A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Vigo vs. Santiago de Compostela for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Vigo or Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela. 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of northwest Spain's Galicia region. Its famous cathedral marks the culmination of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route, and is the alleged burial site of the apostle himself. The pilgrimage route begins in the Pyrenees, 500 miles away, though travelers can decide to join the journey at certain points in between, depending on how far they want to walk and how much they want to see.

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, Santiago de Compostela or Vigo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Vigo is €99, while the average daily cost in Santiago de Compostela is €91. 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 Santiago de Compostela in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vigo 43
    Santiago de Compostela 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vigo 86
    Santiago de Compostela 74
Compare Hotels in Vigo and Santiago de Compostela

Looking for a hotel in Vigo or Santiago de Compostela? 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 Vigo


Hotels in Santiago de Compostela


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 Santiago de Compostela Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vigo 37
    Santiago de Compostela 38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vigo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vigo:

  • One-Way Private Transfer From/To Vigo Airport: $54
  • Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Airport (OPO): $42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago de Compostela

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago de Compostela:

  • Departure Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela to SCQ Airport by Business Car: $38
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport: $51
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from SCQ Airport to City centre: $51
  • Airport transfer Santiago de Compostela: $70
  • Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer to SCQ Airport by Van: $89
  • Arrival Private Transfer Santiago de Compostela Airport to City Center by Minivan: $89

Is it cheaper to fly into Vigo or Santiago de Compostela?

Prices for flights to both Santiago de Compostela 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Vigo 35
    Santiago de Compostela 19

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 Santiago de Compostela

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santiago de Compostela:


  • Raspberries
    3.50
  • Ice Cream
    2.00
  • Cookie
    1.00
  • Kebab
    7.25
  • Dinner & Tapas (for 2)
    28
  • Tuna Empanada
    3.50
  • Fruit Shake
    3.50
  • Crepe
    4.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vigo 10
    Santiago de Compostela 39

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

Tours and Activities in Santiago de Compostela

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

  • Old Town of Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour: $1.09
  • Secrets of Private Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Secrets of A Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Old town walking tour with an Official Guide: $11
  • Guided Tour of the Old Town with an Official Guide: $11
  • Land of Legends & Meigas Night Tour: $13
  • Hostal de los Reyes Católicos Tour: $13
  • Night Tour Land of Legends and Meigas: $13
  • Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour: $16
  • Queimada Experience Show and Tasting: $16
  • Museum Tour of Galician Culture: $16
  • Santiago: Cathedral & Museum Tour & Pórtico of Glory Option: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vigo 5.71
    Santiago de Compostela 23

Typical Alcohol Prices in Santiago de Compostela

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santiago de Compostela from other travelers:


  • 1 Pint Beer
    2.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago de Compostela

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

  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $31
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience: $31
  • Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $33
  • Premium Porto Santiago Compostela tour lunch & wine tasting: $202
  • Private Rias Baixas Wine Tour from Santiago de Compostela: $292


When comparing the travel costs between Vigo and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vigo or Santiago de Compostela?

Vigo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Vigo and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vigo and Santiago de Compostela. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Vigo is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Vigo averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santiago de Compostela this time of the year. In Vigo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vigo usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Vigo gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vigo usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Vigo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vigo 21°C (70°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Vigo or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vigo as well as Santiago de Compostela. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Vigo is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vigo in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Vigo often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Vigo gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Vigo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Vigo usually gets more rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Vigo gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vigo 17°C (62°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Vigo or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Vigo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Vigo is generally around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Vigo average around 10°C (50°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Vigo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela during winter. Vigo gets 110 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. It's quite rainy in Vigo. In January, Vigo usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Vigo gets 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vigo 10°C (50°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Vigo or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Vigo during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the natural beauty.

Vigo is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Vigo averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Vigo often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Vigo gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vigo. Vigo usually gets more rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Vigo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vigo 13°C (56°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Vigo

Vigo Santiago de Compostela
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 232 mm (9.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 186 mm (7.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 11°C (51°F) 228 mm (9 in) 11°C (52°F) 128 mm (5 in)