Which place is cheaper, Florence or Santillana?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Santillana or Florence?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Santillana or Florence? 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 Florence?
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.
Florence
Florence is the capital of Tuscany and one of the most well known cities in Italy for its art and cultural scenes. The city is rooted in history and you can see this in the architecture, statues, gardens, and art that are everywhere around town. This city truly is a living museum. You should allow yourself at least a couple of days to explore Florence and if you can afford more, it is well worth the time. In particular, if art history is your passion then you will need a week or more to satisfy your interest as the museums and architecturally impressive buildings throughout the city are endless.
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 Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantillana €105Florence €154
The average daily cost (per person) in Santillana is €105, while the average daily cost in Florence is €154. 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 Florence in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantillana €60Florence €87
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantillana €120Florence €174
Compare Hotels in Santillana and Florence
Looking for a hotel in Santillana or Florence? 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 Florence Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santillana €17Florence €22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:
-
Taxi Ride Within City€8.00
-
Taxi from Airport€25
-
In City Parking (Full Day)€30
-
Bus Pass (Full Day)€5.00
-
Bus From Airport€5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence
Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Florence to Pisa Airport (PSA) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
- Private One-way Airport Transfer (Florence Airport To/From Florence Hotels): $65
- Private Transfer from Florence to Milan: $216
- Arrival Private Transfer Florence Station SMN to Florence City by Sedan or Van: $60
- Chianti Wine Tastings and Visit to 3 Cellars with Lunch&Transfer: $234
- Departure Private Transfer Florence City to Florence Station SMN by Sedan or Van: $60
- Florence Airport (FLR) to Montecatini Terme - RoundTrip Transfer: $183
- Florence Airport (FLR) to Siena or Sovicille - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $209
- Florence Airport (FLR): One-Way/Roundtrip Private Transfer: $314
- Florence Airport Private Departure Transfer: $48
- Florence Airport Transfers : Airport FLR to Florence City in Luxury Van: $202
- Florence Airport Transfers : Florence City to Airport FLR in Business Car: $177
Is it cheaper to fly into Santillana or Florence?
Prices for flights to both Florence 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 €30Florence €36
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 Florence
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:
-
Panini Sandwich€6.50
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)€17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence
For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $23
- Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
- Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $35
- Italian Fresh Pasta Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
- Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $41
- Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
- Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato: $41
- Food Tour in Santo Spirito: $47
- Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $47
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $61
- Pasta Cooking Experience in Florence: $62
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santillana €23Florence €30
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 Florence
For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Admission to Uffizi€11
-
Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi€4.00
-
Firenze Card (for Two)€100
-
Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)€20
-
Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee€6.00
-
Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee€7.00
Tours and Activities in Florence
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.
- The Best tour in Renaissance and Medici Tales: $0.02
- Renaissance and Medici Tales Guided Walking Tour: $2.67
- Dark Mysteries and Legends Guided Walking Tour: $2.67
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- The Best tour in Renaissance & Medici Tales - guided by a STORYTELLER: $3.26
- Sunset Walking Tour: $3.27
- Private Tour to the Laboratory of Artistic Ceramics in Tuscany: $3.27
- Smartphone self guided Tour: $4.27
- Florence Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.50
- The Towers of Florence Self-Guided Tour: $4.60
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Florence: $5.44
- Uffizi Gallery Highlights Audio Guide (Ticket NOT included): $5.99
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySantillana €4.29Florence €18
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:
-
Glass of Chianti€4.20
-
Bottle of Wine€7.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Florence
Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
- Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $25
- Biodynamic Wine Tasting with Producer in Vinci: $28
- 3 Types Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $29
- From Florence to Chianti Rufina: Wine Tasting Experience: $32
- Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
- Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
- Three Types of Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $37
- Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour in Florence: $42
- Chianti Wine Tour: Tuscan Reds : $43
- Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
- Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santillana and Florence, we can see that Florence 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 Florence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florence 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 Florence Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santillana or Florence?
Florence has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Santillana and Florence, 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 Florence?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Santillana or Florence in the Summer?
Both Florence and Santillana during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
Santillana is cooler than Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Santillana averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Santillana. In the summer, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Florence. Santillana gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.
Santillana usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Santillana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySantillana 19°C (66°F)Florence 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Santillana or Florence in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santillana and Florence. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Santillana is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santillana in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).
Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. Santillana gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Santillana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Santillana usually receives more rain than Florence. Santillana gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSantillana 16°C (60°F)Florence 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Santillana or Florence in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Santillana as well as Florence. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Florence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Santillana is generally a little warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Santillana average around 9°C (49°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
In the winter, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Florence. Santillana gets 91 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.
Santillana receives a lot of rain in the winter. Santillana usually gets more rain in January than Florence. Santillana gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySantillana 9°C (49°F)Florence 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Santillana or Florence in the Spring?
Both Florence and Santillana are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.
Santillana is cooler than Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Santillana averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Santillana gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Santillana. In April, Santillana usually receives more rain than Florence. Santillana gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSantillana 12°C (53°F)Florence 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Florence and Santillana
| Santillana | Florence | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.