A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santiago vs. New York City for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Santiago or New York City?

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 York City. 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 York City?

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 York City

The most populated city in the United States, New York City, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River and encompasses both the island of Manhattan as well as the surrounding land on Long Island, most of which is known as Brooklyn. It's a cultural, culinary, theatrical, and art center that has much to offer domestic and international travelers alike. The city covers an area of 305 square miles and has a population of about 8.2 million people in the city proper with 18.7 million in the metropolitan area.

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 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, New York City or Santiago?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Santiago Prices
    Chile Prices
    New York City Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Santiago $155
    New York City $363

The average daily cost (per person) in Santiago is $155, while the average daily cost in New York City is $363. 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 York City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santiago $113
    New York City $175
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santiago $226
    New York City $350
Compare Hotels in Santiago and New York City

Looking for a hotel in Santiago or New York City? 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.

Hotels in Santiago


Hotels in New York City


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 York City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santiago $5.56
    New York City $49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:


  • Metro Ride
    $1.16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • Villard Winery with exclusive guide + Premium Transfer: $220
  • Transfer to Snowy Valley fullday for skiers: $49
  • Transfer from Valle Nevado, Farellones, Colorado or La Parva ski to Santiago: $83
  • Transfer from Santiago Airport to Viña del Mar by Car: $140
  • Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago Centro Commune: $52
  • Transfer by Electric Car SCL Airport Santiago, Chile: $61
  • Transfer Private Airport SCL to Hotels and Airbnb in Santiago: $60
  • Transfer From Portillo Ski center to Santiago Airport or Hotel: $97
  • Tour to Santiago and Valparaiso with Transfers included: $150
  • TRANSFER TRANSFER AIRPORT-VIÑA DEL MAR VALPARAISO: $190
  • Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $42
  • Transfer to Concha y Toro Winery: $30

Typical Local Transportation Prices in New York City

Some typical examples of transportation costs in New York City are as follows:


  • Subway
    $4.50
  • Taxi Ride
    $8.00
  • Subway
    $2.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in New York City

Also for New York City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Manhattan to JFK: One Way Shared Departure Transfer: $28
  • JFK to Manhattan: One Way Shared Arrival Transfer: $28
  • Shared transfer Newark Airport to Manhattan: $30
  • Private Transfer from Manhattan to NYC Airports (JFK/EWR/LGA): $37
  • Cape Cruise Port to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - Departure Transfer: $43
  • Cape Cruise Port to J.F. Kennedy Airport (JFK)-Departure Transfer: $43
  • Private Transfer from New York to Cape Liberty Cruise Port: $43
  • Private Transfer from Newark Airport (EWR) to Cape Liberty Port: $43
  • Private Transfer from New York Airport (LGA) to Manhattan Port: $43
  • J.F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) to Cape Cruise Port - Arrival Transfer: $43
  • NYC: JFK Airport Private Transfer 90-Min FREE Wait Included: $43
  • NYC Airport Transfer From Newark (EWR) Airport to Manhattan: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Santiago or New York City?

Prices for flights to both New York City 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 day
    Santiago $23
    New York City $87
Typical Food Prices in Santiago

Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:


  • Empanada
    $1.94
  • Hamburger
    $2.57
  • 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 New York City

For New York City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Gelato
    $7.50
  • Snacks for Two at Yankees Game
    $34
  • Coffee
    $6.53
  • Smoothie
    $6.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New York City

For New York City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Lower East Side Food Tour: $34
  • The Greenwich Village Food Tour: $39
  • The Chinatown, Little Italy, Food Tour: $39
  • Brooklyn's must-try Pizza Crawl experience (5 top rated slices!): $46
  • NYC Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour: $63
  • Lower East Side Skip-the-Line Food Tour with Museum Entry: $64
  • New York City's Best Pizza tour - You be the judge!: $65
  • Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Food Tour: Local Eats & Iconic Views: $70
  • Chinatown Food Tour with a Chef in Manhattan: $75
  • Greenwich Village & SoHo Pizza Walk: $75
  • Sweets and Slices Greenwich Village Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Brooklyn Pizza Walk: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santiago $49
    New York City $180

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 portugués: $27
  • 1 Day Tour of Isla Negra Algarrobo and Viña Undurraga from Santiago: $112
  • 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
  • An Architect's Tour of Downtown Santiago: $60
  • Andean Adventure: Cajón del Maipo & El Morado Lodge and Spa: $147

Typical Entertainment Prices in New York City

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New York City's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Comedy Show Tickets
    $56
  • City Map
    $8.00
  • Broadway Musical
    $111
  • Broadway Show Program
    $10
  • Magazine
    $6.99

Tours and Activities in New York City

For New York City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • New York's Hidden Gems: Self-Guided City Tour: $1.14
  • NYC Central Park Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.50
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in New York: $4.66
  • Central Park Stolen Archives: NY Exploration Game and Tour: $4.95
  • New York: Central Park Walking Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
  • New York: Wall Street Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
  • Self Guided Central Park Bike or Walking Tour Application: $5.00
  • New York Kids Quest: Family Walking Adventure: $5.09
  • New York World's Fair Site: Explore its utopian future on an audio tour: $5.39
  • NYC Superhero Academy: Self-Guided Comic Adventure: $5.94
  • NY Crime Self Guided City Tour of the Most Infamous Scandals: $5.99
  • New York City Self Guided Audio Experience: $6.00

For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Things to do in New York City with Kids, Things to Do in Central Park in NYC, and The Best Museums in New York City.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santiago $8.64
    New York City $29

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

Sample the Local Flavors in New York City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New York City:

  • Brooklyn Distillery Tour: $22
  • NYC Bar Crawl: Games, Live Music & Underground Nightlife: $28
  • New York Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • NYC Pub Crawl Tour: $30
  • NYC Pub Crawl & Rooftop Clubbing Experience: $34
  • Greenwich Village Literary Pub Crawl: $34
  • Cheers to Chinatown Tour and Bar Crawl: $40
  • Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl: $49
  • Best of NYC Drag - Drag Bar Crawl with Drink: $49
  • Broadway Prohibition Pub Crawl: $64
  • East Village Gangster Ghost Pub Crawl: $64
  • Underground Brooklyn Walking Brewery Tour: $99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santiago and New York City, we can see that New York City 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 York City 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 York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City 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 York City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Santiago or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Santiago. When comparing the sizes of Santiago and New York City, 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 York City?

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 York City has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Santiago or New York City in the Summer?

Both New York City and Santiago during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

In January, Santiago is generally cooler than New York Cityin July. Daily temperatures in Santiago average around 21°C (70°F), and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

New York City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Santiago usually gets less rain in January than New York Cityin July. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Santiago 21°C (70°F) 
    New York City 77°F (25°C)

Should I visit Santiago or New York City in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago and New York City. Furthermore, many travelers come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Santiago is around the same temperature as New York City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santiago averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C)in October.

In April, Santiago usually receives less rain than New York Cityin October. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Santiago 15°C (59°F) 
    New York City 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Santiago or New York City in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Santiago as well as New York City. Additionally, many visitors come to New York City in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

New York City can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Santiago is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santiago in July average around 9°C (48°F), and New York City averages at about 31°F (-1°C)in January.

Santiago usually gets less rain in July than New York Cityin January. Santiago gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Santiago 9°C (48°F) 
    New York City 31°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Santiago or New York City in the Spring?

Both New York City and Santiago are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In October, Santiago is generally a little warmer than New York Cityin April. Daily temperatures in Santiago average around 15°C (59°F), and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In October, Santiago usually receives less rain than New York Cityin April. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Santiago 15°C (59°F) 
    New York City 52°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for New York City and Santiago

Santiago New York City
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 31°F (-1°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 33°F (1°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Mar 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 42°F (6°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (98 mm)
May 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jun 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 77°F (25°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Aug 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 76°F (24°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 57°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 47°F (8°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 36°F (2°C) 3.4 inches (88 mm)