Which place is cheaper, New Orleans or Santiago?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Santiago or New Orleans?
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 New Orleans. 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 New Orleans?
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.
New Orleans
New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, and it is a cultural city that is the home of jazz, unique cuisine, and Mardi Gras in the U.S. It was established in 1718 and is one of the oldest cities in the country. The culture of the city has a mix of French, Creole, African American, Caribbean, Irish, Haitian, German and Vietnamese. There's an energy and atmosphere that is unlike any place else.
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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.
-
Santiago Prices
Chile PricesNew Orleans Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantiago $146New Orleans $270
The average daily cost (per person) in Santiago is $146, while the average daily cost in New Orleans is $270. 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 New Orleans in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantiago $106New Orleans $124
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantiago $212New Orleans $248
Compare Hotels in Santiago and New Orleans
Looking for a hotel in Santiago or New Orleans? 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 New Orleans Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santiago $5.24New Orleans $51
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:
-
Metro Ride$1.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Villard Winery with exclusive guide + Premium Transfer: $220
- Transfer in/out cruise to/from Santiago plus tour Valparaiso: $135
- Transfer from Santiago To Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski: $100
- Transfer from Santiago Airport to Viña del Mar by Car: $140
- Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago Centro Commune: $52
- Transfer Private hotel to Cruise ship in Puerto San Antonio or Valparaiso: $270
- Transfer Airport/Port - Hotel: $65
- Tour to Santiago and Valparaiso with Transfers included: $150
- Tarapacá Winery + Santa Ema Winery, Tour + Private Transfer: $180
- TRANSFER TRANSFER AIRPORT-VIÑA DEL MAR VALPARAISO: $190
- Sewell Tour Transfer: $165
- Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $42
Typical Local Transportation Prices in New Orleans
Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans
Also for New Orleans, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- New Orleans Airport Private Hotel Transfer up to 5 passengers: $43
- New Orleans Airport(MSY) to Port of New Orleans- Private Transfer: $46
- Private Transfer from New Orleans Port to New Orleans city: $46
- Private Transfer from New Orleans city to New Orleans Port: $46
- Cruise Port Transfer New Orleans and Louis Armstrong Intl MSY: $48
- Private Transfer to/from Louis Armstrong Intl Airport and NOLA: $48
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer Service in New Orleans: $50
- New Orleans to New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport(MSY) - Departure Private Transfer: $50
- New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport (MSY) to New Orleans - Arrival Private Transfer: $50
- Private Hotel & Airport Transfers in New Orleans Area One Way: $58
- Private Transfer in New Orleans MSY/Home/Hotel/Work: $60
- New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans - Arrival Transfer: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Santiago or New Orleans?
Prices for flights to both New Orleans 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 $22New Orleans $77
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
-
Empanada$1.82
-
Hamburger$2.42
-
Dinner$25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Best Santiago Street Food Tour with 4+ Tastings and Drink: $56
- 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
- Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
- Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation in Santiago: $107
- Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
- Barrio Italia Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $119
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $125
- San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
- Dinner Show in Bali Hai with Wine refill and transportation: $129
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New Orleans
For New Orleans, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bananas Foster Cooking Demonstration in the French Quarter: $18
- New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $45
- New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $58
- Jazz Dinner Cruise aboard the Riverboat City of New Orleans: $60
- Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $60
- Private New Orleans Food Tour: Tastes of the Bend Neighborhood: $65
- New Orleans Sweet Treats Food Tour: Beignets, Donuts, & Much More: $70
- New Orleans Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $71
- French Quarter Food Tour: 5 Classic Bites and NOLA Stories: $81
- Lower Garden District Food Tour: $89
- French Quarter Food Tour: $89
- NOLA Carte Food Tour: 300 Years of Flavor in the French Quarter: $96
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santiago $46New Orleans $55
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
- "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial portugués: $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 full Private Tour of Valparaiso from Santiago (Standard): $290
- 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
- Andes Day Lagoon in Cajón del Maipo & Embalse el Yeso Private Tour: $270
- Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago: $120
Typical Entertainment Prices in New Orleans
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)$75
-
Riverboat Cruise$70
-
French Quarter City Tour$100
Tours and Activities in New Orleans
For New Orleans, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- New Orleans Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.41
- French Quarter Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
- Podcast Tour Brass and Bone: Street Rhythms of Tremé: $5.46
- Podcast Tour The Making of Louis Armstrong: $5.46
- Podcast Tour Rhythm and Resistance The New Orleans Jazz Line: $5.46
- New Orleans Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $5.70
- Self Guided Tour of the Historic French Quarter: $5.99
- New Orleans French Quarter: Stolen Art Puzzle Adventure: $6.15
- Ghost Hunt in Quest Experience: $6.15
- Ghosts of Self-Guided Haunted Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
- Podcast Tour New Orleans The Garden District: $6.83
- New Orleans Walking Ghost Tour Supreme Court to Jackson Square: $7.99
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySantiago $8.13New Orleans $60
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
- Tour Viña Santa Carolina in Santiago with 3 wine tasting: $53
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $55
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $65
- 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
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $75
Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:
- Pub Crawl: French Quarter Haunted History Cocktail Tour: $12
- Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party with Free Shot: $21
- New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $25
- Crawl Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour: $27
- Pub Crawl: New Orleans Ghosts, Boos, and Booze: $29
- Pub Crawl: New Orleans Cocktail and Ghost Tour: $30
- New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Pub Crawl: New Orleans Happy Hour Ghost Walking Tour: $33
- New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl: Ghosts & French Quarter Nightlife: $35
- Pub Crawl: The Drunken Telling of New Orleans Tales: $35
- Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $37
- Pirate Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $40
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santiago and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New Orleans 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 New Orleans Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santiago or New Orleans?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of Santiago and New Orleans, 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 New Orleans?
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 New Orleans has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Santiago or New Orleans in the Summer?
Both New Orleans and Santiago during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Santiago is generally cooler than New Orleansin July. Daily temperatures in Santiago average around 21°C (70°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Santiago usually gets less rain in January than New Orleansin July. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySantiago 21°C (70°F)New Orleans 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Santiago or New Orleans in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago and New Orleans. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.
Santiago is cooler than New Orleans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santiago averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and New Orleans fluctuates around 69°F (21°C)in October.
In April, Santiago usually receives less rain than New Orleansin October. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSantiago 15°C (59°F)New Orleans 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Santiago or New Orleans in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Santiago as well as New Orleans. Additionally, many travelers come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Santiago is cooler than New Orleans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santiago in July average around 9°C (48°F), and New Orleans averages at about 51°F (11°C)in January.
It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Santiago usually gets less rain in July than New Orleansin January. Santiago gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySantiago 9°C (48°F)New Orleans 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Santiago or New Orleans in the Spring?
Both New Orleans and Santiago are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to New Orleans in the spring for the activities around the city.
In October, Santiago is generally cooler than New Orleansin April. Daily temperatures in Santiago average around 15°C (59°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In October, Santiago usually receives less rain than New Orleansin April. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSantiago 15°C (59°F)New Orleans 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for New Orleans and Santiago
| Santiago | New Orleans | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) |
| Mar | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 5 inches (126 mm) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 4.3 inches (110 mm) |
| Jun | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) |
| Aug | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.2 inches (157 mm) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.5 inches (140 mm) |
| Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 5.7 inches (146 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.