Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Vigo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vigo or San Sebastian?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vigo and San Sebastian. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Vigo or San Sebastian?
Vigo
Originally a small fishing town, Vigo has grown to become the most populated municipality in the region of Galicia in northwestern Spain. Remnants of the old world still exist in its historic center architecture and plazas, while the commodities of a modern city have blended into its boundaries. The old center remains the hub of activity with plenty to see and do, shopping and dining included.
San Sebastian
San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVigo €99San Sebastian €90
The average daily cost (per person) in Vigo is €99, while the average daily cost in San Sebastian is €90. 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 Vigo and San Sebastian in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVigo €43San Sebastian €40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVigo €86San Sebastian €80
Compare Hotels in Vigo and San Sebastian
Looking for a hotel in Vigo or San Sebastian? 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: Vigo Hotel Prices and San Sebastian Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vigo €37San Sebastian €14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vigo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vigo:
- Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Airport (OPO): $42
- One-Way Private Transfer From/To Vigo Airport: $54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:
- Private Transfer in San Sebastian: $72
- Transfer San Sebastian to Bilbao or San Sebastian Airports by Van: $90
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Bilbao Airport: $266
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Bilbao: $266
- San Sebastián-Bilbao city or airport private transfer: $271
- Private Direct Transfer From Donostia San Sebastian to Bordeaux: $277
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Vitoria: $288
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Vitoria Airport : $288
Is it cheaper to fly into Vigo or San Sebastian?
Prices for flights to both San Sebastian and Vigo 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 dayVigo €35San Sebastian €31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vigo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vigo.
- Gourmet Hands on Cooking Class in Galicia with the Chef: $162
Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:
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Dinner for 2€55
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Lunch for 2€10
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Lunch for 2€31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Sebastian.
- San Sebastian Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $114
- San Sebastian Like A Local: Centro Neighborhood Guided Food Tour: $118
- Basque Cuisine Cooking Class with Market Visit: $146
- Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Old Town: $151
- Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $157
- Dinner in a Gastronomic Club in San Sebastian: $174
- Eat Like a True Basque San Sebastian Authentic Culinary Food Tour: $190
- Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $211
- Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $211
- Food tour in San Sebastian and Visit to a Gastronomical Club: $224
- History and flavors of San Sebastian for Dinner with Eskerne Falcón: $233
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vigo €10San Sebastian €33
Tours and Activities in Vigo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vigo are as follows:
- GROUP walking tour in Vigo: $1.08
- Vigo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
- Pontevedra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.94
- Vigo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.94
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Secrets of Pontevedra: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Squares of Pontevedra: $10
- Guided Walking Tour of the Historic District of Tui: $11
- Tui Cathedral Guided Tour: $13
- Abanca Balaídos Tour, RC Celta’s Stadium: $16
- Monumental Morning Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $17
- Afternoon Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $18
- Night Walking Tour of Pontevedra: $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:
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Valle de los Caídos Monument€6.00
Tours and Activities in San Sebastian
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Sebastian are as follows:
- San Sebastian Walking Tour With Pintxo And Drink: $16
- Walking Tour in San Sebastian: $42
- Electric scooter city tour: $45
- San Sebastian Bike Tour: $47
- City tour, by electric bicycle: $50
- San Sebastián City Bike tour : $53
- Hondarribia, S.Juan & S.Pedro Small Group Tour from San Sebastian: $60
- Private Guided Sightseeing Bike Tour of San Sebastian: $60
- Small-Group Electric Bike Tour in San Sebastián : $61
- San Sebastian Vegetarian Pintxos Tasting Tour: $70
- San Sebastián city and pintxos tour: $74
- "Basque Cider House" guided tour + meal from San Sebastian: $81
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVigo €5.71San Sebastian €20
Sample the Local Flavors in San Sebastian
Also in San Sebastian, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening): $140
- Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian: $146
- Best quality food & wine tasting tour in San Sebastian. : $190
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $239
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $249
When comparing the travel costs between Vigo and San Sebastian, we can see that Vigo 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 Vigo Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vigo or San Sebastian?
Vigo has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Vigo and San Sebastian, 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 Vigo or San Sebastian?
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 Vigo or San Sebastian in the Summer?
Both San Sebastian and Vigo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Vigo is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Vigo averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in San Sebastian. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vigo. Vigo usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during summer. Vigo gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Vigo usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Vigo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVigo 21°C (70°F)San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Vigo or San Sebastian in the Autumn?
Both San Sebastian and Vigo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Vigo is around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vigo in October average around 17°C (62°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In the autumn, Vigo often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Vigo gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.
San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Vigo. Vigo usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as San Sebastian. Vigo gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVigo 17°C (62°F)San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Vigo or San Sebastian in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vigo and San Sebastian. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.
In January, Vigo is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Vigo average around 10°C (50°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
Vigo usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Vigo gets 110 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.
San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the winter. Vigo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Vigo usually receives more rain than San Sebastian. Vigo gets 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVigo 10°C (50°F)San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Vigo or San Sebastian in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vigo as well as San Sebastian. Additionally, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches.
Vigo is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Vigo averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the spring, Vigo often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Vigo gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Vigo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Vigo usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Vigo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVigo 13°C (56°F)San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Vigo
| Vigo | San Sebastian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (52°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (68°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (51°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 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.