Which place is cheaper, Paris or Santorini?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santorini or Paris?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Paris, 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 stunning, historic, and romantic 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. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.
Paris
Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.
Santorini and Paris: Pros and Cons
Santorini
Pros- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Good for couples and romance
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular with backpackers
- Public transit not as usable
Paris
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Popular at Christmas
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Eiffel Tower
Is there more to do in Santorini or Paris?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Santorini. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Santorini attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is famous for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Paris is famous for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower.
The Eiffel Tower
How is Santorini different from Paris?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Paris 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 Paris?
Santorini
Paris
Paris 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 Paris are world-renowned. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.
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 Santorini or Paris Better for Theater?
Santorini
Paris
Paris is an unbeatable place for its theatre productions. However, Santorini is not a theatre destination.
Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Paris. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.
Santorini is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Santorini or Paris? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Santorini
Paris
Paris 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, Paris is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.
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 Paris Better for Nightlife?
Santorini
Paris
Paris 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 Paris is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.
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 Paris Better for Music?
Santorini
Paris
Paris 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 Paris. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.
Santorini is not a live music destination.
Is Santorini or Paris Better for Resorts?
Santorini
Paris
Santorini is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Paris is not a resort destination.
For the ultimate resort vacation, Santorini is a great choice. 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.
Paris is not a resort destination.
Is Santorini or Paris Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Santorini
Paris
Santorini is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Santorini has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.
Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Santorini or Paris Better for Beaches?
Santorini
Paris
Santorini is a popular place for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.
Santorini is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.
Paris is not a beach destination.
Is Santorini or Paris Better for Hiking?
Santorini
Paris
Santorini is a popular place for hiking. However, Paris is not a hiking destination.
Santorini is a good destination for hiking. 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.
Paris is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Paris?
Santorini
Paris
Paris 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, Paris draws large crowds to its stores. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.
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 Paris Better for Christmas?
Santorini
Paris
Paris is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Santorini does not offer Christmas activities.
People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Paris. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.
Santorini does not offer Christmas activities.
Is Santorini or Paris Better for Families?
Santorini
Paris
Paris is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.
Paris is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.
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 Paris Better for Couples?
Santorini
Paris
Santorini and Paris are both fantastic to visit as a couple.
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.
Paris is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.
Is Santorini or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Santorini
Paris
Paris 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, Paris is extremely popular for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.
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 Paris Better for Students?
Santorini
Paris
Paris is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.
Paris is a great destination for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.
Santorini is not popular with students.
Is Santorini or Paris Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Santorini
Paris
Paris 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 Paris can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.
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 Paris a more walkable city?
Santorini
Paris
Paris 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.
Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored 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 Paris Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Paris or Santorini?
How long in Santorini or Paris?
Both Santorini and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Paris has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Paris than Santorini. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Paris than Santorini. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Paris, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Paris than Santorini. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Paris that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris 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 Paris.
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How many days in Santorini or Paris? Ideal Length of StaySantorini 3-7Paris 3-7
One day in Santorini or Paris?
In Santorini, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this stunning destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
People visit Paris 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 Paris?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
People visit Paris because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Five days in Santorini or Paris?
Santorini is a fun place to experience. In Santorini, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
People visit Paris 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 Paris?
In Santorini, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this stunning destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
Paris is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paris, 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantorini €175Paris €232
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Paris is €232. 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 Paris in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €93Paris €151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €186Paris €302
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Paris
Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Paris? 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 Paris Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €28Paris €21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $3,725
- Santorini Airport Transfer For Group: $298
- Santorini Luxury Catamaran Day Cruise with BBQ,drinks,transfer: $180
- Santorini Airport(JTR) to Santorini - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
- Santorini Small-Group Catamaran Sailing Trip(BBQ,drinks, transfer): $142
- Santorini Luxury Catamaran Sunset Cruise with BBQ, Drink and Transfer: $142
- Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal and Transfer: $138
- 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 Private transfer up to 8 persons: $120
- Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer: $120
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Paris
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:
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Metro€6.40
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Train from Airport€9.00
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Metro tickets€6.80
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Train€20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris
Also for Paris, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Versailles: Skip-the-Line Day Tour & Transfer from Paris: $2,554
- Private Transfer to or from Toulouse: $1,383
- From Le Havre/Honfleur: Private Transfer to Versailles: $1,382
- Romantic Photoshoot in Paris with Champagne & Transfers: $1,063
- Private Transfer to or from Lyon: $958
- Private Transfer to or from Strasbourg: $958
- Private Photoshoot Tour with Louvre & hotel Transfers: $957
- Paris by Vintage Car Day and Night Tour with hotel Transfers: $957
- Private Photoshoot and shopping Tour with Hotel Transfers: $850
- Luxury Mercedes Transfer to Deauville or Le Havre: $798
- Private Transfer from CDG and Orly Airports in Paris to Le Havre: $298
- Private one way transfer from Paris city to Disneyland Paris: $275
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Paris?
Prices for flights to both Paris 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 €48Paris €41
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: $90
- Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $96
- Santorini Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $108
- The Aegean Cooking Class: $109
- Santorini Sunset Sailing Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers: $118
- Sunset Cruise with Swim Stops, Dinner, and Drinks: $120
- Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $120
- Fira: 4-Hour Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $122
- Half-Day Sunset Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini with dinner: $123
Typical Food Prices in Paris
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:
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Ice Cream€8.00
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Breakfast€7.00
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Breakfast for 2€30
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Dinner on River Cruise€86
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Dinner€57
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Cheese€13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris
For Paris, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1h30 Cooking Activity in English: $22
- Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $43
- Paris : Seine River Bistronomic Dinner Cruise: $52
- Seine River Panoramic Views Dinner Cruise: $56
- Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $57
- Seine Cruise Departure from Pont Alexandre III with Dinner Included: $64
- No Diet Club - Paris : Night food tour - Montmartre: $67
- 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise with Bistro Dinner: $67
- Paris : No Diet Club Food Tour - Best Spots in Le Marais: $68
- Eat, play, love Montmartre: 3H Walking Food Tour in Small group: $71
- Dinner with Customized Wine Selection: $74
- 3-Hour Dinner Cruise on Seine River and Saint-Martin Canal: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini €36Paris €77
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
- Santorini Secrets & Gems for Cruise Passengers: $96
- 3-Hour Private Tour in Oia: $218
- 3-Hour Santorini Highlights Tour: $71
- 4 Hour Eat and Drink Private Tour in Santorini: $296
- 4 Hour Private Guided Tour in Santorini: $218
- 4 Hours Private Custom Tour in Santorini: $186
- 4 hrs island tour and photoshooting, Oia Blue domes, Red beach : $197
- 4-Hour Private Custom Santorini Tour: $162
- 5 Hour Private Tour in Santorini: $191
- 5 Hour Santorini Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers: $71
- 5 Hours Private Island Tailormade Tour in Santorini: $153
Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris
For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Louvre Entry for Two€18
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Admission to Pantheon€5.00
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Catacombs (2)€23
Tours and Activities in Paris
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.
- 2-Hour Walking Tour About French Revolution : $42
- A Day at Parc Saint-Paul Ticket and Transport Included: $206
- Guided Tour to Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Chronicles: $48
- Musée d'Orsay Skip-the-Line Fully Guided Tour: $56
- Paris Christmas Market Tour: $294
- Paris Sightseeing Tour with Seine River Cruise from Disneyland®: $93
- Private Tour in Medieval Paris with Latin Quarter and Panthéon: $248
- Skip-the-Line Paris Catacombs Special Access Tour: $129
- Versailles Palace Skip the Line Small Group Guided Tour: $75
- Île de la Cité – Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie Tour: $242
- Île de la Cité, the Old Town of Paris Private Guided Tour: $197
- 1-Hour Sightseeing Flight around Paris: $172
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €26Paris €24
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: $74
- 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: $105
- Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $109
- 3-Hour Wine Tasting in Santorini : $126
- Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $131
- Santorini Wine Adventure with 12 Wine Tastings, Tapas and Sunset: $131
- Small Group Local Wine Tasting Tour In Santorini : $131
Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:
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Wine€14
Sample the Local Flavors in Paris
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:
- Daily Paris Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $15
- Original Paris Pub Crawl : $16
- Latin Quarter Guided Pub Crawl to Bars and Clubs: $21
- Paris Latin Quarter Pub Crawl Bars and Clubs: $24
- Paris Bar Crawl: $24
- Paris Pub Crawl: $25
- Vineyard tour and wine tasting in Davron: $31
- Paris Gin Craft Distillery Tour and Tasting: $33
- Wine Museum Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $38
- Paris Nation wine tasting: $42
- Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise & l'Atelier des lumières: $49
- Vegan Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise: $49
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Santorini much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santorini would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santorini 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Santorini.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santorini Expensive? and Is Paris Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Paris?
Paris has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Paris, 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.