Which place is cheaper, Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta?
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 Puerto Vallarta. 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 Puerto Vallarta?
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.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta remains a popular tourist destination with Americans, particularly during spring break when students flock to the area. The area is quite beautiful and has many gorgeous beaches, interesting jungles and waterfalls nearby, and no shortage of luxury resorts and four star restaurants. Many of the locals speak English and are friendly and open to helping tourists with directions or general information. Puerto Vallarta's popularity means that its prices are some of the highest in Mexico, particularly during holidays when the area can get quite crowded.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, and The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico.
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Santiago Prices
Chile PricesPuerto Vallarta Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantiago $154Puerto Vallarta $136
The average daily cost (per person) in Santiago is $154, while the average daily cost in Puerto Vallarta is $136. 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 Puerto Vallarta in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantiago $112Puerto Vallarta $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantiago $224Puerto Vallarta $122
Compare Hotels in Santiago and Puerto Vallarta
Looking for a hotel in Santiago or Puerto Vallarta? 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 Puerto Vallarta Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santiago $5.55Puerto Vallarta $18
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:
- Private Transfer to/from Santiago Airport (SCL): $15
- Private Transfer from Santiago Airport (SCL): $24
- Private Transfer to Santiago Airport (SCL): $24
- Transfer to Concha y Toro Winery: $30
- Private Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago: $34
- Arrival Transfer - Santiago International Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $35
- Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $37
- Private Airport Transfer: Santiago Airport (SCL) → Hotel: $37
- Santiago de Chile Airport Transfer: $40
- Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $42
- Private Transfer from Airport to Santiago, Chile: $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Vallarta
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Vallarta:
- Puerto Vallarta Roundtrip Shuttle Airport Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer to Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR): $35
- PVR VIP Round trip transfers Airport - Old part of Town - Airport: $54
- Private Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Port to Puerto Vallarta: $55
- Private Transfer from Puerto Vallarta to Puerto Vallarta Port: $55
- Puerto Vallarta Airport to Hotel Private Transfer by Minivan: $67
- Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Puerto Vallarta-Arrival Transfer: $68
- Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Puerto Vallarta Port Transfer: $71
- Private Transfer from Cruise Port to Puerto Vallarta Airport(PVR): $71
- Private Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport(PVR) to Cruise Port: $71
- NAYARIT VIP Roundtrip Transfers Airport - Nuevo Vallarta Area: $74
- NAYARIT VIP Roundtrip Transfers Airport - Nuevo Nayarit - Airport: $79
Is it cheaper to fly into Santiago or Puerto Vallarta?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Vallarta 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 $23Puerto Vallarta $61
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$26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $56
- Best Santiago Street Food Tour with 4+ Tastings and Drink: $58
- 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
- Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
- Traditional Dinner Show 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 Puerto Vallarta
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Puerto Vallarta.
- Ultimate Taco Tour in Puerto Vallarta with Vallarta Food Tours: $55
- Bucerias Taco Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
- Winner 2026 Downtown Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
- Taco Adventure Evening Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
- Taste of Pitillal Food Tour by Vallarta Food Tours: $59
- Vallarta Flavours Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $69
- Vallarta by Road Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $85
- Bucerias Bike and Food Tour: $90
- Mexican Cooking Class & Unlimited Margaritas: $90
- Sayulita Tacos and Tequila Food Tour: $99
- Coastal Adventure in Quimixto : Hiking and Cooking Workshop: $108
- PRIVATE Cooking Class in Puerto Vallarta in Chef Manu's Home: $119
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santiago $49Puerto Vallarta $18
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $11
- Historical Sights Walking Tour: $15
- Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino Admission Ticket: $17
- Cable Car Admission Ticket: $18
- History Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $21
- A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -: $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 español: $27
- City Tour Santiago - Walking Tour: $29
Tours and Activities in Puerto Vallarta
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Vallarta are as follows:
- Tequila Tasting Tour in Nuevo Vallarta: $8.00
- City tour express, Butterfly, tequila, river and beach (free kids): $12
- Butterfly Experience Nature Park Admission: $24
- Private Bike City Tour with Photo Session in Puerto Vallarta: $24
- Biocultural Hiking Experience in Sayulita: $27
- Hike and Yoga Jungle Experience in Mexico: $30
- Puerto Vallarta Historic Downtown Ghost and Cultural Walking Tour: $30
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding Adventure in Puerto Vallarta: $33
- Hop On Hop Off Tour with Free Stops in Puerto Vallarta: $33
- Chocolate Tour in Vallarta: $39
- Los Arcos Snorkeling & 5 Island Adventure: $39
- Puerto Vallarta City Night Tour: $43
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantiago $8.62Puerto Vallarta $23
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: $55
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $62
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $68
- Valparaíso and Vineyard of the Sea with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $68
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
Sample the Local Flavors in Puerto Vallarta
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Puerto Vallarta:
- Puerto Vallarta Pub Crawl: $22
- Premium Tequila Tasting Puerto Vallarta Distillery: $28
- Secret Agave Bar Crawl in Vallarta: $98
- Cachasol Tequila Tasting & Raicilla Distillery Tour: $108
When comparing the travel costs between Santiago and Puerto Vallarta, we can see that Santiago is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Santiago is in South America and Puerto Vallarta is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santiago Expensive? and Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santiago or Puerto Vallarta?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Santiago and Puerto Vallarta, 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.
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.