Which place is cheaper, San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
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 San Francisco. 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 San Francisco?
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.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.
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 Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
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Santiago Prices
Chile PricesSan Francisco Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantiago $155San Francisco $251
The average daily cost (per person) in Santiago is $155, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $251. 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 San Francisco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantiago $113San Francisco $130
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantiago $226San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Santiago and San Francisco
Looking for a hotel in Santiago or San Francisco? 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 San Francisco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santiago $5.59San Francisco $16
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$1.17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Private Scenic Transfer to Mendoza.: $467
- Airport Transfer and Halfday City tour Santiago de Chile: $362
- Private Transfer from Santiago or Santiago Airport to Colchagua or Santa Cruz: $300
- Clos Apalta Winery - Tour with Private Transfer: $300
- Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to Valparaíso: $297
- Santiago de Chile: Private Transfer to San Antonio / Port: $270
- Transfer Private hotel to Cruise ship in Puerto San Antonio or Valparaiso: $270
- Private Transfer Between Santiago and Cruise Port: $270
- Private Transfer to Sewell UNESCO Andes Town Tour with Lunch: $269
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour, Concha y Toro, Private Transfer from Santiago: $262
- Private cruise transfer: Puerto San Antonio or Valparaíso ↔ Santiago: $260
- Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to San Antonio: $258
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:
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Taxi to SFO$45
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Golden Gate Bridge Toll$6.00
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Alcatraz Tour$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco
Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $31
- Private Arrival Transfer from San Francisco Airport SFO: $44
- San Francisco to San Francisco Airport (SFO) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
- SFO Airport Transfer One or Round Trip Way SUV VAN: $60
- San Francisco City: Private One-Way Transfer From/To SFO: $69
- San Francisco Port to San Francisco Airport SFO -Private Transfer: $77
- One Way Private Airport Transfer Service: $95
- SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from Downtown San Francisco: $101
- San Francisco Airport (SFO) to San Francisco - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
- SFO Airport Private Transfer to Downtown: $115
- Private Transfer: San Francisco to Airport SFO by Business Car: $123
- Private Transfer from San Francisco to SFO: $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Santiago or San Francisco?
Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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 $23San Francisco $79
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.95
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Hamburger$2.59
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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
- Lastarria Food Tour with 5 Tastings and Pisco Sour: $57
- Best Santiago Street Food Tour with 4+ Tastings and Drink: $58
- 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
- 4h Cooking Class in Santiago : 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $85
- Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
- Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation in Santiago: $107
- Lastarria Food Tour: Wine, Bites & Social Culinary Experience: $109
- Barrio Italia Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $119
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco
For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner In San Francisco: $63
- City Cruises Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $75
- Mission District Street Art and Food Tour: $79
- North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $84
- Little Italy & Chinatown Original Food Tour: $84
- Mission District Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $84
- Chinatown & Litte Italy Food Tour with 5 Dishes: $85
- San Francisco : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $92
- San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour: $99
- Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 Food Tour: $99
- SF's Chinatown: Tea & Dim Sum Food Tour - Includes full meal, 3hr: $115
- City Cruises Premier Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $122
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santiago $49San Francisco $31
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
- 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 Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -: $25
- A full Private Tour of Valparaiso from Santiago (Standard): $280
- Adventure in the Andes Plaster Reservoir and Thermal and Picnic Premiun: $110
- An Architect's Tour of Downtown Santiago: $60
- Andean Adventure: Cajón del Maipo & El Morado Lodge and Spa: $147
- Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago: $120
- Andes Day Volcano 8k Private Tour: $270
Tours and Activities in San Francisco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.
- Golden Gate Bridge: Self-guided Tour App - Audio + Written: $5.00
- Self Guided Chinatown Tour: Food, History and Culture: $5.00
- San Francisco Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.00
- Kid Led Interactive AR Adventure in Presidio National Park: $5.00
- San Francisco Private Car Tour: $5.00
- Downtown San Francisco Private Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
- Mafia Heist at the Bay: Escape Adventure in San Francisco: $5.92
- San Francisco Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $5.92
- San Francisco's Barbary Past: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Golden Gate Bridge: $9.99
- Self-Guided Palace of Fine Arts to Golden Gate Bridge Audio Tour: $9.99
- Sutro Baths: The Story of the Ruins Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantiago $8.68San Francisco $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
- Premium Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Spanish official: $45
- "Premium Wine Tour" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial portugués: $45
- "Premium Wine Tour" Viña Cousiño Macul Official english: $45
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $50
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $65
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $68
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $75
Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:
- #1 San Francisco Pub Crawl & Clubbing Experience: $24
- San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Walk with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $44
- Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
- Distillery Gin Cocktail Making Class: $89
- Local Distillery Cocktail Making Class: $89
- Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour with Optional Tasting: $99
- Napa and Sonoma Half-Day Wine Tour with Guide and Tastings: $110
- Napa & Sonoma Guided Wine Tour with Tastings from San Francisco: $110
- Napa Valley Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $116
- 5 hours private napa wine tour from san francisco up to 7 people: $120
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santiago and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 San Francisco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santiago or San Francisco?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of Santiago and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?
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 San Francisco has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Santiago or San Francisco in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Santiago as well as San Francisco. Additionally, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Santiago is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santiago in January average around 21°C (70°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C)in July.
Santiago usually gets more rain in January than San Franciscoin July. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySantiago 21°C (70°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Santiago or San Francisco in the Autumn?
Both San Francisco and Santiago are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In April, Santiago is generally cooler than San Franciscoin October. Daily temperatures in Santiago average around 15°C (59°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
In April, Santiago usually receives less rain than San Franciscoin October. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSantiago 15°C (59°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Santiago or San Francisco in the Winter?
Both San Francisco and Santiago during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.
Santiago is cooler than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Santiago averages around 9°C (48°F) in July, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C)in January.
Santiago usually gets less rain in July than San Franciscoin January. Santiago gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySantiago 9°C (48°F)San Francisco 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Santiago or San Francisco in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago and San Francisco. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Santiago is around the same temperature as San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santiago in October average around 15°C (59°F), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C)in April.
In October, Santiago usually receives less rain than San Franciscoin April. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSantiago 15°C (59°F)San Francisco 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for San Francisco and Santiago
| Santiago | San Francisco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 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.