Which place is cheaper, Naples or Santorini?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santorini or Naples?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Naples, 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 romantic, stunning, and historic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.
Naples
Naples is a fascinating, historic, and authentic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.
Santorini and Naples: Pros and Cons
Santorini
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Less popular for food
Naples
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Big city activities
Is there more to do in Santorini or Naples?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples than Santorini, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Naples is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Santorini is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Naples and is popular for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also home to Piazza del Plebiscito.
How is Santorini different from Naples?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Naples 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 Naples?
Santorini
Naples
Naples is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Naples can be an interesting and educational experience. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.
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 Naples? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Santorini
Naples
Naples is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Naples is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.
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 Naples Better for Nightlife?
Santorini
Naples
Naples is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.
The nightlife in Naples has something for everybody. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.
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 Naples Better for Resorts?
Santorini
Naples
Santorini is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Naples 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.
Naples is not a resort destination.
Is Santorini or Naples Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Santorini
Naples
Santorini is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Naples 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.
Naples is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Santorini or Naples Better for Beaches?
Santorini
Naples
Santorini is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Naples 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.
Naples is not a beach destination.
Is Santorini or Naples Better for its Old Town?
Santorini
Naples
Naples is a great city for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.
Many visitors go to Naples to see the historical old town. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.
Santorini does not have a historic old town.
Is Santorini or Naples Better for Hiking?
Santorini
Naples
Santorini is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Naples 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.
Naples is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Naples?
Santorini
Naples
If you're looking to go shopping, Santorini and Naples both offer plenty of superb spots.
Santorini is well-known for its shopping. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.
Is Santorini or Naples Better for Families?
Santorini
Naples
Santorini and Naples are both good destinations for the whole family.
Santorini offers lots of family activities. 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.
Naples is a family-friendly place to visit. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.
Is Santorini or Naples Better for Couples?
Santorini
Naples
Santorini is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
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.
Naples is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.
Is Santorini or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Santorini
Naples
Naples is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.
Many backpackers visit Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.
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 Naples Better for Students?
Santorini
Naples
Naples is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.
It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.
Santorini is not popular with students.
Is Santorini or Naples Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Santorini
Naples
Naples is a great city 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.
The public transit in Naples can get you around easily. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.
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 Naples a more walkable city?
Santorini
Naples
Naples is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.
Naples is a very walkable city. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.
Santorini is a somewhat walkable island. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Santorini Worth Visiting? and Is Naples Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Naples or Santorini?
How long in Santorini or Naples?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santorini and Naples. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than in Naples. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 1-3 days is enough time in Naples.
Families should spend more time in Naples than Santorini. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Naples, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Santorini than Naples. 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 Naples 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 Naples.
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How many days in Santorini or Naples? Ideal Length of StaySantorini 3-7Naples 1-3
One day in Santorini or Naples?
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 Naples because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Naples has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A weekend in Santorini or Naples?
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 Naples because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Naples?
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.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating city of Naples. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
A week in Santorini or Naples?
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.
Naples is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantorini €175Naples €129
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Naples is €129. 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 Naples in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €93Naples €66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €186Naples €132
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Naples
Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Naples? 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 Naples Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €28Naples €21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Skip Cable Car! Santorini Shore Excursion with Boat Transfer: $129
- 24h Luxury Santorini Transfer.Arrival/Departure one way: $76
- Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Minibus: $46
- Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Sprinter: $32
- Blue Dome And Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $37
- Blue Dome and Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $38
- Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR by Sedan Car: $23
- Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Van: $32
- Departure Private Transfer Santorni to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Sprinter: $46
- Departure Shared Transfer in Santorini Island: $22
- Departure Transfer To Santorini Port: $33
- Economy Roundtrip Transfer Santorini Airport ( Max 4 stop ): $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Naples
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Naples:
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Subway Ticket€1.20
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Alibus From Airport€3.00
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Short Taxi Ride€7.34
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Train to Pompeii€3.20
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Taxi€15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Naples
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Naples:
- Sorrento: Enjoy Pompeii and Vesuvius with private transfer: $588
- Venice Airport : One Way Transfer to Canazei: $567
- From Private Transfer to Positano with Pompeii Stop: $534
- From Bari Private Transfer with WiFi: $481
- From Private Transfer to Positano with Pompeii Stop: $428
- From Transfer to Positano with Pompeii Guided Tour: $420
- From Transfer to Amalfi-Ravello with Tour of Pompeii: $420
- From One-Way Transfer to Sorrento with Pompeii Tour: $378
- Private Transfer Naples to Amalfi coast or vice cersa: $353
- Van Transfer from Naples Apt to Sorrento/Amalfi/Positano: $321
- Return Transfer from Naples Cruise Port to Pompeii: $299
- Transfer from Naples to Maiori or Maiori to Naples: $296
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Naples?
Prices for flights to both Naples 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 €48Naples €40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini
For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $70
- Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $70
- Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $80
- Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $91
- Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $96
- 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
- Half-Day Sunset Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini with dinner: $123
- Luxury Sunset Cruise with Dinner & Open Bar: $128
- Sunset Sea Kayak with Light Dinner: $128
- Hands on Cooking Class with a Chef: $134
Typical Food Prices in Naples
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Naples:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)€28
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Three Course Dinner (for Two)€49
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Napoli Pizza€7.24
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Dinner€25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Naples
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Naples.
- Napoli: Traditional Tiramisu Cooking Class with Limoncello: $36
- Small Group Naples Pizza Making Class with Drink Included: $46
- Street Food Tour of Naples with Top-Rated Local Guide & Fun Facts: $46
- Naples Street Food Tour With Local Expert: $46
- Authentic Italian Pizza-Making Workshop with Drinks: $46
- Authentic Pizza Class with Drinks Included in the Center of Naples: $47
- Authentic Italian Pizza Making Class with local pizzaiolo: $53
- Food Tour with Davide: $53
- Virtual Cooking Class: become a Pizza PRO!: $55
- Food Tour of Naples with Davide: $55
- Napoli Street Food Tour in Pignasecca: $58
- Make Neapolitan Pizza With A View Of Naples Like No Other: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini €36Naples €30
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- Authentic A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Oia: $6.99
- Megalochori: Lost Atlantis 9D Experience Museum Entry Ticket: $15
- Skip the Line Lost Atlantis Experience Ticket: $15
- E-Ticket to Akrotiri with Audio Tour on your Phone: $15
- Akrotiri Archaeological Site Entry Ticket: $16
- Refundable Ticket for Akrotiri Archaeological Site : $20
- Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port: $27
- Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit: $28
- Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia): $33
- Santorini Volcano Tour: $37
- Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs Tour : $40
- Santorini Volcano Half Day Tour: $44
Typical Entertainment Prices in Naples
Here are a few typical costs in Naples for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Museo Archeologico Nazionale Entrance€9.00
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Castelnuovo Museum Entrance€5.00
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Entrance to Pompeii€11
Tours and Activities in Naples
Here are a few actual costs in Naples for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- From Naples : Discovery Capri with Chairlift Experience : $158
- Guided Tour to Ruins of Pompeii and Vesuvius From Naples: $141
- Herculaneum Private Walking Tour: $164
- Naples City Walking Tour Exploring Naples with a native guide : $87
- Napoli Sight Eating Walk: Food and Sight Tour: $45
- Pompeii private tour: $109
- Positano & Sorrento Private Day Tour: $273
- Private Tour a Pompeii e Sorrento from Napoli: $218
- Royal Palace of Caserta Private Tour for cruise ship : $164
- Walking Tour of Herculaneum with Local Guide: $60
- (Ercolano) Herculaneum , Half Day Private Tour: $136
- 2 Hours Naples Metro Tour with 24 Hour Metro Ticket included: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €26Naples €21
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: $63
- Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
- Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia: $75
- Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $98
- Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $105
- Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $106
- Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $109
- 5 towns in 5 hours: Santorini Most Popular Tour with Wine tasting: $117
- Wine Tour Santorini: $118
- Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $131
- Santorini 4-Hour Private Tour including Wine Tasting, Shore Excursion: $136
Typical Alcohol Prices in Naples
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Naples:
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Beer€4.10
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Beer€4.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Naples
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Naples:
- Guided Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $16
- Mount Vesuvius: Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting and Lunch: $51
- Regional food and wine tasting: $53
- Guided, FUN Wine Tasting in Napoli: $63
- Guided, FUN Wine Tasting in Naples City Center: $64
- Full-Day Bike Guided Tour in Napoli with Wine Tasting: $64
- Vesuvius Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch Included: $75
- Mount Vesuvius 4-Hour Volcano Tour with Wine Tasting: $79
- Naples Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $86
- Naples Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $90
- Vesuvius Half-Day Trip with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $95
- From Wine Tasting Tour on Vesuvius Slopes with Lunch: $97
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Naples, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Naples much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Naples would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Naples 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 Naples.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santorini Expensive? and Is Naples Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Naples?
Naples has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Naples, 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.