A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Valencia vs. Santander for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Valencia or Santander?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia or Santander, 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.

Where Should I go: Valencia or Santander?

Valencia

Valencia is a port city that sits on Spain's southeastern Orange Blossom coast, where the Turia River meets the Mediterranean Sea. As the nation's third-largest city, it is continually innovative in the arts and sciences with some futuristic architecture including a planetarium, oceanarium, and an interactive museum. The nightlife and daytime culture both thrive in their own ways, bustling with limitless opportunities for sight-seeing and entertainment. While the city is surrounded by fertile farmland, its center is a modern metropolis, skirted by beautiful beaches.

Santander

Santander is the capital of the Cantabria Region which runs along the northern coast of Spain. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Santander or Valencia?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Valencia is €123, while the average daily cost in Santander is €108. 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 Valencia and Santander in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Valencia 58
    Santander 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Valencia 116
    Santander 102
Compare Hotels in Valencia and Santander

Looking for a hotel in Valencia or Santander? 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.

Hotels in Valencia


Hotels in Santander


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: Valencia Hotel Prices and Santander Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Valencia 18
    Santander 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valencia

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valencia:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Valencia Port to Valencia City by Van: $42
  • Arrival Transfer Valencia Airport VLC to Valencia City by Minivan: $42
  • Arrival Transfer Valencia Airport VLC to Valencia City by Sedan: $37
  • Barcelona to Montserrat: Guided Tour & Return Bus Transfers: $46
  • Departure Private Transfer Montserrat to Barcelona Airport or City by Luxury Van: $175
  • From Albufera Day Trip with Boat Tour and Transfer: $59
  • From Morella and Peñíscola Day Trip with Transfers: $118
  • Private Transfer - Valencia Cruise Port to Valencia Airport (VLC): $38
  • Private Transfer Valencia Airport to Hotel: $109
  • Private Transfer from Valencia Hotels to Valencia Cruise Port: $24
  • Private Transfer: Valencia Airport (VLC) to Valencia City Center: $27
  • Private Transfer: Valencia City Center to Valencia Airport (VLC): $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:

  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $41
  • Private Transfer from Santander Port to Bilbao Airport: $251
  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $251
  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $251
  • Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $35
  • Santander Private Departure Transfer: $35
  • Santander Private Transfer from Santander Airport to City centre: $43
  • Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $43

Is it cheaper to fly into Valencia or Santander?

Prices for flights to both Santander and Valencia 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Valencia 40
    Santander 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valencia

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Valencia.

  • Flamenco at Toro y La Luna with Drinks or Dinner: $19
  • Hard Rock Cafe Entrance with Lunch or Dinner: $32
  • Traveling Spoon Sangria and Tapa Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Traditional Spanish Home Dinner: $48
  • Valencia Traditional Food Tour: $51
  • Guided Food Tour with Chocolate Tasting Experience: $53
  • Street Food Tour including Paella & Tapas Tasting: $58
  • Paella Cooking Experience near the center of Valencia: $59
  • Morning Food Tour with Central Market Visit: $63
  • Cooking Class of traditional spanish food: $64
  • Vegetable Paella cooking class, tapas and visit market: $65
  • Valencian Paella cooking class, Tapas and Market Visit: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Valencia 29
    Santander 18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Valencia

Here are a few typical costs in Valencia for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Flamenco Tour
    16

Tours and Activities in Valencia

Here are a few actual costs in Valencia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Self-Guided City Exploration Game and Walking Tour: $3.74
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $3.74
  • The Essentials of Valencia in a Guided Tour: $5.45
  • Valencia Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • In love with A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • In love with A Self-Guided tour of its landmarks: $6.99
  • Between Two Gates Self-Guided Smartphone Tour: $7.99
  • Between Two Gates: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Valencia: $7.99
  • Silk Museum Entry Ticket with Audio Guide: $8.56
  • Historic Center Audio-Guided Tour with Earphones: $8.56
  • Scavenger Hunt and Monumental Self-Guided Tour: $8.75

Tours and Activities in Santander

Here are a few actual costs in Santander for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay: $14
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
  • Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket: $26
  • From Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour: $42
  • Full Day Tour Lakes of Covadonga and Santillana from Santander: $46
  • Guided Tour by Electric Bike: $53
  • Full Day Self Guided Tour in Santillana del Mar and Comillas: $54
  • From Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour: $64
  • Santoña: Anchovy Factory Tour and Boat Trip: $70
  • Tour to the Towns of the Western Coast of Cantabria: $78
  • Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Valencia 20
    Santander 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Valencia

Also in Valencia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Guided Pub Crawl with Free Shots: $13
  • Pub Crawl With Free Shots: $25
  • Wine Tasting with Professional Sommelier in centre Valencia: $59
  • From Guided Cheese Factory Tour with Wine Tasting: $90
  • Local Tapas & Wine tasting experience: $91
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas Experience: $102
  • Cheese Factory Workshop with Wine Tasting in Requena, Valencia: $108
  • From Requena Wine Tour with Tastings: $123
  • Christmas Tapas and Wine Tour in Valencia: $164
  • Requena: 1/2 Day Private Vineyards & Premium Wine Tastings: $191
  • From Utiel-Requena Wine Tour and Traditional Lunch: $209
  • Singular Valencia Wine Tour Utiel Requena Wineries: $213


When comparing the travel costs between Valencia and Santander, we can see that Valencia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Valencia Expensive? and Is Santander Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Valencia or Santander?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Santander. When comparing the sizes of Valencia and Santander, 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 Valencia or Santander?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Valencia or Santander in the Summer?

Both Santander and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Valencia for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Valencia is a little warmer than Santander. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valencia in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Santander averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Santander. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valencia. Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Santander during summer. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valencia usually receives less rain than Santander. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Santander receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Valencia 25°C (76°F) 
    Santander 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Valencia or Santander in the Autumn?

Both Santander and Valencia during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Valencia because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Valencia is generally a little warmer than Santander. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 19°C (66°F), and Santander fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Santander. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 133 hours of full sun.

Santander gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Valencia usually gets less rain in October than Santander. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Santander receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Valencia 19°C (66°F) 
    Santander 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Valencia or Santander in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Santander. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Valencia this time of year.

Valencia is a little warmer than Santander in the winter. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Santander fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Santander during winter. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 91 hours of full sun in the winter.

Santander receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Valencia usually receives less rain than Santander. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Santander receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Valencia 12°C (53°F) 
    Santander 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Valencia or Santander in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Santander. Many travelers come to Valencia for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Valencia is a little warmer than Santander. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valencia in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Santander averages at about 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valencia this time of the year. In the spring, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Santander. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santander. Valencia usually gets less rain in April than Santander. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Santander receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Valencia 15°C (60°F) 
    Santander 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Santander and Valencia

Valencia Santander
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)