Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Temuco?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Temuco or Santiago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Temuco and Santiago. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Temuco or Santiago?
Temuco
Temuco is a large and modern city found 680 km south of Santiago. While the city is dynamic, it does not have any particular charm with the exception of being a great point of departure for many excursions around the lake region and the many national parks found in the surrounding area. Temuco is also well known for its Mapuche culture, a proud and rebellious community of around 20 000 in the area today, who has fought continuously against every invaders in the past.
Santiago
Santiago is the capital city of Chile. It is centrally located in the long and narrow country, making it a good jumping off point to explore everywhere else. It's convenient location means that you can go skiing in the Andes one day, and hang out at the beach the next.
Santiago has a cool semi-arid climate that is similar to Mediterranean climates. The summers, which are between November and March, are warm and dry. The temperatures climb to around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The winters, between June and August, are humid with cold mornings. The daily highs are around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows stay a few degrees above freezing. Rain is more common in the winter months and the dry season is between December and March.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Chile, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, The Best Luxury Tours to Chile, and The Best Budget Tours to Chile.
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Temuco Prices
Chile PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTemuco $101Santiago $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Temuco is $101, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $159. 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 Temuco and Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTemuco $46Santiago $116
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTemuco $92Santiago $232
Compare Hotels in Temuco and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Temuco or Santiago? 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: Temuco Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Temuco $25Santiago $5.72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Temuco
Also for Temuco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Temuco Airport (ZCO) to Pucon Resorts - Arrival Private Transfer: $82
- Transfer from Temuco Airport to Pucon: $140
- Temuco Airport (ZCO) to Pucon Thermal Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $164
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:
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Metro Ride$1.20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Private Scenic Transfer to Mendoza.: $467
- Airport Transfer and Halfday City tour Santiago de Chile: $362
- Private Transfer from Santiago or Santiago Airport to Colchagua or Santa Cruz: $300
- Private Santiago Visit Haras de Pirque Winery & Transfer Hotel: $300
- Private Santiago, Visit Santa Rita Winery & Transfer to Hotel: $300
- Private Transfer Between Santiago and Cruise Port: $270
- City Tour Santiago with Exclusive Guide + Private Transfer: $270
- Santiago de Chile: Private Transfer to San Antonio / Port: $270
- Private Transfer to Sewell UNESCO Andes Town Tour with Lunch: $269
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour, Concha y Toro, Private Transfer from Santiago: $262
- Private cruise transfer: Puerto San Antonio or Valparaíso ↔ Santiago: $260
- Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to San Antonio: $253
Is it cheaper to fly into Temuco or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago and Temuco 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 dayTemuco $41Santiago $24
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.99
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Hamburger$2.65
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Dinner$27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Legacy Family Tour Lunch or Dinner Pairing 4 Strokes: $40
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $56
- Street Food Tour in Santiago with a Local Guide: $57
- Mercado Meals Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $60
- 4h Cooking Class in 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $77
- 4h Cooking Class in Santiago : 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $85
- Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
- Food Tour STGO, Eat like Locals!: $99
- Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
- Santiago Food Tour: Bohemian Flavors and Local Gems: $109
- Lastarria Food Tour: Wine, Bites & Social Culinary Experience: $109
- Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Temuco $8.30Santiago $50
Tours and Activities in Temuco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Temuco.
- Conguillío National Park Tour, Full day: $340
- Tour Mapuche Community Araucanía: $592
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- 1 Day Tour of Isla Negra Algarrobo and Viña Undurraga from Santiago: $112
- 1 Day Tour of Viña Concha y Toro from Santiago: $120
- 1 Day Undurraga Vineyard Tour from Santiago: $120
- 3 Hours Santiago Blend Walking Tour: $30
- 6 Hour Tour of Culture, History and Flavors from Santiago: $75
- A City Tour Walking through the Unforgettable Santiago: $26
- A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -: $25
- A Private Tour of Santiago with an Experienced Local Guide: $162
- A full Private Tour of Valparaiso from Santiago: $238
- Adega Montes Guided Tour with Private Transportation: $300
- Adventure in Portillo: Laguna del Inca and Mountain Picnic: $100
- All Santiago in One Day: Private Guided Tour: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTemuco $5.43Santiago $8.89
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago
Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- "Chile in Your Glass" Wine Tasting.: $22
- Cousiño Macul Heritage Wine Tour with Tastings: $25
- Pub Crawl with Unlimited Beer and Welcome Shots: $25
- Premium Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Spanish official: $45
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $59
- Wine Tasting + Cheeseboard + Gypsum Reservoir: $60
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $62
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $75
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $75
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Temuco and Santiago, we can see that Santiago is more expensive. And not only is Temuco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Temuco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Temuco 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 Santiago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santiago than you might in Temuco.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Temuco Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Temuco or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Temuco. When comparing the sizes of Temuco and Santiago, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Temuco or Santiago?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Temuco or Santiago in the Summer?
Both Santiago and Temuco during the summer are popular places to visit.
In January, Temuco is generally cooler than Santiago. Daily temperatures in Temuco average around 17°C (62°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Temuco usually gets more rain in January than Santiago. Temuco gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryTemuco 17°C (62°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Temuco or Santiago in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Temuco and Santiago.
Temuco is cooler than Santiago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Temuco averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In April, Temuco usually receives more rain than Santiago. Temuco gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilTemuco 12°C (53°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Temuco or Santiago in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Temuco as well as Santiago.
In the winter, Temuco is cooler than Santiago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Temuco in July average around 8°C (46°F), and Santiago averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Temuco receives a lot of rain in the winter. Temuco usually gets more rain in July than Santiago. Temuco gets 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyTemuco 8°C (46°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Temuco or Santiago in the Spring?
Both Santiago and Temuco are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In October, Temuco is generally cooler than Santiago. Daily temperatures in Temuco average around 12°C (54°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In October, Temuco usually receives more rain than Santiago. Temuco gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberTemuco 12°C (54°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Temuco
| Temuco | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 17°C (62°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 10°C (50°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 9°C (47°F) | 177 mm (7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 8°C (46°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (48°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (50°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
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.