Which place is cheaper, Mazatlan or Santiago?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Santiago or Mazatlan?
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 Mazatlan. 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 Mazatlan?
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.
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.
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 Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantiago $141Mazatlan $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Santiago is $141, while the average daily cost in Mazatlan is $79. 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 Mazatlan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantiago $110Mazatlan $33
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantiago $220Mazatlan $66
Compare Hotels in Santiago and Mazatlan
Looking for a hotel in Santiago or Mazatlan? 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 Mazatlan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santiago $5.41Mazatlan $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:
-
Metro Ride$1.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Airport transfer between Santiago city center and Arturo Merino Benítez Airport: $51
- Arrival Transfer - Santiago International Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $35
- Arturo Merino Benítez Intl Airport: Shared Transfer: $24
- Departure Private Transfers : Santiago to Santiago Airport SCL in Luxury Van: $85
- Departure Transfer - Hotel in Santiago to Santiago International Airport: $35
- From Farellones/Valle Nevado Roundtrip Transfer: $35
- From Valle Nevado and Farellones with Transfer: $71
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour, Concha y Toro, Private Transfer from Santiago: $167
- Pick up Santiago Visit Haras de Pirque Winery & Transfer Hotel: $300
- Private Airport Transfer to/from Portillo Ski Resort: $210
- Private Round Trip Transfer on Santiago Of Chile City: $55
- Private Santiago Hotel or Airport Arrival Transfer to Viña del Mar or Valparaiso: $95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:
- Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50
- Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
- Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
- Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
- Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
Is it cheaper to fly into Santiago or Mazatlan?
Prices for flights to both Mazatlan 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
-
Food Meals for one daySantiago $13Mazatlan $34
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
-
Empanada$1.89
-
Hamburger$2.50
-
Dinner$26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Sunset at Alyan Family Wines Winery with Dinner: $94
- Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
- Dinner Show in Bali Hai: $109
- Sunset Winery Tour with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mazatlan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mazatlan.
- Mercado walking food tour: $78
- Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
- Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santiago $47Mazatlan $9.59
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
- "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $23
- Skip the Line: Concha y Toro Traditional Tour Ticket: $25
- A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -small group: $25
- Walking tour through Santiago: $26
- From Valle Nevado and Farellones Small Group Tour: $29
- Small-Group Tour to Valle Nevado and Farellones from Santiago: $29
Tours and Activities in Mazatlan
Here are a few actual costs in Mazatlan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone: $27
- Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch: $40
- Mazatlan Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $40
- Mazatlan Smart Bike Tour: $40
- El Faro Lighthouse Tour with Free Digital Photos: $47
- Mazatlan - City Tour: $47
- City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
- Grand Aquarium Ticket and City Sightseeing Tour: $57
- Sensation Splash Party All Inclusive Mazatlan Bay Cruise: $57
- Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
- Seafront Boardwalk Beer Bike Tour: $58
- Deer Island Eco Tour with Snorkeling and Hiking: $65
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySantiago $8.41Mazatlan $18
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 Tasting Tour from Santiago: $62
- Undurraga Wine tour: $63
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
- From Concha y Toro Marqués Half-Day Wine Tasting: $89
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $99
- From Maipo Valley Wine Tour: $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
- Santa Rita: Ultra Premium Wine Tasting, Tour and Transport: $145
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santiago and Mazatlan, we can see that Santiago is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santiago is in South America and Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santiago Expensive? and Is Mazatlan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santiago or Mazatlan?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Santiago and Mazatlan, 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 Mazatlan?
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 Mazatlan has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Santiago or Mazatlan in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago and Mazatlan. Also, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
Santiago is cooler than Mazatlan in the summer. The daily temperature in Santiago averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in July.
Mazatlan receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Santiago usually receives less rain than Mazatlanin July. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySantiago 21°C (70°F)Mazatlan 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Santiago or Mazatlan in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Santiago as well as Mazatlan. Also, many visitors come to Mazatlan in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Santiago is much colder than Mazatlan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santiago in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
Santiago usually gets less rain in April than Mazatlanin October. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSantiago 15°C (59°F)Mazatlan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Santiago or Mazatlan in the Winter?
Both Mazatlan and Santiago are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In July, Santiago is generally much colder than Mazatlanin January. Daily temperatures in Santiago average around 9°C (48°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
In July, Santiago usually receives more rain than Mazatlanin January. Santiago gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySantiago 9°C (48°F)Mazatlan 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Santiago or Mazatlan in the Spring?
Both Mazatlan and Santiago during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches.
Santiago is cooler than Mazatlan in the spring. The daily temperature in Santiago averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.
Santiago usually gets more rain in October than Mazatlanin April. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSantiago 15°C (59°F)Mazatlan 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Santiago
| Santiago | Mazatlan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Aug | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 227 mm (8.9 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 18 mm (0.7 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.