Which place is cheaper, Venice or Santorini?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Santorini or Venice?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Venice, 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. 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. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.
Venice
Venice is a magical, historic, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.
Santorini and Venice: Pros and Cons
Santorini
Pros- 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 museums and historical sights
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Venice
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Very walkable
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Home to St. Mark's Basilica
- Less popular for nightlife
Is there more to do in Santorini or Venice?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Venice than Santorini. While Santorini is larger than Venice, Venice has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Venice is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Santorini is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Santorini is popular for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. Venice is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also home to St. Mark's Basilica.
How is Santorini different from Venice?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Venice 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 Venice?
Santorini
Venice
Venice 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 Venice are world-renowned. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
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 Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Santorini
Venice
Dining out at restaurants in both Santorini and Venice can be an enjoyable experience.
Santorini has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Venice area. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.
Is Santorini or Venice Better for Nightlife?
Santorini
Venice
Santorini is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.
If you're looking for night time activities Santorini has a few options to choose from. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.
Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.
Is Santorini or Venice Better for Resorts?
Santorini
Venice
Santorini is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Venice is not a resort destination.
If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Santorini is a perfect 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.
Venice is not a resort destination.
Is Santorini or Venice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Santorini
Venice
Santorini is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Venice is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Santorini. 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.
Venice is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Santorini or Venice Better for Beaches?
Santorini
Venice
Santorini is very good for the beach. However, Venice is not a beach destination.
Many people head to Santorini to enjoy the beach. 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.
Venice is not a beach destination.
Is Santorini or Venice Better for its Old Town?
Santorini
Venice
Venice is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.
With a famous historical old-town, Venice offers plenty to see. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.
Santorini does not have a historic old town.
Is Santorini or Venice Better for Hiking?
Santorini
Venice
Santorini is very good for hiking. However, Venice is not a hiking destination.
Many people include a hike when visiting Santorini. 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.
Venice is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Venice?
Santorini
Venice
Venice 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, Venice draws large crowds to its stores. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.
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 Venice Better for Families?
Santorini
Venice
Venice 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, Venice is very family-friendly. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.
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 Venice Better for Couples?
Santorini
Venice
Santorini and Venice are both terrific 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.
Venice is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.
Is Santorini or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Santorini
Venice
Venice 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 Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.
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 Venice Better for Students?
Santorini
Venice
Venice is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini is not popular with students.
Venice is a great destination for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.
Santorini is not popular with students.
Is Santorini or Venice Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Santorini
Venice
Venice 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 Venice can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.
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 Venice a more walkable city?
Santorini
Venice
Venice is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.
Venice is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.
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 Venice Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Venice or Santorini?
How long in Santorini or Venice?
Both Santorini and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Venice has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Venice than Santorini. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.
Families should spend more time in Venice than Santorini. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Venice, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Venice 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 Venice.
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How many days in Santorini or Venice? Ideal Length of StaySantorini 3-7Venice 2-7
One day in Santorini or Venice?
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.
You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint city of Venice. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Venice?
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.
You'll find museums and food around the beautiful destination of Venice. 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 Venice?
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.
You'll find food and shopping around the historic city of Venice. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
A week in Santorini or Venice?
Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning 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.
Venice is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Venice, 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantorini €175Venice €229
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Venice is €229. 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 Venice in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €93Venice €120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €186Venice €240
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Venice
Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Venice? 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 Venice Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €28Venice €27
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: $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: $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 Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer: $120
- Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, 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 Venice
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Venice:
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Venice 12 Hour Transport Pass€16
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Vaporetto Ride€6.50
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1 Day Travel Card€18
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7 Day Transport Card (for Two)€101
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Venice
Also for Venice, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Malpensa Airport (MXP):1-Way Private Transfer to Venice Port: $1,366
- From Milan: One-Way Transfer to/from Venice Cruise Port: $1,158
- Luxury Private Transfer Between Siena and Venice: $1,144
- Trieste: Round Trip Transfer to Piazzale Roma in Venice: $1,042
- Venice Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Florence: $1,040
- Ravenna Port or City: 1- Way Transfer to Venice + water taxi: $1,022
- One-Way Transfer to Florence Airport or Hotel: $1,016
- Bologna Airport:1-Way Private Transfer to Venice+water taxi: $827
- Marco Polo Airport to Cortina D’Ampezzo Transfer: $817
- Transfer from Airport to Trieste Cruise Terminal: $787
- Transfer from Trieste Cruise Terminal to Marco Polo Airport: $787
- Venice Airport:1-Way Transfer to Ravenna City or Cruise Port: $745
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Venice?
Prices for flights to both Venice 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 €48Venice €65
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 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: $122
Typical Food Prices in Venice
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Venice:
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Panini Sandwich€4.00
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Gelato€6.00
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Artichoke & Mushroom Pizza€7.90
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Expresso€1.95
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Slice of Pizza€2.23
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Three Course Dinner (for Two)€79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Venice
For Venice, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings: $47
- Secret Street Food Tour of Venice in 2,5 hours: $48
- Eating Venice Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $48
- Venice Street Food Tour with Local Guide with Local Food Market Visit: $48
- Guided City Highlights and Street Food Tour: $51
- Venetian Dinner: $62
- Venetian Dinner: $67
- 2-Course Dinner in a Typical Venetian Restaurant: $73
- Guided Small Group Kickstart Food Tour of Venice : $76
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $77
- Tiramisù cooking class and tasting in Treviso: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini €36Venice €101
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: $399
- 6 Hours Land Tour Ideal for Cruise Ship Passengers: $283
- 6 Hours Santorini Private Tour: $250
Typical Entertainment Prices in Venice
For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Venice Boat Ride€15
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Bell tower of St. Mark Entrance Fee€8.00
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Gondola Ride (for Group)€80
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Secret Itinerary Tour- Doge's Palace€16
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The Jewish Museum Admission€3.00
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The Glass Museum in Murano€8.00
Tours and Activities in Venice
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Venice.
- From Vicenza Private Tour: $281
- Venice Top-Attractions Walking Tour for Kids & Families & Child-Friendly Guide: $238
- Private 2-Hour Doge's Palace Tour: $217
- Friendinvenice, how to experience the true Venice, private tour: $125
- 2 Hour Venice Canal Kayak Tour - Premium experience by day: $120
- 2 Hours Private Guided Tour of the Doge's Palace: $131
- 2-Hour Venice with Kids and Family Friendly Private Guided Tour: $272
- 2hr Night Kayak Tour in premium tour with sunset: $127
- 4 hours Private Boat Tour to Murano, Burano cover winter boat: $195
- 4-Hour Venice guided walking tour with Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica: $134
- 60' Quick Kayak Tour of Venice with guide: $60
- 60' Quick Kayak Tour of Venice with guide: $59
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €26Venice €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
- 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
- Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $131
- Santorini Wine Adventure with 12 Wine Tastings, Tapas and Sunset: $131
Typical Alcohol Prices in Venice
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Venice:
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1/2 Liter Wine€5.20
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Beer€4.90
Sample the Local Flavors in Venice
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Venice:
- Venice Food and Wine Tasting Tour with a Local Guide: $8.71
- Guided Tour and wine tasting 5 wines to discover the Conegliano Valdobbiadene: $27
- Guided Visit and Wine Tasting at the Winery in Veneto: $27
- Wine Tasting in Venice: $37
- Wine Tasting in Venice: $39
- Wine tasting Asolo Prosecco at Tenuta Baron: $59
- Food and Wine Tasting Bar Tour & Evening Guided Tour: $71
- Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $73
- Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $82
- Eat, drink and repeat: Wine tasting tour in Venice: $98
- Experience Venice with a Local Sommelier: Cicchetti & Wine Tour: $103
- A Venetian Evening - Wine Tasting & Tapas tour with a Local guide: $108
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Venice, we can see that Venice 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice 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 Venice Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Venice?
Santorini has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Venice, 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.