Which place is cheaper, Santander or Zaragoza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zaragoza or Santander?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Zaragoza or Santander, 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: Zaragoza or Santander?
Zaragoza
As the sun slips below the horizon, the night is greeted by the familiar glow of the exquisite cathedral Basilica del Pilar that stands above the city like a shimmering castle. This city is none other than Zaragoza, Spain, the capital city of the Zaragoza province in Aragon, Spain. Overlooking the Ebro River, Zaragoza has a population of 701,090, ranking the 32nd most populated municipality in the European Union. Zaragoza has attracted travelers from all across the world, causing the city to host the Expo in the summer of 2008 and also stand as a candidate for the European Capital of Culture in 2012. Besides its glimmering cathedral, Zaragoza is also known for its rich history in folklore, local gastronomy, as well as hosting the well-known Fiestas del Pilar, the most celebrated of festivals in Spain.
Santander
Santander is the capital of the Cantabria Region which runs along the northern coast of Spain. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZaragoza €126Santander €108
The average daily cost (per person) in Zaragoza is €126, while the average daily cost in Santander is €108. 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 Zaragoza and Santander in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZaragoza €65Santander €51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZaragoza €130Santander €102
Compare Hotels in Zaragoza and Santander
Looking for a hotel in Zaragoza or Santander? 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: Zaragoza Hotel Prices and Santander Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zaragoza €23Santander €24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zaragoza
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zaragoza:
- Private transfers Airport-hotel Zaragoza.: $65
- Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) to Zaragoza Downtown hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) to Zaragoza Downtown hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $54
- Zaragoza Downtown hotels to Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Zaragoza Private Transfer from Zaragoza Airport to City centre: $65
- Zaragoza Private Transfer from the city centre to Zaragoza Airport: $65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:
- Santander Private Departure Transfer: $35
- Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $35
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $41
- Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $43
- Santander Private Transfer from Santander Airport to City centre: $43
- Private Transfer from Santander Port to Bilbao Airport: $251
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $251
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $251
Is it cheaper to fly into Zaragoza or Santander?
Prices for flights to both Santander and Zaragoza 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 dayZaragoza €41Santander €41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zaragoza
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zaragoza.
- Midday Market Tour and Spanish Cooking Class: $108
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zaragoza €35Santander €18
Tours and Activities in Zaragoza
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zaragoza are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
- Zaragoza Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.52
- Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.75
- Zaragoza Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.98
- Zaragoza : Aquarium entry ticket: $19
- Zaragoza Aquarium Admission Ticket: $20
- Combo Amusement Park and Aquarium entry ticket: $33
- Kayaking in Fluvial EcoTourism with ebroNAUTAS: $43
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $48
- Zaragoza : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $48
Tours and Activities in Santander
Here are a few actual costs in Santander for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay: $14
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
- City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
- Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket: $26
- From Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour: $42
- Full Day Tour Lakes of Covadonga and Santillana from Santander: $46
- Guided Tour by Electric Bike: $53
- Full Day Self Guided Tour in Santillana del Mar and Comillas: $54
- From Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour: $64
- Santoña: Anchovy Factory Tour and Boat Trip: $70
- Tour to the Towns of the Western Coast of Cantabria: $78
- Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour: $82
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZaragoza €14Santander €14
Sample the Local Flavors in Zaragoza
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zaragoza:
- Wine Tasting and Tapas: $102
- Wine Tasting and Tapas in the ancient Town of Zaragoza: $103
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zaragoza and Santander, we can see that Zaragoza is more expensive. And not only is Santander much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santander would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santander 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 Zaragoza would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zaragoza than you might in Santander.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zaragoza Expensive? and Is Santander Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zaragoza or Santander?
Zaragoza has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Santander. When comparing the sizes of Zaragoza and Santander, 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 Zaragoza or Santander?
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 Zaragoza or Santander in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zaragoza and Santander. Most visitors come to Zaragoza for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Zaragoza is a little warmer than Santander in the summer. The daily temperature in Zaragoza averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Santander fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santander this time of the year. In Zaragoza, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zaragoza usually receives more sunshine than Santander during summer. Zaragoza gets 344 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zaragoza usually receives less rain than Santander. Zaragoza gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Santander receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZaragoza 26°C (79°F)Santander 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Zaragoza or Santander in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zaragoza as well as Santander. The autumn months attract visitors to Zaragoza because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Zaragoza is around the same temperature as Santander. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zaragoza in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Santander averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In the autumn, Zaragoza often gets more sunshine than Santander. Zaragoza gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 133 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Santander. Zaragoza usually gets less rain in October than Santander. Zaragoza gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Santander receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZaragoza 17°C (63°F)Santander 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Zaragoza or Santander in the Winter?
Both Santander and Zaragoza are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zaragoza this time of year.
In January, Zaragoza is generally cooler than Santander. Daily temperatures in Zaragoza average around 8°C (46°F), and Santander fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
Zaragoza usually receives more sunshine than Santander during winter. Zaragoza gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 91 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Santander. In January, Zaragoza usually receives less rain than Santander. Zaragoza gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Santander receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZaragoza 8°C (46°F)Santander 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Zaragoza or Santander in the Spring?
Both Santander and Zaragoza during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zaragoza for the natural beauty.
Zaragoza is a little warmer than Santander in the spring. The daily temperature in Zaragoza averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Santander fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
It's quite sunny in Zaragoza. In the spring, Zaragoza often gets more sunshine than Santander. Zaragoza gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 148 hours of full sun.
Santander gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zaragoza usually gets less rain in April than Santander. Zaragoza gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Santander receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZaragoza 15°C (58°F)Santander 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Santander and Zaragoza
| Zaragoza | Santander | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (53°F) | 39 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (47°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 157 mm (6.2 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.