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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Santander or Valencia?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Valencia Prices
    Spain Prices
    Santander Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Valencia 153
    Santander 138

The average daily cost (per person) in Valencia is €153, while the average daily cost in Santander is €138. 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 Transfer Valencia Airport VLC to Valencia City by Minivan: $47
  • Barcelona to Montserrat Monastery: Tour, Transfers & Basilica: $43
  • Berlin Airport (BER) to Berlin - Arrival Private Transfer: $79
  • Departure Private Transfer Montserrat to Barcelona Airport or City by Luxury Van: $190
  • Private Transfer from Callosa d'en Sarria to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $201
  • Private Transfer from Valencia Port to Valencia Airport (VLC): $56
  • Private Transfer: VLC Airport to Valencia in Business Car: $92
  • Private Transfer: Valencia Airport VLC to Valencia in Luxury Van: $97
  • Private Transfer: Valencia to VLC Airport in Business Car: $86
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Valencia (hotel OR airport pick-up): $73
  • Transfer: Valencia Airport (VLC) to Valencia City Center: $29
  • Valencia Airport (VLC) to Valencia - Arrival Private Transfer: $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:

  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $47
  • Private Transfer from Santander Port to Bilbao Airport: $295
  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $295
  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $295
  • Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $42
  • Santander Private Departure Transfer: $42
  • Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $66

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 70
    Santander 70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valencia

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

  • Taste Valencia, Central Market Food Tour and Local Wine Tasting: $46
  • Make Valencian 'Pizza' in Ruzafa: $70
  • Authentic Paella Dinner in Valencia: $72
  • Valencia Best Food Tour With A Local Guide: $73
  • Valencia Evening Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $75
  • Valencia Food Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $76
  • Live the Valencian Experience Cooking Your Own Paella: $76
  • Valencia Morning Food Tour with Central Market by Food Lover Tour: $76
  • Real Paella Cooking Class – Market Visit & Sangría Workshop: $76
  • Paella cooking class - Local Market tour, Tapas & Wine: $76
  • Paella cooking class: Sangria workshop, Tapas & Wine – evening: $76
  • Authentic Valencian Paella Cooking Class: $80

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:

  • Self-Guided Tours in Valencia with 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.49
  • Valencia Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.50
  • Valencia Essential : Self-Guided Tour created by local Official Guide: $5.83
  • Valencia Self Guided Walking Tour with Audio: $5.83
  • Valencia Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $6.99
  • Between Two Gates: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Valencia: $7.99
  • Discover Valencia in a Self Guided Tour: $8.15
  • Valencia Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $8.15
  • Bike Rental at Cabanyal Beach Cruiser Port: $12
  • Valencia La Lonja de la Seda Tour with Fast Track Entry: $15
  • Port Saplaya Little Venice Self Guided Bicycle Tour: $17
  • Guided Walking Tour of Valencia City - ITALIAN: $17

Tours and Activities in Santander

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

  • TOP Santander : Private guided tour with your mobile: $5.90
  • Guided tour of Santander Cathedral: $14
  • 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay: $17
  • Crime Tour "Santander Under Summary Secret": $18
  • Guided tour in English through the heart of Santander: $24
  • Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket: $30
  • City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Train: $31
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Train: $31
  • Guided kayak tour of Santander Bay with a tour guide.: $41
  • Guided boat tours of Santander Bay: $59
  • Guided Tour by Electric Bike: $65
  • Sequoia Forest and San Vicente de la Barquera Tour: $67

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:

  • Pub Crawl Tour in Valencia: $19
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Valencia’s Old Town: $40
  • Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in Valencia: $52
  • Wine Tasting Experience with a Professional Sommelier in Valencia City Center: $72
  • Valencia Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting, Cava and Snacks: $80
  • Valencia Benimaclet Tour with Gourmet Conservas and Wine Tasting: $148
  • Cheese Factory Workshop with Wine Tasting in Requena, Valencia: $162
  • Christmas Tapas and Wine Tour in Valencia: $175
  • Singular Valencia Wine Tour Utiel Requena Wineries: $262

Sample the Local Flavors in Santander

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Santander:

  • Wine Tourism and Cheese in Cantabria: $230


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)