Which place is cheaper, Miami 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 Miami?
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 Miami. 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 Miami?
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.
Miami
Miami is a popular tourist destination and a modern city in South Florida. It has beautiful white beaches, crystal blue waters, cosmopolitan neighborhoods, impressive shopping, and excellent dining opportunities. It is also a gateway to the Florida Keys, which is another popular destination in South Florida.
Miami is the second most populated city in Florida and the metropolitan area is the most populated in the state with more than 5.4 million people. It's also the 7th largest metro area in the country. The city sits between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west. It covers 110 miles north to south but is a narrow 20 miles east to west.
Miami sits at a low latitude, giving it a subtropical savannah climate. There are two seasons; the warm and dry season between November and April and the hot and wet season between May and October. The coldest months are between December and March when highs are in the upper 70 or low 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer months have highs in the upper 80s or 90s and lows in the mid 70s with high humidity.
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 Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.
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Santiago Prices
Chile PricesMiami Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantiago $155Miami $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Santiago is $155, while the average daily cost in Miami is $258. 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 Miami in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantiago $113Miami $154
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantiago $226Miami $308
Compare Hotels in Santiago and Miami
Looking for a hotel in Santiago or Miami? 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 Miami Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santiago $5.56Miami $38
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$1.16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Airport Transfer and Halfday City tour Santiago de Chile: $362
- Airport Transfer: Santiago to Santiago Airport SCL by Luxury Van: $104
- City tour santiago with excursion to valparaiso and airport transfer: $150
- Clos Apalta Winery - Tour with Private Transfer: $300
- Cruise Terminal Transfer from Valparaíso & Wine Tasting: $129
- Departure Transfer Santiago de Chile to Santiago Airport SCL: $82
- Departure Transfer: Santiago to Airport SCL by Business Car: $84
- Departure Transfer: Santiago to Airport SCL by Luxury Van: $104
- Portillo and Laguna Del Inca, Exclusive Guide and Private Transfer: $250
- Private 15-Passenger Premium Transfer – Santiago to Valparaíso: $149
- Private Airport Transfer Santiago Arrival or Departure 4pax SUV: $64
- Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:
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Car Rental for a Day$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:
- Train Transfer to South Florida Cities: $20
- MIA Airport Private Transfer to/from Miami Port: $22
- MIA Airport Private Transfer to/from Miami City/Beach: $22
- Private Transfer From Miami Airport (MIA): $27
- Private Transfer to Miami Airport (MIA): $27
- Private Transfer Transportation Service to Port of Miami: $36
- Miami MIA Airport to Fort Lauderdale | Hollywood Private Transfer: $39
- Miami Airport Transfer to or from Miami City and Port Miami: $40
- Private Group Transfer Service From Port of Miami & Miami Airport: $40
- Miami (MIA) & Fort Lauderdale (FLL): Airport Private Transfer: $42
- Luxury Roundtrip Transfer to Sawgrass Mall from Miami Hotel: $45
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Miami Airport (MIA): $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Santiago or Miami?
Prices for flights to both Miami 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 $23Miami $72
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.94
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Hamburger$2.57
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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
- Mercado Meals Santiago Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $59
- Mercado Meals Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $60
- 4h Cooking Class in 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $77
- Lastarria Food Tour: Wine, Bites & Social Culinary Experience: $98
- Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
- Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation in Santiago: $107
- Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
- Santiago Food Tour: Bohemian Flavors and Local Gems: $109
- Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
- Barrio Italia Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $119
Typical Food Prices in Miami
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:
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Lunch with Drinks (for 2)$45
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David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.
- Art Deco Food Tour with Private Cigar & Rum Upgrade: $35
- Historical Walking Food Tour in Calle 8: $50
- 2-Hour Little Havana Food Tour with 6+ Tastings: $53
- 2-Hour Express Little Havana & Cuban Culture Food Tour in Miami: $54
- South Beach Guided Food Tour with Authentic Tastings: $60
- Handcrafted Donuts & Street Art: Wynwood's Most Unique Food Tour: $65
- Miami : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $66
- Miami Mosaic Signature Food Tour: $75
- South Beach Food Tour: $75
- Little Havana 3-Hour Food Tour: $83
- Miami Beach Bike and Food Tour - Bikes, Bites & Views (Adults): $89
- Wynwood Walls Art District Food Tour: $90
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santiago $49Miami $31
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Official Tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago: $11
- Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $11
- Historical Sights Walking Tour: $15
- Cable Car Admission Ticket: $18
- History Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $21
- Tour of Santiago with Professional Photography: $25
- Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Old Town: $25
- Santiago Sightseeing Tour: Living History and Local Food Tasting: $25
- Santiago : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $25
- Guided City Tour through the historic center of Santiago: $25
- "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial portugués: $27
- City Tour Santiago - Walking Tour: $29
Tours and Activities in Miami
Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Jetski & ATV Adventure Combo in Miami: $2.00
- Miami Beach: Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
- Bus & Boat Ultimate Sightseeing Combo Tour: $6.16
- Little Havana Smartphone guided Audio App Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
- Private and Exclusive Jet Car Experience: $9.24
- Luxury Jet Car Experience on Biscayne Bay: $9.24
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Miami: $9.32
- Wynwood Neighborhood Art Walk Self-Guided Tour of Murals: $9.99
- Sights of Downtown a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
- Miami Beach Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
- Haunted Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $11
- Biscayne National Park Self Guided Audio Tour: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantiago $8.64Miami $22
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
- Pub Crawl with Unlimited Beer and Welcome Shots: $25
- Cousiño Macul Heritage Wine Tour with Tastings: $25
- Traditional Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Official English: $27
- "Premium Wine Tour" Viña Cousiño Macul Official english: $45
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $59
- Wine Tasting + Cheeseboard + Gypsum Reservoir: $60
- 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
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $75
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $75
Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:
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Evening at a Bar$32
Sample the Local Flavors in Miami
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:
- An Epic Bar Crawl in Miami Florida: $15
- #1 Miami Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $21
- Wynwood Pub Crawl with Drinks & VIP Club Entry: $27
- Guided Bar Crawl with Drinks Discounts and Club Entry: $29
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Miami Bachelorette Bar Crawl: $40
- BigBeach Bar Crawl - South Beach Bar Hop and Club Experience: $40
- Pedal Pub Wynwood Art District Party Bike Pub Crawl: $48
- Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
- A taste of Spain: Mediterranean Wine Tasting & Tapas Experience: $119
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santiago and Miami, we can see that Miami 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 Miami 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 Miami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Miami 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 Miami Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santiago or Miami?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Santiago and Miami, 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 Miami?
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 Miami has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Santiago or Miami in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago and Miami. Also, many visitors come to Miami in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Santiago is generally cooler than Miamiin July. Daily temperatures in Santiago average around 21°C (70°F), and Miami fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).
Miami receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Santiago usually receives less rain than Miamiin July. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySantiago 21°C (70°F)Miami 83°F (28°C)
Should I visit Santiago or Miami in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Santiago as well as Miami. Also, most visitors come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
Santiago is much colder than Miami in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santiago averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Miami fluctuates around 78°F (26°C)in October.
It's quite rainy in Miami. Santiago usually gets less rain in April than Miamiin October. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSantiago 15°C (59°F)Miami 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Santiago or Miami in the Winter?
Both Miami and Santiago are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Miami because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Santiago is much colder than Miami. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santiago in July average around 9°C (48°F), and Miami averages at about 67°F (20°C)in January.
In July, Santiago usually receives more rain than Miamiin January. Santiago gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySantiago 9°C (48°F)Miami 67°F (20°C)
Should I visit Santiago or Miami in the Spring?
Both Miami and Santiago during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Miami this time of year.
In October, Santiago is generally much colder than Miamiin April. Daily temperatures in Santiago average around 15°C (59°F), and Miami fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).
Santiago usually gets less rain in October than Miamiin April. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSantiago 15°C (59°F)Miami 75°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Miami and Santiago
| Santiago | Miami | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Mar | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.4 inches (61 mm) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 6.4 inches (162 mm) |
| Jun | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 9.4 inches (238 mm) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) |
| Aug | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 7.5 inches (191 mm) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 7.6 inches (194 mm) |
| Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 1.9 inches (48 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.