A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Veracruz vs. Santiago for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Veracruz or Santiago?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Veracruz and Santiago can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Veracruz or Santiago?

Veracruz

Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Veracruz?

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

  • Veracruz Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Santiago Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Veracruz $143
    Santiago $150

The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $143, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $150. 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 Veracruz and Santiago in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Veracruz $49
    Santiago $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Veracruz $98
    Santiago $218
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Santiago

Looking for a hotel in Veracruz 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.

Hotels in Veracruz


Hotels in Santiago


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: Veracruz Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Veracruz $26
    Santiago $5.41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz

Also for Veracruz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
  • Private Transfer to Veracruz Airport (VER): $18
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Veracruz Airport (VER): $37
  • Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $42

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:


  • Metro Ride
    $1.13

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 Santiago Visit Haras de Pirque Winery & Transfer Hotel: $300
  • Private Transfer San Antonio Cruise from Santiago to Valparaiso: $300
  • Transfer Santiago to Cruise Port in Valparaiso or San Antonio: $290
  • Transfer Private hotel to Cruise ship in Puerto San Antonio or Valparaiso: $270
  • Santiago de Chile : private transfer in SUV to Viña del mar or Valparaíso: $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 Transfer from Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport to Viña del Mar: $261
  • Private Transfer From Santiago airport to San Antonio Pier or Valparaiso Pier : $251
  • Santiago Airport (SCL) to Santo Domingo - Round-Trip Transfer: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Veracruz or Santiago?

Prices for flights to both Santiago and Veracruz 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
    Veracruz $78
    Santiago $23

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:


  • Empanada
    $1.88
  • Hamburger
    $2.50
  • Dinner
    $26

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: $82
  • 4-Hour Boozy Chilean Cooking Class in Santiago: $85
  • Bali Hai Dinner & Show, Transport and Wine refill: $106
  • Dinner Show in Bali Hai with Wine refill and transportation: $114
  • Private Dinner & Chilean Folk Show with Transfers: $116
  • Alyan Winery Sunset with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $117
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $122
  • San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
  • Bali Hai Polynesian Dinner Show with Transfer: $130
  • Private Night City Tour with San Cristobal Hill And Dinner Show: $181
  • Santiago Chilean and Peruvian Cooking Class with a Local Carol: $184

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Veracruz $13
    Santiago $47

Tours and Activities in Veracruz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Veracruz.

  • Panoramic Sightseeing Bus City Tour of Veracruz: $8.00
  • 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $23
  • Mandinga And Boat Trip Tour: $24
  • Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $25
  • San Juan De Ulua Tour: $26
  • Veracruz City Tour with San Juan de Ulúa and Mandinga Boat: $46
  • Live a Kayak Experience: $85
  • Full Day Tour to La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahuiztlán: $87
  • Full Day Tour to Alvarado and Tlacotalpan from Veracruz or Boca del Río: $92
  • Full Day Tour to Catemaco and Los Tuxtlas with Transportation: $92
  • Tour with Certified Guide to Xalapa, Xico and Coatepec: $95
  • Full Day Coffee Guided Tour in Coatepec: $98

Tours and Activities in Santiago

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:

  • Private Half-Day Guided Tour of the City of Santiago.: $280
  • Private Sightseeing City Tour in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar: $240
  • "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $26
  • 1 Day Tour of Viña Concha y Toro from Santiago: $120
  • 4 Hour Santa Rita Winery All inclusive Tour for Wine Lover: $269
  • A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -small group: $25
  • A full Private Tour of Valparaiso from Santiago : $240
  • A historical tour of Santiago, Chile: $18
  • An Architect's Tour of Downtown Santiago: $55
  • Andean Adventure: Cajón del Maipo & Santuario del Río Spa: $132
  • Andean Horse Ride Yerba Loca Sanctuary - Private tour from Santiago: $240
  • Andes Day Lagoon in Cajón del Maipo & Embalse el Yeso Private Tour: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Veracruz $16
    Santiago $8.40

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago

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

  • Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $34
  • Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $60
  • Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $63
  • Undurraga Wine tour: $70
  • Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
  • Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $79
  • Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with wine tasting in Casablanca: $79
  • Inca Lagoon and Vineyard Visit with Wine Tasting: $80
  • Half Day Trip to Cousiño Macul Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
  • Half Day Trip to Concha y Toro Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
  • Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $89
  • Kross Brewery Tour: A Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $93


When comparing the travel costs between Veracruz and Santiago, we can see that Santiago 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. Even though Veracruz is in North America and Santiago is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Santiago?

Santiago has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Veracruz. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz 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 Veracruz 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 Veracruz has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Veracruz or Santiago in the Summer?

Both Santiago and Veracruz during the summer are popular places to visit.

Veracruz is a little warmer than Santiago in the summer. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually gets more rain in July than Santiagoin January. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Veracruz 27°C (81°F) 
    Santiago 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Veracruz or Santiago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Santiago.

In the autumn, Veracruz is much warmer than Santiago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Veracruz in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in April.

Veracruz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Santiagoin April. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Veracruz 26°C (79°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Veracruz or Santiago in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Santiago.

In January, Veracruz is generally much warmer than Santiagoin July. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 21°C (71°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Veracruz usually gets less rain in January than Santiagoin July. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Veracruz 21°C (71°F) 
    Santiago 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Veracruz or Santiago in the Spring?

Both Santiago and Veracruz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Veracruz is much warmer than Santiago in the spring. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 26°C (78°F) in April, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in October.

In April, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Santiagoin October. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Veracruz 26°C (78°F) 
    Santiago 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago and Veracruz

Veracruz Santiago
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (71°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 22°C (71°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 24°C (74°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 410 mm (16.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 346 mm (13.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 25°C (76°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)