobal de Las Casas and Savannah are both popular with visitors, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Savannah is known for its beaches. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more touristy than Savannah and is popular for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. It is also home to the Cathedral of San Cristobal de las Casas. Savannah is popular for its maritime past, its southern atmosphere, and its Historic District.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Savannah?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Savannah and San Cristobal de Las Casas. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Savannah

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah.

San Cristobal de Las Casas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is filled with historical churches such as the main Cathedral of San Cristobal. While this is the most notable church, there are also smaller churches worth visiting like the Templo Santo Domingo, Iglesia de Guadalupe, and Iglesia de San Cristobal. For museums, make sure you check out the Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya, Na Bolom, and Museo de Ambar.

Many visitors head to Savannah specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's long history can be explored at the Savannah History Museum. With the Savannah School of Art and Design in town, you'll also find a great art culture with several museums such as the SCAD Museum of Art and the Jepson Center for the Arts. There's also the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Sea Maritime Museum. There are several historic houses that you can visit as well, such as the Andrew Low House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, and Harper Fowlkes House.


Is the Food Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Savannah

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Savannah offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in San Cristobal de Las Casas. The cuisine is a mix of Spanish-influenced cured meats such as ham and sausage, as well as indigenous flavors like tamales and burritos. There's also a lot of great pizza around town as well as several Asian restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Savannah. Local restaurants highlight southern hospitality as well as the cuisine. You'll find many classics such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fried fish. There are many restaurants in historic buildings in the Historic District, but you'll also find a number of casual eateries in other neighborhoods.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Savannah

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

San Cristobal de Las Casas offers plenty to do in the evening. There's an active nightlife scene that includes everything from late night clubs to salsa lessons. Most tourists who want to party head to the pedestrian streets around the plaza. There are countless bars where you'll likely find a crowd late into the night. Some clubs have a cover charge on weekends but, in general, drinks are cheap and getting around is easy.

Savannah is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife. Downtown Savannah and River Street are filled with bars and clubs that keep things lively when the sun goes down. During the warmer months there are outdoor venues, concerts and events, but even during the cooler seasons things stay busy.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah Better for Beaches?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Savannah

Savannah is a popular place for its beaches. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

Savannah is a good option for a beach vacation. While Savannah doesn't actually have a beach, you can head to nearby Tybee Island for waves and sun. It's about half an hour away and the closest beaches to the city are on the island's north side.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.


Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah Better for its Old Town?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Savannah

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Savannah.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting San Cristobal de Las Casas. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful markets, and historic churches.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Savannah. There's an impressive Historic District that is filled with gardens, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and Oak-lined streets. There are wonderful hotels and traditional restaurants that offer a beautiful experience.

Is the Shopping Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Savannah

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an amazing town to visit for shopping. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The nearby villages are famous for their weaving, leather, pottery, and embroidery, so many visitors pick up souvenirs at the colorful markets around town. This is one of the best towns in Mexico to purchase local items, and you should definitely set aside time to explore and shop.

Savannah is well-known for its shopping. Shopping opportunities include art galleries, trendy clothing boutiques, and larger shopping malls. Visitors can wander down the popular Broughton Street, but there's also a City Market and Starland District.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah Better for Families?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Savannah

Kids will enjoy a visit to either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a family-friendly town. While kids may not appreciate the town's beauty and culture, they will have fun exploring the night market or taking a chocolate-making class. There are pedestrian streets where everyone can explore without fear of traffic and pizza restaurants that appeal to the kids as well.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Savannah. There's a children's museum in town. There's also many outdoor parks and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Kids will enjoy stopping for ice cream or other sweet treats, which are plentiful as well.


Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah Better for Couples?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Savannah

With fun activities for couples, both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Savannah make for a high quality place to visit.

San Cristobal de Las Casas makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy culture, markets, traditional cuisines, and new experiences will love their time here. It's a fun place to simply wander. You can explore the markets and then eat at a local restaurant before making your way back to your boutique hotel.

Couples visit Savannah frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Trees with Spanish Moss as well as a charming Historic District make this a nice destination for a couple's weekend. There are parks where you can enjoy a picnic. There are also nature trails and many great southern restaurants.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Savannah

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit San Cristobal de Las Casas. There are a number of hostels in town as well as budget-friendly hotels. Backpackers love the laid back nature of this town as well as the many markets and nature-oriented activities.

Savannah is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel in town, as well as a number of cheaper motels that are a bit outside of the Historic District.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah Better for Students?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Savannah

Savannah is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Savannah. There are a couple of colleges in town including the Savannah College of Art and Design.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not popular with students.


Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Savannah

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place for its public transit. However, Savannah is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a few public transit options. Urbano buses are minibuses that connect the town to the outlying residential areas. There are also colectivos that travel to nearby villages.

Public transit is mostly limited in Savannah. While there are some types of public transit available, the vast majority of visitors have a vehicle, which they use to get around.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah a more walkable city?

San Cristobal de Las Casas
Savannah

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Savannah is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around San Cristobal de Las Casas on foot. Walking is the best way to experience the town. Most of the sights can be reached on foot and there are pedestrian-only streets that let you avoid the traffic.

Savannah is a very walkable town. The Historic District is very walkable, and it makes a pleasant place to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is San Cristobal de Las Casas Worth Visiting? and Is Savannah Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Savannah or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Savannah. In our opinion, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Savannah. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Cristobal de Las Casas, and 1-3 days is enough time in Savannah.

Couples should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Savannah. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Cristobal de Las Casas that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Savannah if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in San Cristobal de Las Casas.


  • How many days in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah? Ideal Length of Stay
    San Cristobal de Las Casas 2-3 
    Savannah 1-3

One day in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Savannah, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this scenic destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Cristobal de Las Casas, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Savannah, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Savannah. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the city of Savannah. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Savannah or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in San Cristobal de Las Casas is $101, while the average daily cost in Savannah is $160. 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 San Cristobal de Las Casas and Savannah in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $47
    Savannah $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $94
    Savannah $168
Compare Hotels in San Cristobal de Las Casas and Savannah

Looking for a hotel in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah? 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 San Cristobal de Las Casas


Hotels in Savannah


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: San Cristobal de Las Casas Hotel Prices and Savannah Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $32
    Savannah $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Cristobal de Las Casas

Also for San Cristobal de Las Casas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Hotel in San Cristobal de las Casas to TGZ Airport: $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Savannah

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Savannah:

  • Grave Encounters Tour with Guide and Transfers: $32
  • African American History Walking Tour w/ Transfer: $64
  • Savannah to Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) - Departure Private Transfer: $103
  • Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV): Private Transfer to Savannah: $432
  • Private Transfer from Savannah Hilton Airport (SAV) to Savannah : $257
  • Private Transfer from SAV to Savannah: $206
  • Private Transfer from SAV to Hilton Head Island, SC : $222

Is it cheaper to fly into San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah?

Prices for flights to both Savannah and San Cristobal de Las Casas 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
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $23
    Savannah $58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Cristobal de Las Casas

For San Cristobal de Las Casas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • City Tour with Dinner Pizza and Wine: $71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Savannah

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

  • Grave Encounters Ghost Tour with Cellar and Dinner: $55
  • 2-Hour Southern Food Tour: $63
  • Savannah Ghost Trolley Tour with Dinner at the Pirate's House: $72
  • Monday Gospel Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Savannah First Squares Culinary & Cultural Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Savannah's Port City Walking Food Tour: $82
  • Famous and Secret East Side/Port City Food Tour: $82
  • 2 HR Savannah Riverboat Dinner Cruise with Onboard Entertainment: $91
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $91
  • Southern Traditions Dinner Tour: $106
  • True South Lunch Food Tour: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $14
    Savannah $17

Tours and Activities in San Cristobal de Las Casas

For San Cristobal de Las Casas, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Bicycle rental - tour included: $9.00
  • Tour of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan: $19
  • Tour to Grutas de Rancho Nuevo and El Arcotete Ecotourism Park: $27
  • Rancho Nuevo Caves and Arcotete Ecotourism Center: $27
  • Montebello Lakes and Chiflon Waterfalls Tour: $28
  • Tour to San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan (Indigenous Peoples): $30
  • Chamula and Zinacantan Indigenous Villages Tour: $30
  • Tour to the Chiflón Waterfalls and Montebello Lagoons: $33
  • Tour Sumidero Canyon and Magic Town of Chiapa de Corzo: $35
  • Sumidero Canyon Tour: $36
  • Tour to the Viewpoints, Sumidero Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo: $37
  • Zinacantán and San Juan Chamula Tours Departing in San Cristóbal de las Casas: $38

Typical Entertainment Prices in Savannah

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Savannah are as follows:


  • Pub Crawl
    $10

Tours and Activities in Savannah

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

  • "Savannah for Morons" Comedy Trolley Tour: $59
  • 1-Hour Bonaventure Cemetery Golf Cart Guided Tour in Savannah : $30
  • 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Savannah: $35
  • 2-Hour Bonaventure Cemetery Walking Tour: $30
  • 2-Hour Explore Savannah Bike Tour: $45
  • 2-Hour Savannah Sunset Riverboat Cruise: $54
  • 5 Hours Tybee Island Exclusive Bus and Bike Combo Tour: $75
  • 60-Minute Guided Segway History Tour of Savannah: $55
  • 90 Minutes Walking Tour in Savannah: $30
  • 90 minute Original Haunted Savannah Tour | 8pm: $25
  • 90-Minute Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise: $41
  • Best of Savannah Small Group Tour w/ Wormsloe Historic Site: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Cristobal de Las Casas $30
    Savannah $34

Sample the Local Flavors in Savannah

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Savannah:

  • Epic Savannah Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Captain Stoner's Haunted Dive Bar Crawl: $20
  • Captain Stoner Joe's Haunted Dive Bar Crawl in Historic Savannah: $20
  • Captain Stoner's Late Night Happy Hour Pub Crawl in Savannah: $22
  • 10 to Midnight Happy Hour and Haunted Pub Crawl w/ the Captain: $22
  • Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl-Walking Tour Historic District: $25
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Bloody Murder Savannah Pub Crawl: $30
  • Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Conjuring Cocktails Pub Crawl: $30
  • Savannah Bar Crawl by the Bridge: $32
  • Spooky Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl: $33


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Cristobal de Las Casas and Savannah, we can see that Savannah is more expensive. And not only is San Cristobal de Las Casas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Cristobal de Las Casas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Cristobal de Las Casas 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 Savannah would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Savannah than you might in San Cristobal de Las Casas.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Cristobal de Las Casas Expensive? and Is Savannah Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, San Cristobal de Las Casas or Savannah?

Savannah has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of San Cristobal de Las Casas. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Savannah, 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.