A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Santiago de Compostela vs. Lugo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Lugo?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Lugo? 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.

Where Should I go: Santiago de Compostela or Lugo?

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of northwest Spain's Galicia region. Its famous cathedral marks the culmination of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route, and is the alleged burial site of the apostle himself. The pilgrimage route begins in the Pyrenees, 500 miles away, though travelers can decide to join the journey at certain points in between, depending on how far they want to walk and how much they want to see.

Lugo

Located in northwestern Spain, Lugo is a city of the Galicia region best known for its old city, completely surrounded by Roman walls. Within these walls are some of Lugo's most impressive sights including a striking city hall, elaborate cathedral, and many beautiful city squares and plazas. The city is also known for its festivals and is the capital of a province of the same name.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Lugo or Santiago de Compostela?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Santiago de Compostela is €91, while the average daily cost in Lugo is €98. 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 Santiago de Compostela and Lugo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santiago de Compostela 37
    Lugo 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santiago de Compostela 74
    Lugo 100
Compare Hotels in Santiago de Compostela and Lugo

Looking for a hotel in Santiago de Compostela or Lugo? 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 Santiago de Compostela


Hotels in Lugo


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: Santiago de Compostela Hotel Prices and Lugo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santiago de Compostela 38
    Lugo 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago de Compostela

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago de Compostela:

  • Airport transfer Santiago de Compostela: $70
  • Departure Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela to SCQ Airport by Business Car: $38
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from SCQ Airport to City centre: $51
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51

Is it cheaper to fly into Santiago de Compostela or Lugo?

Prices for flights to both Lugo and Santiago de Compostela 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
    Santiago de Compostela 19
    Lugo 34
Typical Food Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santiago de Compostela:


  • Raspberries
    3.50
  • Ice Cream
    2.00
  • Cookie
    1.00
  • Kebab
    7.25
  • Dinner & Tapas (for 2)
    28
  • Tuna Empanada
    3.50
  • Fruit Shake
    3.50
  • Crepe
    4.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santiago de Compostela 39
    Lugo 13

Tours and Activities in Santiago de Compostela

Here are a few actual costs in Santiago de Compostela for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Old Town of Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour: $1.09
  • Secrets of Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Secrets of A Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Old town walking tour with an Official Guide: $11
  • Guided Tour of the Old Town with an Official Guide: $11
  • Hostal de los Reyes Católicos Tour: $13
  • Land of Legends & Meigas Night Tour: $13
  • Night Tour Land of Legends and Meigas: $13
  • Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour: $16
  • Queimada Experience Show and Tasting: $16
  • Santiago: Cathedral & Museum Tour & Pórtico of Glory Option: $16
  • Museum Tour of Galician Culture: $16

Tours and Activities in Lugo

Here are a few actual costs in Lugo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cathedral of Santa Maria Entry Ticket and Audio Guide: $6.39
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $80
  • ¡¡NEW!! Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santiago de Compostela 23
    Lugo 16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santiago de Compostela from other travelers:


  • 1 Pint Beer
    2.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago de Compostela

Also in Santiago de Compostela, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $31
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $32
  • Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $33
  • Premium Porto Santiago Compostela tour lunch & wine tasting: $202


When comparing the travel costs between Santiago de Compostela and Lugo, we can see that Lugo 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 Santiago de Compostela Expensive? and Is Lugo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Lugo?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Lugo. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela and Lugo, 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 Santiago de Compostela or Lugo?

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 Santiago de Compostela or Lugo in the Summer?

Both Lugo and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Santiago de Compostela is around the same temperature as Lugo in the summer. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Lugo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Lugo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. Santiago de Compostela usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lugo during summer. Santiago de Compostela gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Lugo receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Santiago de Compostela usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lugo. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santiago de Compostela 19°C (66°F) 
    Lugo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Lugo in the Autumn?

Both Lugo and Santiago de Compostela during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Santiago de Compostela is around the same temperature as Lugo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Lugo averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Santiago de Compostela often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lugo. Santiago de Compostela gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lugo receives 155 hours of full sun.

Lugo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. Santiago de Compostela usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lugo. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santiago de Compostela 16°C (61°F) 
    Lugo 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Lugo in the Winter?

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

In January, Santiago de Compostela is generally around the same temperature as Lugo. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 11°C (51°F), and Lugo fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lugo during winter. Santiago de Compostela gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Lugo receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lugo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Santiago de Compostela usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lugo. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santiago de Compostela 11°C (51°F) 
    Lugo 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Lugo in the Spring?

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

Santiago de Compostela is around the same temperature as Lugo in the spring. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Lugo fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Santiago de Compostela often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lugo. Santiago de Compostela gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lugo receives 167 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lugo. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santiago de Compostela 13°C (55°F) 
    Lugo 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Lugo and Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela Lugo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 25 mm (1 in) 19°C (66°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 19°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 128 mm (5 in) 11°C (52°F) 128 mm (5 in)