A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santillana vs. Milan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Santillana or Milan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Santillana or Milan? 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 Milan?

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.

Milan

Milan, known to most of the world as the capital of fashion and style, is also the heart of Italian industry and economics. Between the stock exchange, cathedrals and boutiques, this metropolis is a city-lover's dream come true. It is an escape from the stresses of the real world, and provides a playground for all the world's most lavish luxuries.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Milan or Santillana?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Santillana is €105, while the average daily cost in Milan is €166. 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 Milan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santillana 60
    Milan 96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santillana 120
    Milan 192
Compare Hotels in Santillana and Milan

Looking for a hotel in Santillana or Milan? 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.

Hotels in Santillana


Hotels in Milan


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 Milan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santillana 17
    Milan 35

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Milan

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Milan:


  • Train to Airport
    7.00
  • Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)
    22
  • Taxi From Airport
    90
  • Public Transit Day Pass
    4.50
  • Short Taxi Ride
    7.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milan

Also for Milan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Milan to Bergamo Airport (BGY) - Departure Private Transfer : $46
  • Milan to Como hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $107
  • Airport Transfer: Malpensa Airport MXP to Milan by Luxury Van: $140
  • Arrival Private Transfer Luxury Car LIN airport to Milan: $102
  • Arrival Private Transfer Luxury Van LIN airport to Milan: $81
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Malpensa Airport MXP to Milan in Luxury Van: $139
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Toulouse Airport TLS to Toulouse in Luxury Van: $92
  • BERGAMO ORIO AL SERIO - MILANO airport transfer: $191
  • BERGAMO ORIO AL SERIO - Milano airport transfer with private Luxury Van: $186
  • Basel : Private Transfer to/from Milan Malpensa Airport: $1,016
  • Bellagio : Private Transfer to/from Milan Malpensa Airport: $278
  • Bergamo Airport(BGY) to Val Gardena/Alta Badia - Arrival Transfer: $193

Is it cheaper to fly into Santillana or Milan?

Prices for flights to both Milan 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 day
    Santillana 30
    Milan 39
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 Milan

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Milan:


  • Snack at Train Station
    8.60
  • Restaurant Pizza
    6.60
  • Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)
    27
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    64
  • Cappuccino
    1.63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milan

For Milan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • PYT Milano Dinner Show with Live Music and DJ Set: $21
  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • Milan Gourmet Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $38
  • Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $45
  • Eating Milan Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
  • Tasty Milan Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $46
  • Delicious Milan Street Food Tour Tasting and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $46
  • Devour Milan Street Food Tour and Sightseeing: $46
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $59
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $60
  • Local Market and Cooking Class with an Italian Chef: $70
  • Italian Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santillana 23
    Milan 31

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 Milan

For Milan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Stairs to Duomo Rooftop
    7.00

Tours and Activities in Milan

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Milan.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • The City Storytelling Experience: Art, History and Myths Come Together: $3.26
  • Milano Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local: $4.19
  • Giuseppe Verdi in Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.60
  • Unique Self-Guided Audio Tour on Alessandro Manzoni: $4.60
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Exploring Age-Old Plants: $4.60
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Exploring the Famous Five Days: $4.60
  • From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.81
  • Stories of the Fashion Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Milan: $5.49
  • The Best of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Branca Tower Entrance Ticket: $6.42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santillana 4.29
    Milan 24

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 Milan

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Milan:


  • Cocktail at a Bar
    8.40
  • Beer
    3.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Milan

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Milan:

  • Wine Tasting Experience in the City Centre: $43
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Milan city centre: $44
  • Milan Wine Tasting Experience: $52
  • Italian Wine Tasting in Milan: $53
  • Milan Wine Tasting Aperitivo: $56
  • Milan Wine Tasting with Italian Sommelier: $86
  • Private Food and Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Milan: $87
  • Wine Tasting with an Italian Sommelier: $93
  • Best of Guided Tour with Duomo, Food & Wine Tasting: $159
  • Food and Wine Tasting enjoying the New Milan: $164
  • Brescia & Franciacorta Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Brescia and Franciacorta winery area. Cultural and wine tasting small group tour: $184


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santillana and Milan, we can see that Milan 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 Milan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milan 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 Milan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Santillana or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 320 times larger than the population of Santillana. When comparing the sizes of Santillana and Milan, 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 Milan?

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 Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Santillana during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Santillana is cooler than Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santillana in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Milan averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Santillana. In the summer, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Milan. Santillana gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Santillana usually gets less rain in July than Milan. Santillana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santillana 19°C (66°F) 
    Milan 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santillana and Milan. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Milan because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Santillana is generally around the same temperature as Milan. Daily temperatures in Santillana average around 16°C (60°F), and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Milan during autumn. Santillana gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Milan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santillana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Santillana usually receives more rain than Milan. Santillana gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santillana 16°C (60°F) 
    Milan 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Milan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Santillana as well as Milan. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

It's quite cold in Milan in the winter. Santillana is much warmer than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Santillana averages around 9°C (49°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Santillana often gets less sunshine than Milan. Santillana gets 91 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Santillana receives a lot of rain in the winter. Santillana usually gets more rain in January than Milan. Santillana gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santillana 9°C (49°F) 
    Milan 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Santillana or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Santillana are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Santillana is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santillana in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Milan averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Santillana usually receives less sunshine than Milan during spring. Santillana gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Santillana. In April, Santillana usually receives more rain than Milan. Santillana gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santillana 12°C (53°F) 
    Milan 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Milan and Santillana

Santillana Milan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)