Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Santiago?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Santiago or Koh Phi Phi?
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 Koh Phi Phi. 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 Koh Phi Phi?
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.
Koh Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
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Santiago Prices
Chile PricesKoh Phi Phi Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantiago $159Koh Phi Phi $92
The average daily cost (per person) in Santiago is $159, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $92. 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 Koh Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantiago $116Koh Phi Phi $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantiago $232Koh Phi Phi $96
Compare Hotels in Santiago and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Santiago or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santiago $5.72Koh Phi Phi $7.68
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$1.20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Private Scenic Transfer to Mendoza.: $467
- Airport Transfer and Halfday City tour Santiago de Chile: $362
- Private Transfer from Santiago or Santiago Airport to Colchagua or Santa Cruz: $300
- Private Santiago, Visit Santa Rita Winery & Transfer to Hotel: $300
- Private Santiago Visit Haras de Pirque Winery & Transfer Hotel: $300
- Private Transfer to Ski Centers: $299
- Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to Valparaíso: $290
- Private Transfer Between Santiago and Cruise Port: $270
- Santiago de Chile: Private Transfer to San Antonio / Port: $270
- City Tour Santiago with Exclusive Guide + Private Transfer: $270
- Private Transfer to Sewell UNESCO Andes Town Tour with Lunch: $269
- Private cruise transfer: Puerto San Antonio or Valparaíso ↔ Santiago: $260
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
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Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$16
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Longboat Taxi$3.04
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $28
- Phi Phi Island to Phuket Speedboat Transfer: $31
- Smooth Round Trip Ferry Transfer from Krabi to Phi Phi Island: $37
- Krabi to Phi Phi Island Scenic Round Trip Ferry Transfer Service: $37
- Koh Phi Phi to Krabi VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $46
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $46
- Phi Phi to Koh Samui Smooth Transfer by Speedboat Bus Catamaran: $56
- Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $69
- Phuket Phi phi Maya Bay Khai Island Diving Transfer & Buffet: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Santiago or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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 $24Koh Phi Phi $22
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.99
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Hamburger$2.65
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Dinner$27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Legacy Family Tour Lunch or Dinner Pairing 4 Strokes: $40
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $56
- Street Food Tour in Santiago with a Local Guide: $57
- Mercado Meals Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $60
- 4h Cooking Class in 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $77
- 4h Cooking Class in Santiago : 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $85
- Food Tour STGO, Eat like Locals!: $99
- Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
- Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation in Santiago: $107
- Santiago Food Tour: Bohemian Flavors and Local Gems: $109
- Barrio Italia Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $119
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $125
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
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Crepe$1.82
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Sit Down Lunch$10
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Casual Lunch$6.38
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Coconut Donut$0.30
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Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$12
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Sit Down Dinner$15
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santiago $50Koh Phi Phi $51
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $27
- 1 Day Tour of Viña Concha y Toro from Santiago: $120
- 1 Day Valparaiso and Vina del Mar Tour from Santiago: $51
- 3 Hours Santiago Blend Walking Tour: $30
- 6 Hour Tour of Culture, History and Flavors from Santiago: $75
- A Private Tour of Santiago with an Experienced Local Guide: $162
- A full Private Tour of Valparaiso from Santiago: $238
- Adega Montes Guided Tour with Private Transportation: $300
- Adventure in Portillo: Laguna del Inca and Mountain Picnic: $100
- All Santiago in One Day: Private Guided Tour: $250
- An Architect's Tour of Downtown Santiago: $60
- Andean Adventure: Cajón del Maipo & El Morado Lodge and Spa: $147
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental$9.12
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $14
- Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $16
- Half-Day Phi Phi Tour with Maya Bay By Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $17
- Phi Phi Half Day Longtail Boat Tour to Maya Bay and Snorkeling: $19
- Phi Phi Sunset Longtail Boat Cruise to Maya Bay and Snorkeling: $20
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $21
- Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $21
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $22
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $22
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
- Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $31
- Phuket Evening Tour Sunset Viewpoints and Night Market Experience: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantiago $8.89Koh Phi Phi $6.30
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago
Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- "Chile in Your Glass" Wine Tasting.: $22
- Cousiño Macul Heritage Wine Tour with Tastings: $25
- Pub Crawl with Unlimited Beer and Welcome Shots: $25
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $59
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $62
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $75
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $75
- Concha y Toro Tour with Wine Tasting and Transport: $87
- Half Day Trip to Cousiño Macul Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
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Mojito Bucket$15
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Banana Daiquiri$6.08
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santiago and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Santiago is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santiago is in South America and Koh Phi Phi is in Asia, 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 Koh Phi Phi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Phi Phi 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 Santiago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santiago than you might in Koh Phi Phi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santiago Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santiago or Koh Phi Phi?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 4840 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Santiago and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?
Santiago has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Phi Phi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Santiago or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Santiago as well as Koh Phi Phi. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
Santiago is cooler than Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Santiago averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Santiago usually gets less rain in January than Koh Phi Phiin July. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySantiago 21°C (70°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Santiago or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Santiago are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Santiago is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santiago in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In April, Santiago usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin October. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSantiago 15°C (59°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Santiago or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Santiago during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.
In July, Santiago is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phiin January. Daily temperatures in Santiago average around 9°C (48°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Santiago usually gets more rain in July than Koh Phi Phiin January. Santiago gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySantiago 9°C (48°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Santiago or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago and Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Santiago is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Santiago averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.
Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Santiago usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phiin April. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSantiago 15°C (59°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Santiago
| Santiago | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.