Which place is cheaper, Berlin or Santorini?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santorini or Berlin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Berlin, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Santorini
Santorini is a historic, romantic, and stunning island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.
Berlin
Berlin is a artsy, creative, and eclectic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.
Santorini and Berlin: Pros and Cons
Santorini
Pros- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular with backpackers
- Public transit not as usable
Berlin
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Less popular with couples
Is there more to do in Santorini or Berlin?
You'll generally find more things to do in Berlin than Santorini. Berlin is bigger than Santorini, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Berlin is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Santorini is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Berlin and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Berlin is well known for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. Also, Berlin is famous for the Brandenburg Gate.
How is Santorini different from Berlin?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Berlin and Santorini. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santorini or Berlin?
Santorini
Berlin
Berlin is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.
The museums and tourist attractions in Berlin are world-renowned. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santorini. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.
Is the Food Better in Santorini or Berlin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Santorini
Berlin
Berlin is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Berlin has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Santorini area. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.
Is Santorini or Berlin Better for Nightlife?
Santorini
Berlin
Berlin is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.
The nightlife in Berlin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santorini. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.
Is Santorini or Berlin Better for Music?
Santorini
Berlin
Berlin is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Santorini is not a live music destination.
With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Berlin. From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.
Santorini is not a live music destination.
Is Santorini or Berlin Better for Resorts?
Santorini
Berlin
Santorini is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Berlin is not a resort destination.
Santorini offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.
Berlin is not a resort destination.
Is Santorini or Berlin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Santorini
Berlin
Santorini is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Berlin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Santorini has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.
Berlin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Santorini or Berlin Better for Beaches?
Santorini
Berlin
Santorini is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Berlin is not a beach destination.
Santorini has a beach worth visiting. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.
Berlin is not a beach destination.
Is Santorini or Berlin Better for Hiking?
Santorini
Berlin
Santorini is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Berlin is not a hiking destination.
Santorini has hiking trails worth exploring. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.
Berlin is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Berlin?
Santorini
Berlin
Berlin is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.
Known for shopping, Berlin draws large crowds to its stores. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Santorini. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.
Is Santorini or Berlin Better for Families?
Santorini
Berlin
Berlin is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Berlin is very family-friendly. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.
Santorini is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.
Is Santorini or Berlin Better for Couples?
Santorini
Berlin
Santorini is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.
Santorini has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.
Berlin is a good island for couples to visit. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.
Is Santorini or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Santorini
Berlin
Berlin is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.
With so many budget-friendly offerings, Berlin is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.
Santorini is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.
Is Santorini or Berlin Better for Students?
Santorini
Berlin
Berlin is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.
Berlin is a great destination for students. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.
Santorini is not popular with students.
Is Santorini or Berlin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Santorini
Berlin
Berlin is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.
Visitors in Berlin can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.
Santorini has a few public transit options. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.
Is Santorini or Berlin a more walkable city?
Santorini
Berlin
Santorini and Berlin are notable when it comes to walkability.
Santorini is a somewhat walkable place. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.
Berlin is a somewhat walkable island. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.
For even more information, also check out Is Santorini Worth Visiting? and Is Berlin Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Berlin or Santorini?
How long in Santorini or Berlin?
Both Santorini and Berlin have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Berlin has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Berlin than Santorini. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.
Families should spend more time in Berlin than Santorini. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Berlin, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Santorini than Berlin. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Santorini that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berlin than Santorini if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Berlin.
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How many days in Santorini or Berlin? Ideal Length of StaySantorini 3-7Berlin 2-7
One day in Santorini or Berlin?
Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Santorini. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
People visit Berlin because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Santorini or Berlin?
Santorini is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
People visit Berlin because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Santorini or Berlin?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
People visit Berlin because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
A week in Santorini or Berlin?
Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Santorini. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Berlin is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Berlin, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantorini €175Berlin €137
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Berlin is €137. 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 Santorini and Berlin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €93Berlin €64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €186Berlin €128
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Berlin
Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Berlin? 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: Santorini Hotel Prices and Berlin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €28Berlin €18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $3,729
- Santorini Airport Transfer For Group: $296
- Santorini Shore Excursion with Boat Transfer - Skip Cable Car: $151
- Santorini Airport(JTR) to Santorini - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
- Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal and Transfer: $139
- Private Sunset Tour with Picnic & Transfer: $128
- Santorini to Heraklion Crete: Ferry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $125
- Santorini to Mykonos: Ferry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $125
- Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer: $120
- Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer: $120
- Wine Tasting Tour to 3 Wineries with Transfer: $115
- Private Round trip transfer to Santorini Thira Airport (JTR) to OIA, Greece: $110
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Berlin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Berlin:
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Short Trip Metro Ticket€1.40
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Bahn Ticket€3.00
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Short Taxi Ride€20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berlin
Also for Berlin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer from Berlin to Prague: $703
- Private Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $365
- Trabi Limousine Airport Transfer with City Tour: $357
- Private Minivan Transfer with Driver and Guide: $320
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Berlin APT-HTL (SXF): $300
- Private Direct Transfer From Berlin to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $299
- Private transfer from Berlin to Prague with stops at Potsdam + Sanssouci Palace: $294
- Private Transfer from Berlin to Nuremberg with 2h of Sightseeing: $275
- Private Transfer, Berlin to Prague with 2h of Sightseeing, 8 pax: $272
- Classic Remise Private Tour with Transfer: $270
- Private transfer from Berlin to Prague with Terezin Concentration Camp stop: $267
- Private Transfer: Berlin to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg - Port/Harbor transport: $262
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Berlin?
Prices for flights to both Berlin and Santorini 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 daySantorini €48Berlin €52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini
For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $69
- Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $69
- Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $80
- Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $91
- Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $96
- Santorini Sunset Dinner Cruise Including Nea Kameni Visit: $98
- Santorini Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $107
- Santorini Volcano Sunset Cruise Including Dinner on Board: $108
- The Aegean Cooking Class: $109
- Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $120
- Sunset Cruise with Swim Stops, Dinner, and Drinks: $120
- Fira: 4-Hour Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $123
Typical Food Prices in Berlin
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Berlin:
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Sandwich and Coffee To Go€5.00
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Turkish Sandwich€2.00
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Currywurst€2.00
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2 Pho Noodles€9.00
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Restaurant Dinner and Beers (for 2)€60
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Mauer Park (2)€11
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Coffees at Impala€7.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berlin
For Berlin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- English Stand-Up Comedy with Pizza and Shots: $19
- Hard Rock Cafe Berlin with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- English Comedy Showcase Including Pizza in Berlin Mitte: $28
- Hard Rock Cafe Berlin With Set Lunch or Dinner : $34
- Berlin Mitte kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
- No Diet Club - Street Food Tour with many Tastings !: $59
- Evening Yacht Cruise with Aperitif & Optional Dinner: $63
- Sicilian Cooking Workshop with unlimited drinks: $69
- Evening Food Tour by Bike: $69
- Berlin Food Tour by Bike: $71
- Sharing plate food tour in Berlin: $76
- Dinner Cruise on the Spree with Prosecco: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini €36Berlin €22
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- Santorini Panoramic Blue Shade Tour-Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia: $62
- 3 Hour Tour in Oia: $120
- 3-Hour Santorini Highlights Tour: $71
- 4 Hour Eat and Drink Private Tour in Santorini: $295
- 4 Hour Private Guided Tour in Santorini: $218
- 4 Hours Private Custom Tour in Santorini: $185
- 4 hrs island tour and photoshooting, Oia Blue domes, Red beach : $196
- 4-Hour Private Custom Santorini Tour: $161
- 5-Hour Private Custom Santorini Tour: $182
- 5-Hour Private Tour of Southern Santorini: $400
- 6 Hours Land Tour Ideal for Cruise Ship Passengers: $283
- 6 Hours Santorini Private Tour: $250
Typical Entertainment Prices in Berlin
For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Berlin Zoo (2)€20
Tours and Activities in Berlin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Berlin.
- Berlin Self-Guided Treasure Hunt & Tour: $12
- Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour from Berlin.: $31
- (E) Bike Tour for Non bikers option Rickshaw or E-Scooter: $48
- 2 Hour Berlin Small Group Segway Tour: $76
- 2 Hours Berlin City Guided Electric Trike Tour: $59
- 2 Hours E-Scooter Tour: $60
- 2-Hour Private Berlin Walking Tour, Berlin in the Third Reich and Cold War: $212
- 3 Hours Berlin City Guided Electric Trike Tour: $72
- 3 Hours Segway Discovery Tour Berlin: $93
- 3-Hour Bike Tour of Tiergarten and Berlin's Hidden Places: $35
- 3-Hour Private Berlin Bike Tour: Vibes of Berlin: $184
- 3-Hour Private Bike Tour of Tiergarten and Berlin's Hidden Places: $184
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €26Berlin €16
Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini
Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $60
- Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $62
- Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
- Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini : $76
- Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $98
- Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $104
- Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $105
- Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $109
- Wine Tour Santorini: $118
- 3-Hour Wine Tasting in Santorini : $125
- Small Group Local Wine Tasting Tour In Santorini : $131
- Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $131
Typical Alcohol Prices in Berlin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Berlin from other travelers:
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Drinks at a Show€14
Sample the Local Flavors in Berlin
Also in Berlin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Original One80 Berlin Pub Crawl: $16
- VIP Pub Crawl with Drinks and Challenges: $16
- brewery tour with beer tasting: $19
- Vagabund Brauerei Beer Tasting & Guided Brewery Tour: $23
- Pub Crawl with Skip-the-Line Club Entry: $24
- Showgirls of Burlesque Entry Ticket: $69
- Berlin:sunset boat trip with Argentine wine tasting and food: $213
- German Wine Tasting Tour at the Best Wine Bars in Berlin: $249
- German Wine Tasting Tour at the Best Wine Bars in Berlin: $254
- Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $400
- Berlin Tour by Car, Meal at Reichstag, Choc & Wine Tasting: $659
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Berlin, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Berlin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Berlin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Berlin 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 Santorini would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santorini than you might in Berlin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santorini Expensive? and Is Berlin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Berlin?
Berlin has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Berlin, 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.
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.