Which place is cheaper, Washington or Santiago?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santiago or Washington?
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 Washington. 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 Washington?
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.
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantiago $141Washington $198
The average daily cost (per person) in Santiago is $141, while the average daily cost in Washington is $198. 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 Washington in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantiago $110Washington $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantiago $220Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Santiago and Washington
Looking for a hotel in Santiago or Washington? 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 Washington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santiago $5.41Washington $47
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$1.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Private Scenic Transfer to Mendoza.: $539
- Visit Montes Winery (7th World Best Wine) & Transfer to Hotel: $300
- Private Transfer from Santiago or Santiago Airport to Colchagua or Santa Cruz: $300
- Pick up Santiago Visit Haras de Pirque Winery & Transfer Hotel: $300
- Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to Valparaíso: $272
- Private Transfer From Santiago airport to San Antonio Pier or Valparaiso Pier : $251
- Transfer Santiago to Cruise Port in Valparaiso or San Antonio: $250
- Private Transfer from Santiago Airport to Valparaíso,Viña del Mar or San Antonio: $250
- Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to San Antonio: $236
- City Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfers: $234
- Santiago Private Transfer: Santiago Airport to San Antonio Cruise Port : $216
- Transfer Santiago - Viña del Mar: $210
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
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Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Washington DC: Bus transfer from/to Philadelphia: $5.74
- Transfer in private car from Washington Ronald Reagan Airport to Washington City: $53
- Washington Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $58
- Private Departure Transfer to Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
- Washington City to Baltimore City - Private Car Transfer: $63
- Washington to Washington Airport (IAD) Departure Private Transfer: $64
- Private Transfer in Washington DC: $70
- Private Transfer- Dulles Airport (IAD) to Washington City Center: $80
- Transfer in private vehicle from Washington City to Dulles Airport: $88
- Private One-Way Washington Airport Transfer To/From Washington: $91
- Transfer from Ronald Reagan Airport DCA to Washington DC by SUV: $93
- Arrival Transfer Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC by Sedan: $106
Is it cheaper to fly into Santiago or Washington?
Prices for flights to both Washington 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 $13Washington $38
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.89
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Hamburger$2.50
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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.
- Sunset Winery Tour with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $45
- Sunset at Alyan Family Wines Winery with Dinner: $92
- Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
- Dinner Show in Bali Hai: $109
- Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $117
- Small-Group Night City Tour: San Cristobal Hill and Dinner Show: $120
- San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
- Private Tour: Santiago at Night with Dinner and Show: $131
- Private Night City Tour with San Cristobal Hill And Dinner Show: $131
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour with Dinner and Show: $150
- Private Dinner and Show with Transfers: $158
Typical Food Prices in Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $60
- Little Ethiopia Food Tour: $67
- Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- DC: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $74
- Dupont Circle Food Tour: $80
- Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $96
- Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
- Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
- Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
- Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $150
- Washington DC Christmas Eve Plated Dinner Cruise: $206
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santiago $47Washington $24
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Private Adventure at 4200 meters above sea level in the Chilean Andes Cerro Pintor: $300
- Private Half-Day Guided Tour of the City of Santiago.: $280
- "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $23
- 2-Hour Walking Tour of Yungay The Coolest Neighborhood in Chile: $35
- 4 Hour Santa Rita Winery All inclusive Tour for Wine Lover: $269
- A Private Tour of Valparaiso with an experienced local guide.: $195
- Adventure and Viewpoints in Cajón del Maipo: $255
- Andean Horse Ride Yerba Loca Sanctuary - Private tour from Santiago: $240
- Andean Tour: $158
- Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago: $120
- Andes Half-Day Private Tour with Wine and Cheese Tasting: $190
- Andes Sunset: shared tour with Asado in the mountain: $90
Tours and Activities in Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- The Kennedy Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- DC's Presidents, Pubs, and Parties: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Washington, DC: Lincoln Assassination Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- The Kennedy Homes of Georgetown: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Scandals & Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Washington DC: National Mall Self Guided App Walking Tour: $6.50
- Lincoln Memorial to the Cap Hill D.C. Smart Phone App/GPS Tour: $6.75
- Washington DC Outdoor Escape Game Tour: FBI vs. Bank Robbers: $7.06
- The National Mall: Walking In App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
- Washington, DC: National Air and Space Museum Audio Tour: $9.00
- D.C: White House Museum & President's Park Audio Tour (EN): $9.00
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantiago $8.41Washington $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago
Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Premium Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Spanish official: $37
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $50
- Concha y Toro Ticket and Tour with Wine Tasting: $50
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $62
- Undurraga Wine tour: $63
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
- From Concha y Toro Marqués Half-Day Wine Tasting: $89
- Private Tour: Undurraga Vineyard Experience with Premium Wine Tasting: $92
- half day wine tour to concha y toro from Santiago seasonal offer: $95
- From Maipo Valley Wine Tour: $99
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $99
- Private Tour: Viña del Mar and Valparaíso Tour with Wine Tasting in Casablanca Valley: $143
Sample the Local Flavors in Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $35
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
- DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
- From Washington DC: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
- Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santiago and Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santiago or Washington?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Santiago and Washington, 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 Washington?
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 Washington has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Santiago or Washington in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Santiago as well as Washington. Also, many visitors come to Washington in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Santiago is generally cooler than Washingtonin July. Daily temperatures in Santiago average around 21°C (70°F), and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
Santiago usually gets less rain in January than Washingtonin July. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySantiago 21°C (70°F)Washington 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Santiago or Washington in the Autumn?
Both Washington and Santiago are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Santiago is around the same temperature as Washington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santiago averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C)in October.
In April, Santiago usually receives less rain than Washingtonin October. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSantiago 15°C (59°F)Washington 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Santiago or Washington in the Winter?
Both Washington and Santiago during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Washington because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
The weather in Washington can be very cold. In the winter, Santiago is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santiago in July average around 9°C (48°F), and Washington averages at about 35°F (1°C)in January.
Santiago usually gets more rain in July than Washingtonin January. Santiago gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySantiago 9°C (48°F)Washington 35°F (1°C)
Should I visit Santiago or Washington in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago and Washington. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Washington this time of year.
In October, Santiago is generally a little warmer than Washingtonin April. Daily temperatures in Santiago average around 15°C (59°F), and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
In October, Santiago usually receives less rain than Washingtonin April. Santiago gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSantiago 15°C (59°F)Washington 56°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Washington and Santiago
| Santiago | Washington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jun | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Aug | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 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.