Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Tokyo?
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 Tokyo or Santiago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tokyo or Santiago? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Tokyo or Santiago?
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
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Tokyo Prices
Japan PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $178Santiago $145
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $178, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $145. 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 Tokyo and Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $74Santiago $105
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $148Santiago $210
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $17Santiago $5.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Haneda Airport to Tokyo 23Wards 18-45 seater Bus One Way Transfer: $6.47
- Tokyo Private Transfer From or To Haneda Airport (HND): $52
- Haneda Airport: 1-Way Shared Shuttle Transfer: $54
- Tokyo Disneyland Shared Transfer : from Tokyo to Disneyland (One Way): $54
- Tokyo Private Transfer From or To Tokyo Cruise Port: $58
- Tokyo Disneyland/DisneySea: Private Transfer To/From Tokyo Hotels: $59
- Shared Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo Hotel to Haneda Airport: $62
- Shared Arrival Transfer : Haneda Airport to Central Tokyo City: $62
- Tokyo City: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Yokohama City: $63
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Tokyo City to Tokyo Station: $66
- Japan Railway Station Shared Arrival Transfer : Tokyo Station to Tokyo City: $66
- Private One-Way Transfers to/from Yokohama Port: $67
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$1.09
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 Santa Rita Winery and Transfer to Hotel: $300
- Private Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to Valparaíso: $286
- Private Transfer Between Santiago and Cruise Port: $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 Santiago Airport SCL to Vina Concon Valparaiso: $250
- Portillo and Laguna Del Inca, Exclusive Guide and Private Transfer: $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago and Tokyo 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 dayTokyo $63Santiago $22
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.07
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.07
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Meal at Airport$6.61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market: Traditional Culture & Street Food Tour: $19
- Tokyo : Vintage, Music & Food Tour in Shimokitazawa with a Local: $23
- Shinjuku 7-Dishes vegetarian dinner at a Japanese izakaya: $29
- Asakusa: Senso-ji Sightseeing & Street Food Tour with Photos: $29
- Shibuya 7-Dishes vegetarian dinner at a Japanese izakaya: $29
- For First Time Visitor：Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $32
- Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour: $32
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $39
- Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
- Giant Sushi Cooking Class: Make a 1.5m Sushi Roll in Tokyo: $42
- Private Yanaka District Walking & Food Tour: $45
- Japanese Sushi Cooking Class: $48
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.82
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Hamburger$2.41
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Dinner$25
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
- Best Santiago Street Food Tour with 4+ Tastings and Drink: $56
- Mercado Meals Santiago Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $59
- Mercado Meals Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $60
- 4h Cooking Class in 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $77
- Food Tour STGO, Eat like Locals!: $99
- Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
- Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation in Santiago: $107
- Casillero del Diablo Night Experience – Cellars, Wine & Dinner: $110
- Barrio Italia Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $119
- San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tokyo $66Santiago $46
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Self-Guided Tour of Tokyo's Hidden Alleys: $1.12
- Tsukiji Fish Market Morning Tour Most Fresh Tuna Fish: $3.23
- Experience Japan’s Beloved Morning Exercise – Radio Taiso”!: $5.17
- Shibuya Night Walking Tour with a Local in Tokyo: $6.46
- Marunouchi Night Tour: History and Views: $6.46
- Nihonbashi ultime Edo local Tour: $6.46
- Mt Fuji/Lake Kawaguchi 1 day Private Bus Tour: $6.47
- Cross Roppongi Karaoke Nightclub Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
- Podcast Tour Tokyo From Market to Sushi Masterpiece: $6.84
- Tokyo Walking Tour 2h15 and 19 audio reviews: $6.88
- Tokyo Fuji Art Museum Admission Ticket + Special Exhibition (when being held): $7.76
- Tokyo Metro Subway Ticket: $8.85
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- 1 Day Tour of Viña Concha y Toro from Santiago: $120
- 1 Day Undurraga Vineyard Tour from Santiago: $120
- 1 Day Valparaiso and Vina del Mar Tour from Santiago: $51
- 3 Hours Santiago Blend Walking Tour: $30
- A full Private Tour of Valparaiso from Santiago (Standard): $290
- Adventure in Portillo: Laguna del Inca and Mountain Picnic: $85
- An Architect's Tour of Downtown Santiago: $60
- Andean Adventure: Cajón del Maipo & El Morado Lodge and Spa: $147
- Andes Day Lagoon: Embalse El Yeso Tour from Santiago: $120
- Andes Day Volcano 8k Private Tour: $270
- Andes Mountains Tour From Santiago with Appetizer: $180
- Andes Panoramico - Guided Sightseeing Tour from Santiago: $87
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTokyo $32Santiago $8.10
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.80
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Low-cost local pub & bar crawling: $32
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
- 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $36
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Nightlife Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $46
- Tokyo Japanese Wine Tasting Experience (Not Sake) | Near Shibuya: $65
- Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Japanese Sake Brewery Day Tour: $84
- Tokyo Shinjuku Gay Bar Crawl with Drinks: $90
- Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and jump into historic town: $91
- Tokyo Sake Terroir Journey – Guided by Sake Brewery Professional: $91
- Shinjuku Bar Crawl Tour -3 Drinks & Local foods-: $103
- Shibuya Bar Crawl Tour -3 Drinks & Local Foods-: $103
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
- Pub Crawl with Unlimited Beer and Welcome Shots: $25
- Cousiño Macul Heritage Wine Tour with Tastings: $25
- Tour Viña Santa Carolina in Santiago with 3 wine tasting: $45
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $55
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $65
- Valparaíso and Vineyard of the Sea with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $68
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $75
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $75
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $75
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Santiago, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Santiago much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo is in Asia and Santiago is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Santiago would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo than you might in Santiago.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tokyo Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Santiago?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Santiago. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Santiago?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Santiago is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Tokyo has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Tokyo or Santiago in the Summer?
Both Santiago and Tokyo during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Santiagoin January. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in July than Santiagoin January. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 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 July and JanuaryTokyo 26°C (78°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Santiago in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Santiago. The autumn months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Tokyo is a little warmer than Santiago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in April.
Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Santiagoin April. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 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 October and AprilTokyo 18°C (64°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Santiago in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Santiago. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
In the winter, Tokyo is much colder than Santiago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Santiago averages at about 9°C (48°F)in July.
Tokyo usually gets less rain in January than Santiagoin July. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 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 January and JulyTokyo 5°C (42°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Santiago in the Spring?
Both Santiago and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Santiagoin October. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Santiagoin October. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 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 April and OctoberTokyo 14°C (58°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Tokyo
| Tokyo | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.