Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Santiago?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Santiago, 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: Vientiane or Santiago?
Vientiane
You wouldn't expect the capital city to have such a relaxing environment, but in Vientiane, Laos you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery without feeling pressure to see every little thing. With Vientiane, what you see is what you get.
While picturesque temples and markets line the streets, the city is still experiencing a successful building boom. Even the Presidential Palace has undergone some hefty renovations.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Santiago $143
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $143. 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 Vientiane and Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.00Santiago $111
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Santiago $222
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane 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: Vientiane Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Santiago $5.48
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
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$1.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Arturo Merino Benítez Intl Airport: Shared Transfer: $24
- Private Departure Transfer from Santiago- Santiago Airport (SCL): $27
- Private Transfer From The Hotel in Santiago City To the Airport: $29
- Departure Transfer - Hotel in Santiago to Santiago International Airport: $35
- Private Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer: $35
- From Farellones Roundtrip Transfer: $35
- Arrival Transfer - Santiago International Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $35
- Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $39
- Private Transfer between Santiago and the Airport: $51
- Airport transfer between Santiago city center and Arturo Merino Benítez Airport: $51
- Transfer Privado Entre Santiago Y El Aeropuerto: $52
- Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago Centro Commune: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago and Vientiane 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 dayVientiane $6.30Santiago $13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Private Evening Food Tour of Laos: $70
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.91
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Hamburger$2.54
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Dinner$26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation in Santiago: $107
- Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
- Dinner Show in Bali Hai: $109
- Sunset at Alyan Family Wines Winery with Dinner: $116
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $117
- Small-Group Night City Tour: San Cristobal Hill and Dinner Show: $120
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour with Dinner and Show: $150
- Private Dinner and Show with Transfers: $158
- Traditional Chilean Cooking Class with a Local in Her Santiago Countryside Home: $168
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.53Santiago $48
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Vientiane ATV and Canopy Walking Experience: $48
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
- From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $61
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $69
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
- Vientiane City Day Tour and Buddha Park Visit with Lunch: $88
- 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
- Private Vientiane Tour - include Buddha Park: $100
- Private Tour: Full-day Vientiane's Must-See Sights and River Sunset with Lunch: $101
- Private Tour: Half-day City Guided Tour of Vientiane: $113
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Explore Santiago's Soul: Walking In-App Audio Tour: $5.00
- Explore Santiago's Soul: Walking In-App Audio Tour: $5.00
- Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $9.00
- La Paz from the Heights: Down hill Walking tour & Cable Cars: $12
- Cable Car Admission Ticket: $15
- Cousiño Macul Official Winery Tour with Tasting: $23
- Skip the Line: Concha y Toro Traditional Tour Ticket: $25
- Walking tour through Santiago: $26
- From Valle Nevado and Farellones Small Group Tour: $29
- The Essentials City Tour & Optional Concha y Toro: $30
- Half Day tradicional city Tour: $30
- TOUR PANORAMICO VALLE NEVADO Y FARELLONES: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.34Santiago $8.51
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago
Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Premium Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Spanish official: $37
- Concha y Toro Ticket and Tour with Wine Tasting: $50
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $50
- Undurraga Wine tour: $63
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
- Private Tour: Santa Rita Vineyard with Wine Tastings: $72
- From Concha y Toro Marqués Half-Day Wine Tasting: $89
- half day wine tour to concha y toro from Santiago seasonal offer: $95
- From Maipo Valley Wine Tour: $99
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $99
- Private Tour: Viña del Mar and Valparaíso Tour with Wine Tasting in Casablanca Valley: $143
- Premium Wine Tasting and Tour at Santa Rita with Transport: $145
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Santiago, we can see that Santiago is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vientiane 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 Vientiane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vientiane 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 Vientiane.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vientiane Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane 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 Vientiane or Santiago?
Santiago has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vientiane experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Vientiane or Santiago in the Summer?
Both Santiago and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
In the summer, Vientiane is a little warmer than Santiago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Santiago averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Santiagoin January. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryVientiane 30°C (85°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Santiago in the Autumn?
Both Santiago and Vientiane during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Santiagoin April. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Santiagoin April. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilVientiane 28°C (83°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Santiago in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Santiago. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
Vientiane is much warmer than Santiago in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F)in July.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Santiagoin July. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyVientiane 24°C (75°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Santiago in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Santiago. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Santiago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in October.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Santiagoin October. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberVientiane 31°C (88°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.