Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Santander?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santander or San Sebastian?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Santander and San Sebastian can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Santander or San Sebastian?
Santander
Santander is the capital of the Cantabria Region which runs along the northern coast of Spain. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantander €108San Sebastian €86
The average daily cost (per person) in Santander is €108, while the average daily cost in San Sebastian is €86. 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 Santander and San Sebastian in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantander €51San Sebastian €40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantander €102San Sebastian €80
Compare Hotels in Santander and San Sebastian
Looking for a hotel in Santander or San Sebastian? 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: Santander Hotel Prices and San Sebastian Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santander €24San Sebastian €14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:
- Santander Private Departure Transfer: $35
- Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $35
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $41
- Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $43
- Santander Private Transfer from Santander Airport to City centre: $43
- Private Transfer from Santander Port to Bilbao Airport: $251
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $251
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $251
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $247
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Bilbao Airport: $268
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $245
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Bilbao: $268
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Vitoria: $291
- Private Transfer from the Airport to San Sebastian City: $84
- San Sebastián-Bilbao city or airport private transfer: $273
Is it cheaper to fly into Santander or San Sebastian?
Prices for flights to both San Sebastian and Santander 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 daySantander €41San Sebastian €31
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 Walking and Food Tour: $104
- Insider Best Culinary Gems Guided Food Tour in San Sebastian: $109
- Basque Cuisine Cooking Class with Market Visit: $148
- Full Day San Sebastian Food Tour : $150
- I travel for Food Tour in San Sebastian: $152
- Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Old Town: $152
- Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $158
- Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $213
- Food tour in San Sebastian and Visit to a Gastronomical Club: $224
- History and flavors of San Sebastian for Dinner with Eskerne Falcón: $235
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santander €18San Sebastian €33
Tours and Activities in Santander
Here are a few actual costs in Santander for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay: $14
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
- City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
- Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket: $26
- From Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour: $42
- Full Day Tour Lakes of Covadonga and Santillana from Santander: $46
- Guided Tour by Electric Bike: $53
- Full Day Self Guided Tour in Santillana del Mar and Comillas: $54
- From Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour: $64
- Santoña: Anchovy Factory Tour and Boat Trip: $70
- Tour to the Towns of the Western Coast of Cantabria: $78
- Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour: $82
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: $16
- Guided tour of San Sebastián: $19
- Walking Tour in San Sebastian: $43
- Electric scooter city tour: $45
- City tour, bike ride: $45
- San Sebastian : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
- City tour, by electric bicycle: $50
- Private Walking Tour in San Sebastian with Pintxo and Drink: $54
- San Sebastián City Bike tour : $54
- Private Guided Sightseeing Bike Tour of San Sebastian: $60
- Hondarribia, S.Juan & S.Pedro Small Group Tour from San Sebastian: $60
- Small-Group Electric Bike Tour in San Sebastián : $61
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantander €14San Sebastian €20
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:
- Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening): $141
- Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian: $148
- Best quality food & wine tasting tour in San Sebastian. : $191
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $240
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $251
- Full Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch from San Sebastian Private Tour: $298
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santander and San Sebastian, we can see that Santander is more expensive. And not only is San Sebastian much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Sebastian would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Sebastian 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 Santander would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santander than you might in San Sebastian.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santander Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santander or San Sebastian?
San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Santander. When comparing the sizes of Santander and San Sebastian, 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 Santander or San Sebastian?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Santander or San Sebastian in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santander and San Sebastian. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Santander is generally around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Santander average around 19°C (66°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Sebastian this time of the year. In Santander, it's very sunny this time of the year. Santander usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian during summer. Santander gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Santander usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Santander gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySantander 19°C (66°F)San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Santander or San Sebastian in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Santander as well as San Sebastian. Additionally, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the autumn for the shopping scene.
Santander is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santander averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In the autumn, Santander often gets less sunshine than San Sebastian. Santander gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Santander receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santander usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Santander gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSantander 16°C (60°F)San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Santander or San Sebastian in the Winter?
Both San Sebastian and Santander are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Santander is around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santander in January average around 9°C (49°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 8°C (47°F).
Santander usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian during winter. Santander gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. It's quite rainy in Santander. In January, Santander usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Santander gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySantander 9°C (49°F)San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Santander or San Sebastian in the Spring?
Both San Sebastian and Santander during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches.
In April, Santander is generally around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Santander average around 12°C (53°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the spring, Santander often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Sebastian. Santander gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun.
San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Santander. Santander usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Santander gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSantander 12°C (53°F)San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Santander
| Santander | San Sebastian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 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.