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

Should you visit Vitoria-Gasteiz or Santiago de Compostela?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vitoria-Gasteiz or Santiago de Compostela, 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: Vitoria-Gasteiz or Santiago de Compostela?

Vitoria-Gasteiz

In the midst of a vast, starry night, medieval cathedrals and ancient buildings are scattered with light across the humming city. This is none other than Vitoria-Gasteiz, a town located in the province of Araba/Alava in northern Spain. Within its border, this city contains Basque Country's House of Parliament, the headquarters of the Government, and the Lehendakari's (Prime Minister's) official residence. In 2012, Vitoria-Gasteiz was awarded the title of European Green Capital and now is one of the top five places to live in Spain. This multicultural city is chock full of amazing national history as well as unique cultural traditions. Vitoria-Gasteiz is also well known for its festivals, including Azkena rock festival, FesTVal, Vitoria-Gasteiz jazz festival, and the Virgen Blanca Festivities. Whether you seek to explore its world-renowned wineries or dine in a chic restaurant, Vitoria-Gasteiz holds an endless amount of possibilities.

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 Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, and The Best Luxury Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago de Compostela or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Vitoria-Gasteiz is €146, 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz and Santiago de Compostela in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 69
    Santiago de Compostela 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 138
    Santiago de Compostela 74
Compare Hotels in Vitoria-Gasteiz and Santiago de Compostela

Looking for a hotel in Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz


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: Vitoria-Gasteiz Hotel Prices and Santiago de Compostela Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 34
    Santiago de Compostela 38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago de Compostela

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago de Compostela:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Vitoria-Gasteiz or Santiago de Compostela?

Prices for flights to both Santiago de Compostela and Vitoria-Gasteiz 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
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 51
    Santiago de Compostela 19

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.
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 36
    Santiago de Compostela 39

Tours and Activities in Santiago de Compostela

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

  • 5-day Private Tour Northern Spain (from Bilbao or Santiago): $5,268
  • Christmas Enchantment: Walking Tour in Compostela: $457
  • Complete Santiago Tour with tickets- Full experience in 4H: $48
  • Excursion to Finisterre, Muxia and Cabo Vilan With Boat Cruise : $59
  • Exploration of Compostela Walking Tour for Families: $350
  • Exploring Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour for Couples: $350
  • Finisterre y Costa da Morte el tour más completo desde Santiago: $53
  • From Santiago: Finisterre Lighthouse Sunset Tour: $36
  • From Santiago: Fuciño do Porco Hiking Tour: $80
  • From Santiago: Rías Baixas Galicia Seafood & Wine Day Tour: $59
  • From Santiago: Ribeira Sacra Tour & Boat Trip: $61
  • Full-Day Excursion to Santiago from A Coruña- Cruisers Only: $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 23
    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: $32
  • Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $33
  • Premium Porto Santiago Compostela tour lunch & wine tasting: $202


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vitoria-Gasteiz and Santiago de Compostela, we can see that Vitoria-Gasteiz is more expensive. And not only is Santiago de Compostela much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santiago de Compostela would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago de Compostela 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vitoria-Gasteiz than you might in Santiago de Compostela.

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


Which is Bigger, Vitoria-Gasteiz or Santiago de Compostela?

Vitoria-Gasteiz has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz or Santiago de Compostela?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Vitoria-Gasteiz or Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vitoria-Gasteiz as well as Santiago de Compostela. Additionally, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Vitoria-Gasteiz is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vitoria-Gasteiz in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. In the summer, Vitoria-Gasteiz often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Vitoria-Gasteiz gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Vitoria-Gasteiz usually gets more rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Vitoria-Gasteiz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 20°C (68°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Vitoria-Gasteiz or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Vitoria-Gasteiz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Vitoria-Gasteiz is generally around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Vitoria-Gasteiz average around 16°C (62°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Vitoria-Gasteiz usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Vitoria-Gasteiz gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. It's quite rainy in Vitoria-Gasteiz. In October, Vitoria-Gasteiz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Santiago de Compostela. Vitoria-Gasteiz gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 16°C (62°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Vitoria-Gasteiz or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Vitoria-Gasteiz during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is cooler than Santiago de Compostela in the winter. The daily temperature in Vitoria-Gasteiz averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Vitoria-Gasteiz often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Vitoria-Gasteiz gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Vitoria-Gasteiz usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Santiago de Compostela. Vitoria-Gasteiz gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 9°C (48°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Vitoria-Gasteiz or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Santiago de Compostela. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Vitoria-Gasteiz is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vitoria-Gasteiz in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Vitoria-Gasteiz usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Vitoria-Gasteiz gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

Vitoria-Gasteiz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Vitoria-Gasteiz usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Vitoria-Gasteiz gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 12°C (54°F) 
    Santiago de Compostela 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Vitoria-Gasteiz

Vitoria-Gasteiz Santiago de Compostela
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in) 13°C (55°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 128 mm (5 in)