A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santiago de Compostela vs. Podgorica for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Podgorica?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Podgorica? 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 Podgorica?

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.

Podgorica

Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city, and also its largest. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, World War II destroyed much of this history, but there are a few Turkish remnants worth visiting. Podgorica's central location often makes the city a good starting point for day trips to coastal cities or mountain resorts.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Podgorica 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 Podgorica is €105. 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 Podgorica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santiago de Compostela 37
    Podgorica 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santiago de Compostela 74
    Podgorica 92
Compare Hotels in Santiago de Compostela and Podgorica

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


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 Podgorica Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago de Compostela

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago de Compostela:

  • Departure Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela to SCQ Airport by Business Car: $38
  • Airport Transfer Santiago de Compostela: $45
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from SCQ Airport to City centre: $51
  • Airport transfer Santiago de Compostela: $71
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer to SCQ Airport by Van: $91
  • Arrival Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela Airport to City Center by Minivan: $91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:

  • Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
  • Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $94
  • Budva to Podgorica one way transfer: $118
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to/from Virpazar: $57
  • Podgorica airport: Private Transfer to/from Budva: $75
  • Private Transfer to Budva: $39
  • Private transfer to Kotor: $53
  • Private transfer to Tivat: $53
  • Private Airport Transfer from Podgorica airport to Budva: $68
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Lustica: $262
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Petrovac : $58
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Tivat downtown: $117

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

Prices for flights to both Podgorica 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
    Podgorica 41
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
    Podgorica 21

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 A Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Secrets of Private Self-Guided Audio 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
  • Queimada Experience Show and Tasting: $16
  • Museum Tour of Galician Culture: $16
  • Santiago: Cathedral & Museum Tour & Pórtico of Glory Option: $16
  • Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour: $16

Tours and Activities in Podgorica

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Podgorica are as follows:

  • Skip The Line: National Park Skadar Lake - Tickets: $8.17
  • Skadar lake - Falcon kayak tour: $13
  • Lake Skadar: Guided Sightseeing Boat Tour with Refreshments: $16
  • Two Hours Sightseeing Lake Cruise at Montenegro National Park: $16
  • Podgorica City Walking Tour: $22
  • Lake Skadar: Guided Panoramic Boat Tour to Kom Monastery : $22
  • Lake Skadar: Early-morning Birdwatching and Photography Tour: $27
  • From Virpazar: Guided Lake Skadar cruise and Crnojevića River: $33
  • Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
  • Book Your Donkey Farm Tour: $57
  • Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $65
  • Cultural Bike Tour of Podgorica;Discovering the Ancient Treasures: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santiago de Compostela 23
    Podgorica 20
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: $214

Sample the Local Flavors in Podgorica

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:

  • Private Wine Tasting Activity at Lipovac Winery: $27
  • Book Your Wine Tour: $77
  • Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $93
  • Podgorica Car Trip, Doclea city, Wine tasting, Niagara falls: $106
  • Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $120
  • Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $128
  • Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $196


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


Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Podgorica?

Podgorica has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela and Podgorica, 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 Podgorica?

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 Podgorica in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago de Compostela and Podgorica. Many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Santiago de Compostela is generally cooler than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 19°C (66°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Podgorica this time of the year. In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. Santiago de Compostela usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during summer. Santiago de Compostela gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Santiago de Compostela usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santiago de Compostela 19°C (66°F) 
    Podgorica 26°C (80°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Santiago de Compostela as well as Podgorica. Many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Santiago de Compostela is around the same temperature as Podgorica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Podgorica fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. In the autumn, Santiago de Compostela often gets less sunshine than Podgorica. Santiago de Compostela gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Podgorica. Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santiago de Compostela usually gets less rain in October than Podgorica. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santiago de Compostela 16°C (61°F) 
    Podgorica 17°C (63°F)

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

Both Podgorica and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Santiago de Compostela is much warmer than Podgorica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Podgorica averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during winter. Santiago de Compostela gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. In January, Santiago de Compostela usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santiago de Compostela 11°C (51°F) 
    Podgorica 6°C (42°F)

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

Both Podgorica and Santiago de Compostela during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the natural beauty.

In April, Santiago de Compostela is generally cooler than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 13°C (55°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Santiago de Compostela often gets less sunshine than Podgorica. Santiago de Compostela gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun.

Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Santiago de Compostela usually gets less rain in April than Podgorica. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santiago de Compostela 13°C (55°F) 
    Podgorica 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Podgorica and Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela Podgorica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 25 mm (1 in) 26°C (80°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 19°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 11°C (53°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 128 mm (5 in) 7°C (45°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)