Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Santiago?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santiago or Anchorage?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Santiago and Anchorage. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Santiago or Anchorage?
Santiago
Santiago is the capital city of Chile. It is centrally located in the long and narrow country, making it a good jumping off point to explore everywhere else. It's convenient location means that you can go skiing in the Andes one day, and hang out at the beach the next.
Santiago has a cool semi-arid climate that is similar to Mediterranean climates. The summers, which are between November and March, are warm and dry. The temperatures climb to around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The winters, between June and August, are humid with cold mornings. The daily highs are around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows stay a few degrees above freezing. Rain is more common in the winter months and the dry season is between December and March.
Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantiago $143Anchorage $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Santiago is $143, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $191. 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 and Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantiago $111Anchorage $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantiago $222Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Santiago and Anchorage
Looking for a hotel in Santiago or Anchorage? 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 Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santiago $5.48Anchorage $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:
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Metro Ride$1.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Arturo Merino Benítez Intl Airport: Shared Transfer: $24
- Private Departure Transfer from Santiago- Santiago Airport (SCL): $27
- Private Transfer From The Hotel in Santiago City To the Airport: $29
- Departure Transfer - Hotel in Santiago to Santiago International Airport: $35
- Private Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer: $35
- From Farellones Roundtrip Transfer: $35
- Arrival Transfer - Santiago International Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $35
- Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $39
- Private Transfer between Santiago and the Airport: $51
- Airport transfer between Santiago city center and Arturo Merino Benítez Airport: $51
- Transfer Privado Entre Santiago Y El Aeropuerto: $52
- Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago Centro Commune: $52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
- SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
Is it cheaper to fly into Santiago or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Santiago 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 daySantiago $13Anchorage $50
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.91
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Hamburger$2.54
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Dinner$26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation in Santiago: $107
- Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
- Dinner Show in Bali Hai: $109
- Sunset at Alyan Family Wines Winery with Dinner: $116
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $117
- Small-Group Night City Tour: San Cristobal Hill and Dinner Show: $120
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour with Dinner and Show: $150
- Private Dinner and Show with Transfers: $158
- Traditional Chilean Cooking Class with a Local in Her Santiago Countryside Home: $168
Typical Food Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
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Bread$4.25
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Breakfast for Two$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santiago $48Anchorage $30
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Explore Santiago's Soul: Walking In-App Audio Tour: $5.00
- Explore Santiago's Soul: Walking In-App Audio Tour: $5.00
- Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $9.00
- La Paz from the Heights: Down hill Walking tour & Cable Cars: $12
- Cable Car Admission Ticket: $15
- Cousiño Macul Official Winery Tour with Tasting: $23
- Skip the Line: Concha y Toro Traditional Tour Ticket: $25
- Walking tour through Santiago: $26
- From Valle Nevado and Farellones Small Group Tour: $29
- The Essentials City Tour & Optional Concha y Toro: $30
- Half Day tradicional city Tour: $30
- TOUR PANORAMICO VALLE NEVADO Y FARELLONES: $32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:
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1 Day Bike Rental$33
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1/2 Day Rafting Trip$105
Tours and Activities in Anchorage
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:
- Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket: $25
- 1-Hour Trolley Tour: $25
- Anchorage Trolley Tour: $25
- Botanical Garden Walking Tour: $40
- Deluxe Trolley City Tour: $50
- Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour: $50
- Anchorage City Tour, w/Chocolate Factory Samplings & Much More!: $59
- Anchorage's Winter City Tour: $59
- Last Frontier Anchorage City & Wilderness Tour - Top Winter Value: $65
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $73
- Tour on a unique 14-passenger electric vehicle: $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantiago $8.51Anchorage $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago
Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Premium Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Spanish official: $37
- Concha y Toro Ticket and Tour with Wine Tasting: $50
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $50
- Undurraga Wine tour: $63
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
- Private Tour: Santa Rita Vineyard with Wine Tastings: $72
- From Concha y Toro Marqués Half-Day Wine Tasting: $89
- half day wine tour to concha y toro from Santiago seasonal offer: $95
- From Maipo Valley Wine Tour: $99
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $99
- Private Tour: Viña del Mar and Valparaíso Tour with Wine Tasting in Casablanca Valley: $143
- Premium Wine Tasting and Tour at Santa Rita with Transport: $145
Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
- Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $109
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
- Guided Tour on Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey & Wine Tasting: $285
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santiago and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Santiago much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santiago is in South America and Anchorage is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Santiago would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage than you might in Santiago.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santiago Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santiago or Anchorage?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Santiago and Anchorage, 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 or Anchorage?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Santiago is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Anchorage has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Santiago or Anchorage in the Summer?
Both Anchorage and Santiago are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Santiago is generally a little warmer than Anchoragein July. Daily temperatures in Santiago average around 21°C (70°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).
In January, Santiago usually receives less rain than Anchoragein July. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySantiago 21°C (70°F)Anchorage 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Santiago or Anchorage in the Autumn?
Both Anchorage and Santiago during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.
It's quite cold in Anchorage in the autumn. Santiago is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santiago averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C)in October.
Santiago usually gets less rain in April than Anchoragein October. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSantiago 15°C (59°F)Anchorage 35°F (2°C)
Should I visit Santiago or Anchorage in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago and Anchorage. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In the winter, Santiago is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santiago in July average around 9°C (48°F), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C)in January.
In July, Santiago usually receives more rain than Anchoragein January. Santiago gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySantiago 9°C (48°F)Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)
Should I visit Santiago or Anchorage in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Santiago as well as Anchorage. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the spring for the natural beauty.
Anchorage can get quite cold in the spring. In October, Santiago is generally much warmer than Anchoragein April. Daily temperatures in Santiago average around 15°C (59°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).
Santiago usually gets less rain in October than Anchoragein April. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSantiago 15°C (59°F)Anchorage 36°F (2°C)
Typical Weather for Anchorage and Santiago
| Santiago | Anchorage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Mar | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Aug | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) |
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.