Should I Visit Santiago de Compostela or Lugo for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.

Which place is cheaper, Lugo or Santiago de Compostela?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Santiago de Compostela Prices
Spain Prices

Lugo Prices
Spain Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Santiago de Compostela €105

Lugo €123

The average daily cost (per person) in Santiago de Compostela is €105, while the average daily cost in Lugo is €123. 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.

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: $73
Airport transfer Santiago de Compostela: $68
Departure Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela to SCQ Airport by Business Car: $59
Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from SCQ Airport to City centre: $60
Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $49
Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $60
Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer to SCQ Airport by Van: $90

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 €34

Lugo €60

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:

Stroll Through History in Santiago: Quest Experience: $6.87
Old town walking tour with an Official Guide: $7.70
Guided Tour of the Old Town with an Official Guide: $7.85
Santiago de Compostela Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.98
Secrets of Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
Land of Legends & Meigas Night Tour in Santiago: $12
Land of Legends and Meigas Tour: $13
From Santiago: Tour to Finisterre, Muxia and Costa da Morte: $14
Cathedral, Museum, and Old Town Tour: $15
Complete Tour of the Cathedral of Santiago: Pórtico da Gloria and Museum: $15
Santiago: Cathedral & Museum Tour + Pórtico of Glory Option: $15
Night tour "Secrets of Compostela".: $15

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: $8.22

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:

Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $26
Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $30
Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $30

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

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)

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?

Where Should I go: Santiago de Compostela or Lugo?

Santiago de Compostela

Lugo

Which place is cheaper, Lugo or Santiago de Compostela?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Santiago de Compostela and Lugo

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago de Compostela

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

Food

Typical Food Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Santiago de Compostela

Tours and Activities in Lugo

Alcohol

Typical Alcohol Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago de Compostela

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Lugo?

When is the best time to visit Santiago de Compostela or Lugo?

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

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Lugo and Santiago de Compostela

Related Articles for Santiago de Compostela

Related Articles for Lugo

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?

Where Should I go: Santiago de Compostela or Lugo?

Santiago de Compostela

Lugo

Which place is cheaper, Lugo or Santiago de Compostela?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Santiago de Compostela and Lugo

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago de Compostela

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

Food

Typical Food Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Santiago de Compostela

Tours and Activities in Lugo

Alcohol

Typical Alcohol Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago de Compostela

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Lugo?

When is the best time to visit Santiago de Compostela or Lugo?

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

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Lugo and Santiago de Compostela

Related Articles for Santiago de Compostela

Related Articles for Lugo

Subscribe to our Newsletter