Which place is cheaper, Queenstown 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 Queenstown?
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 Queenstown. 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 Queenstown?
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.
Queenstown
Queenstown is a popular tourist destination on New Zealand's South Island. It is beautifully surrounded by the Southern Alps and sits on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Across the lake you will find a stunning view of the Remarkables, a dramatic mountain range. The town itself is quite touristy, but prices still remain reasonable. There are options for all travel budgets, whether you're a backpacker hoping to save a few dollars or a family looking for some luxury accommodation. Despite its natural and tranquil setting, Queenstown is actually very much a party town, particularly during the peak seasons. Don't be surprised to find people out enjoying themselves until the early hours of the morning. If you're not into the party scene and are hoping to get a decent night's sleep, consider staying a little outside of town. About an hour outside of Queenstown you'll find Wanaka, which is a much smaller and peaceful town without the party scene.
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 Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.
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Santiago Prices
Chile PricesQueenstown Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantiago $159Queenstown $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Santiago is $159, while the average daily cost in Queenstown is $126. 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 Queenstown in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantiago $116Queenstown $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantiago $232Queenstown $106
Compare Hotels in Santiago and Queenstown
Looking for a hotel in Santiago or Queenstown? 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 Queenstown Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santiago $5.72Queenstown $9.84
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$1.20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Private Transfer to/from Santiago Airport (SCL): $15
- Private Transfer to Santiago Airport (SCL): $27
- Transfer to Concha y Toro Winery: $30
- Private Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago: $34
- Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $37
- Santiago de Chile Airport Transfer: $40
- Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $42
- Private transfer to or from Santiago SCL Airport: $45
- Farellones Full Day Roundtrip Transfer: $47
- Santiago to Santiago Airport (SCL) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Transfer to Snowy Valley fullday for skiers: $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Queenstown
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Queenstown:
- ZQN Airport to Downtown|Hotels Private Transfer: $27
- Queenstown International Airport To and From City Center Transfer: $44
- QUEENSTOWN:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Hotels: $52
- Private Queenstown Airport to Hotel Transfers: $72
- Queenstown Airport to Towncenter Transfer: $77
- Queenstown private transfer: $87
- Queenstown to Mt Cook One Way Scenic Transfer: $115
- From Cardrona Ski/Snowboard Rentals & Transfer: $152
- Private Transfers from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka: $174
- Private Transfer from Wanaka to Queenstown Airport: $174
- Milford Sound Cruise with Helicopter Transfer: $748
- Tasman Glacier Helihike with Flight Transfers: $982
Is it cheaper to fly into Santiago or Queenstown?
Prices for flights to both Queenstown 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 $24Queenstown $60
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.99
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Hamburger$2.65
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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
- Street Food Tour in Santiago with a Local Guide: $57
- 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
- Food Tour STGO, Eat like Locals!: $99
- Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
- Santiago Food Tour: Bohemian Flavors and Local Gems: $109
- Lastarria Food Tour: Wine, Bites & Social Culinary Experience: $109
- Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Queenstown
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Queenstown.
- Bar Crawl with 5 Free Shots and Pizza: $17
- Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown: $112
- Wine & Food Tour, Scenic Tastings & Paired Lunch: $138
- Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch!: $147
- Queenstown Dinner & Wine Experience (Adults Only) 3 Iconic Venues: $283
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santiago $50Queenstown $21
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
- Cable Car Admission Ticket: $18
- History Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $21
- A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -: $25
- Santiago Sightseeing Tour: Living History and Local Food Tasting: $25
- Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Old Town: $25
- Santiago : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $25
- Guided City Tour through the historic center of Santiago: $25
- A City Tour Walking through the Unforgettable Santiago: $26
- Roots and Tales of the Capital with City Tour of Santiago: $27
- La Moneda Palace, Plaza de Armas & Historic Santiago Walking Tour: $29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Queenstown
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Queenstown are as follows:
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Skyline Gondola (for 2)$29
Tours and Activities in Queenstown
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Queenstown are as follows:
- Queenstown to Wānaka: A Self-Guided Gibbston Valley Driving Tour: $7.99
- Underwater Theatre Experience Entry Ticket: $12
- From the Green to the Grave: An Audio Tour of Queenstown: $12
- Augmented Reality Escape Adventure: $20
- Queenstown Riverside Sauna and Cold Plunge Experience (Community): $21
- Fear Factory Haunted House Admission Ticket: $23
- Private Race Car Simulation Experience: $26
- Minus 5 Ice Bar Experience with Drink Options: $29
- Odysseum Expierence Pass - 1 Hour Adventure: $29
- Onsen Adventure at Bathe by Aluume Queenstown: $32
- Kiwi Park Admission Ticket: $35
- Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantiago $8.89Queenstown $8.60
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
- Premium Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Spanish official: $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
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $75
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $75
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
Sample the Local Flavors in Queenstown
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Queenstown:
- Ice Bar Crawl: $23
- Queenstown Wine Tour - Self Guided Audio Tour (Driving): $30
- Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Queenstown: $62
- Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours: $75
- Craft Beer Brewery Tour with Lunch: $107
- Queenstown Electric Bike and Wine Tour: $112
- Queenstown's Original Wine Tour Celebrating 33 Years: $113
- Classic Wine Tour: $127
- Central Otago Wine Tour: $132
- Wine Tasting Tour: $144
- Premium Wine Tasting Tour: $150
- Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries: $156
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santiago and Queenstown, we can see that Santiago is more expensive. And not only is Queenstown much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santiago is in South America and Queenstown is in Pacific, 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 Queenstown would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Queenstown 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 Queenstown.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santiago Expensive? and Is Queenstown Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santiago or Queenstown?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 460 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Santiago and Queenstown, 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.