Which place is cheaper, Barcelona or Santillana?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Santillana or Barcelona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Santillana or Barcelona? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Santillana or Barcelona?
Santillana
A quaint town outside of Santander in northern Spain, Santillana de Mar is renowned for its medieval architecture. One of Spain's prettiest villages, Santillana del Mar and its cobbled streets are lined with palaces, churches, and balconies full of flowers. There are plenty of traditional shops selling local specialties, and it is nearby the UNESCO world heritage site of the Altamira Caves for something a little different.
Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, and The Best Budget Tours to Spain.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantillana €105Barcelona €156
The average daily cost (per person) in Santillana is €105, while the average daily cost in Barcelona is €156. 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 Santillana and Barcelona in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantillana €60Barcelona €96
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantillana €120Barcelona €192
Compare Hotels in Santillana and Barcelona
Looking for a hotel in Santillana or Barcelona? 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: Santillana Hotel Prices and Barcelona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santillana €17Barcelona €19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:
-
10 Trip Metro Ticket€7.80
-
Airport Bus€5.00
-
Metro€2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:
- Barcelona Airport to Barcelona City transfer : $31
- Barcelona Airport to Cruise Port Private Transfer: $40
- Barcelona City to Sant Train Station Barcelona private transfer: $31
- Transfer From Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Cruise Port: $40
- Airport Transfers Barcelona Minivan : $75
- Arrival Barcelona Airport Private Transfer: $31
- Arrival Private Transfer by Sedan from BCN airport to Barcelona: $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport BCN to Barcelona: $33
- Arrival Transfer El Prat Airport BCN to Barcelona by Luxury Car: $130
- Arrival Transfer El Prat Airport BCN to Barcelona by Luxury Van: $91
- Arrival Transfer by Luxury Van from Barcelona Port to Barcelona: $75
- Arrival Transfer from Barcelona Airport BCN to Barcelona in Private Car/Van: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Santillana or Barcelona?
Prices for flights to both Barcelona and Santillana 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 daySantillana €30Barcelona €33
Typical Food Prices in Santillana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santillana:
-
Breakfast€7.00
Typical Food Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:
-
Hot Cocoa & Churro€4.15
-
Sandwich€1.70
-
Baguette & Horchata€3.80
-
Tapas on the beach€8.28
-
Gelatto€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.
- Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $21
- Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $21
- Flamenco at El Patio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $27
- Walking Tour + Flamenco + Tapas Dinner (choose options): $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
- La Barceloneta: Tapas Food Tour: $37
- Barcelona La Barceloneta Tapas Food Tour: $38
- Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $43
- Boqueria Market & Barrio Gotico Street Food Tour: $56
- Wine Tasting and Tapas 5-Course Pairing Dinner: $59
- Paella Cooking Experience & Wine: $59
- Paella Cooking Experience and Wine in Barcelona: $60
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santillana €23Barcelona €33
Tours and Activities in Santillana
Here are a few actual costs in Santillana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Memorable Family Walking Tour in Ancient Santillana del Mar: $428
Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:
-
Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass€42
-
Souvenir Gaudi Book€8.55
-
Admission to Museo Picasso€6.00
Tours and Activities in Barcelona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:
- Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $2.14
- History & Legends Comedy Tour: Barcelona Gothic Quarter: $2.94
- Gaudí Free Tour in English: $3.21
- Barcelona Free Tour: Gaudi Highlights and La Sagrada Famila: $3.21
- Alternative Free Tour of the Raval: $3.21
- Gothic Quarter Free Walking Tour in English: $3.21
- Gaudí Walking Tour: $3.21
- Sagrada Familia Comedy Tour: $3.26
- Barcelona Gothic Quarter: History&Legends Comedy Tour: $3.26
- Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $3.26
- Barcelona Gaudi and Sagrada Familia Tour: $3.27
- Sagrada Familia Exterior Free Tour: Stories, Secrets & Symbolism: $3.27
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySantillana €4.29Barcelona €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Santillana
Also in Santillana, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Santillana Uncorked: A Wine Tasting Adventure: $1,022
Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by King - Bar & Nightclub Hopping Tour: $14
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Nightlife Party Experience: $16
- Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $16
- Night Pub Crawl Tour in Barcelona: $16
- Barcelona Bar Crawl: 4+ Venues, Free shots, Free Club Entry: $19
- Estrella Damm Old Brewery Tour with Tasting: $21
- Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $22
- Nightlife Tour - Barcelona Bar Crawl with Flamingos: $23
- Barcelona Bar Crawl: $26
- Barcelona Weekend Pub Crawl with 1.5 hour open bar@Hostel: $27
- Catalan Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour & VIP Club Entry: $29
- Barcelona Art & Wine Tour: $31
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santillana and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. And not only is Santillana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santillana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santillana 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona than you might in Santillana.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santillana Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santillana or Barcelona?
Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 390 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Santillana and Barcelona, 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 Santillana or Barcelona?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Santillana or Barcelona in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santillana and Barcelona. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Santillana is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Santillana average around 19°C (66°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In Santillana, it's very sunny this time of the year. Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Santillana gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Santillana usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Santillana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySantillana 19°C (66°F)Barcelona 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Santillana or Barcelona in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Santillana as well as Barcelona. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Santillana is around the same temperature as Barcelona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Santillana averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In the autumn, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Santillana gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.
Santillana receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santillana usually gets more rain in October than Barcelona. Santillana gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSantillana 16°C (60°F)Barcelona 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Santillana or Barcelona in the Winter?
Both Barcelona and Santillana are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.
In the winter, Santillana is around the same temperature as Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santillana in January average around 9°C (49°F), and Barcelona averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Santillana gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Santillana. In January, Santillana usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Santillana gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySantillana 9°C (49°F)Barcelona 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Santillana or Barcelona in the Spring?
Both Barcelona and Santillana during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Santillana is generally around the same temperature as Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Santillana average around 12°C (53°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Santillana gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Santillana. Santillana usually gets more rain in April than Barcelona. Santillana gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSantillana 12°C (53°F)Barcelona 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Barcelona and Santillana
| Santillana | Barcelona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
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.