Which place is cheaper, Zadar or Santander?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santander or Zadar?
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 Zadar can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Santander or Zadar?
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.
Zadar
You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.
The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantander €108Zadar €89
The average daily cost (per person) in Santander is €108, while the average daily cost in Zadar is €89. 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 Zadar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantander €51Zadar €51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantander €102Zadar €102
Compare Hotels in Santander and Zadar
Looking for a hotel in Santander or Zadar? 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 Zadar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santander €24Zadar €9.50
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 Zadar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:
- From Plitvice Lakes Private Round-Trip Transfer: $398
- From Private Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport: $609
- From Zagreb & Franjo Tudman Airport Private Transfer: $459
- Krka National Park Private Tour from Zadar with transfer to Split: $283
- Private One Way Transfer from Split to Zadar: $276
- Private Transfer from Biograd Na Moru to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $68
- Private Transfer from Borik Zadar to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $37
- Private Transfer from Starigrad Paklenica to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $107
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Šibenik: $194
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Biograd Na Moru: $68
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Borik Zadar: $37
- Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Murter: $194
Is it cheaper to fly into Santander or Zadar?
Prices for flights to both Zadar 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 €41Zadar €28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.
- Small Group Cooking Class: $39
- Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
- Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $218
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santander €18Zadar €19
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
Tours and Activities in Zadar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:
- Old Town Walking Tour: $16
- Zadar historical guided tour: $16
- Zadar Historical Guided Walking Tour: $16
- Old Town Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $18
- Group History Walking Tour in Zadar Old Town: $20
- Guided City Walking Tour: $21
- The Ultimate Zadar Walking Tour: $22
- Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town: $24
- Old Town Evening Group Guided Walking Tour: $24
- Zadar City Tour 120min Walk: $24
- Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town in Zadar: $26
- Evening Walking Tour of the Old Town: $26
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantander €14Zadar €12
Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar
Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
- Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
- Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
- Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santander and Zadar, we can see that Santander is more expensive. And not only is Zadar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zadar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zadar 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 Zadar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santander Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santander or Zadar?
Santander has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Santander and Zadar, 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 Zadar?
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 Zadar in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santander and Zadar. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Santander is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Santander average around 19°C (66°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Santander, it's very sunny this time of the year. Santander usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Santander gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Santander usually receives more rain than Zadar. Santander gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySantander 19°C (66°F)Zadar 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Santander or Zadar in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Santander as well as Zadar. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.
Santander is cooler than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santander averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. In the autumn, Santander often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Santander gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.
Santander receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santander usually gets more rain in October than Zadar. Santander gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSantander 16°C (60°F)Zadar 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Santander or Zadar in the Winter?
Both Zadar and Santander are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Santander is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santander in January average around 9°C (49°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).
Santander usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during winter. Santander gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Santander. In January, Santander usually receives more rain than Zadar. Santander gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySantander 9°C (49°F)Zadar 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Santander or Zadar in the Spring?
Both Zadar and Santander during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Santander is generally cooler than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Santander average around 12°C (53°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Santander often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Santander gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Santander. Santander usually gets more rain in April than Zadar. Santander gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSantander 12°C (53°F)Zadar 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Zadar and Santander
| Santander | Zadar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.