Which place is cheaper, Cantabria or San Sebastian?
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 San Sebastian or Cantabria?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Sebastian or Cantabria, 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: San Sebastian or Cantabria?
San Sebastian
San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.
Cantabria
Occupying Spain's northern coast, the region of Cantabria is known for its mountains, cave paintings, and the capital city of Santander. Its diverse landscape allows for locals and visitors alike to hit the beach in the summer and go on mountain adventures in the winter. While these natural features alone are breathtaking, there is also much to say for Cantabria's quaint seaside towns, fresh cuisine, and rich history.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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San Sebastian Prices
Spain PricesCantabria Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Sebastian €113Cantabria €130
The average daily cost (per person) in San Sebastian is €113, while the average daily cost in Cantabria is €130. 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 Sebastian and Cantabria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Sebastian €40Cantabria €54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Sebastian €80Cantabria €108
Compare Hotels in San Sebastian and Cantabria
Looking for a hotel in San Sebastian or Cantabria? 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: San Sebastian Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Sebastian €13Cantabria €22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Biarritz Airport: $197
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Biarritz: $197
- San Sebastián-Bilbao city or airport private transfer: $296
- San Sebastián: Transfer to Biarritz: $285
- Transfer Bilbao or San Sebastian Airport to San Sebastian by Car: $75
- Transfer S. Sebastian to Bilbao or S. Sebastian Airports by Sedan: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into San Sebastian or Cantabria?
Prices for flights to both Cantabria and San Sebastian 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 daySan Sebastian €55Cantabria €60
Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:
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Dinner for 2€55
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Lunch for 2€10
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Lunch for 2€31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Sebastian.
- San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $89
- Basque cuisine cooking class: $154
- San Sebastian Market Visit and Cooking Class: $154
- Basque Cooking Experience: Market Tour & Hands-On Class English: $165
- Authentic Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastian with Local Chef: $165
- Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $172
- San Sebastian Supper Club A Progressive Dinner Experience: $236
- San Sebastián Food & History Tour: Dinner with a Local Twist: $255
- San Sebastián Walking Dinner Tour with Basque Bites: $295
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Sebastian €32Cantabria €20
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:
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Valle de los Caídos Monument€6.00
Tours and Activities in San Sebastian
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Sebastian are as follows:
- San Sebastian walking tour with pintxo and drink option: $14
- Bike Tour in San Sebastian: $51
- San Sebastian : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide: $53
- San Sebastian Private Walking Tour with a Local: $57
- New Tour! 3H Walking City Tour in San Sebastian(very small group): $59
- Small-Group Electric Bike Tour in San Sebastián: $66
- San Sebastián City Bike Tour: $82
- "Basque Cider House" guided tour + meal from San Sebastian: $98
- Ebike and Pintxos tour: $113
- San Sebastian Food & Pintxos Tour with 12 Food & Drinks Tastings: $117
- Gastronomic Tour of Pintxos in San Sebastián: $117
- San Sebastian Pintxos and Txakoli Private Tour (2 people minimum): $119
Tours and Activities in Cantabria
Here are a few actual costs in Cantabria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Barcena Mayor and Carmona Tour from Santander for Small Groups: $73
- Private Walking Tour of Altamira and Neocave Museum: $220
- Private Guided Walking Tour of Santillana del Mar: $220
- Playa de la Arnía: Private Tour of the UNESCO Costa Quebrada: $282
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Sebastian €20Cantabria €12
Sample the Local Flavors in San Sebastian
Also in San Sebastian, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Rioja Wine Tour: wineries and Laguardia from San Sebastian: $113
- San Sebastian Centro Neighborhood Pintxos & Wine Tour: $117
- San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour Small Group Tour: $122
- Getaria Txakoli wine tour from San Sebastian: $172
- Small Group Basque Food, Pintxos and Wine Tour in San Sebastian: $195
- Open Food & Wine tours in San Sebastian: $213
- San Sebastián Wine Route: Walking Wine Tour with Pairing: $231
- Private Half Day Txakoli Wine Tour & Getaria Fishing Village: $243
- Private Txakoli wine tour in Getaria from San Sebastian: $296
- Rioja wine tour: winery and traditional lunch from San Sebastian: $296
- Private Txakoli Wine Tour through the Coast from San Sebastian: $299
When comparing the travel costs between San Sebastian and Cantabria, we can see that Cantabria 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Sebastian Expensive? and Is Cantabria Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, San Sebastian or Cantabria?
Cantabria has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of San Sebastian and Cantabria, 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.
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.