Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Zurich?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Zurich or Santiago?
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 Zurich and Santiago. 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: Zurich or Santiago?
Zurich
Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
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Zurich Prices
Switzerland PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZurich $354Santiago $155
The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $354, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $155. 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 Zurich and Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZurich $192Santiago $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZurich $384Santiago $226
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Zurich 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: Zurich Hotel Prices and Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zurich $40Santiago $5.56
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:
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City Pass (2)$32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- Zurich Airport ZRH Private Transfer to Zurich/Lucerne/Interlaken: $48
- Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport: $70
- Private Zurich Airport Transfers to and from Zurich Hotels: $70
- Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $82
- Private Zurich Airport Transfer to City - one way or round-trip: $82
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal Arrival Transfer: $82
- Private Transfer Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Sedan: $88
- Private Transfer Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Luxury Sedan: $88
- From Zurich Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer To Zurich Hotel: $89
- Airport Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Business Car: $97
- Airport Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Business Car: $97
- Departure Private Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $101
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$1.16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Private Transfer to/from Santiago Airport (SCL): $15
- SCL Airport Private Transfer ⇄ Santiago/Providencia/Las Condes: $18
- Transfer to Concha y Toro Winery: $30
- Private Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer: $32
- Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $37
- Santiago de Chile Airport Transfer: $40
- Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $42
- Private Transfer from Airport to Santiago, Chile: $43
- Santiago to Santiago Airport (SCL) - Departure Private Transfer: $43
- Santiago Int Airport (SCL) to Santiago - Arrival Private Transfer: $43
- Farellones Full Day Roundtrip Transfer: $47
- Santiago to Santiago Airport (SCL) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago and Zurich 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 dayZurich $121Santiago $23
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
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Breakfast for 2$15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.
- Zurich Food Tour with 10 Local Delicacies, Cheeses & Chocolates: $175
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.94
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Hamburger$2.57
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Dinner$27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Legacy Family Tour Lunch or Dinner Pairing 4 Strokes: $40
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $56
- Best Santiago Street Food Tour with 4+ Tastings and Drink: $57
- Mercado Meals Santiago Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $59
- Mercado Meals Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $60
- 4h Cooking Class in 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $77
- 4h Cooking Class in Santiago : 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $85
- Lastarria Food Tour: Wine, Bites & Social Culinary Experience: $98
- Local Food Tour with Tastings & Drinks: $99
- Food Tour STGO, Eat like Locals!: $99
- Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation in Santiago: $107
- Santiago Food Tour: Bohemian Flavors and Local Gems: $109
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zurich $40Santiago $49
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- Zurich Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.83
- Zurich Audio Guided Walking Tour 1h45 and 20 audio reviews: $6.88
- St Gallen Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.98
- Neuhausen Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $8.86
- Historical Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through the city of 1,000 Fountains: $9.99
- Stein am Rhein Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $10
- Zurich Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $12
- TOP Zurich : Private guided tour with your mobile: $12
- Zurich Historic Old Town Audio Self Guided Tour: $12
- Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: $18
- Reformation in Zurich Tour: $25
- Guided Walking Tour: $25
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $11
- Historical Sights Walking Tour: $15
- Cable Car Admission Ticket: $18
- History Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $21
- Santiago Sightseeing Tour: Living History and Local Food Tasting: $25
- Tour of Santiago with Professional Photography: $25
- A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -: $25
- Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Old Town: $25
- Santiago : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $25
- Guided City Tour through the historic center of Santiago: $25
- "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $27
- City Tour Santiago - Walking Tour: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZurich $33Santiago $8.64
Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich
Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Turicum Distillery Tour: $82
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago
Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- "Chile in Your Glass" Wine Tasting.: $22
- Pub Crawl with Unlimited Beer and Welcome Shots: $25
- Cousiño Macul Heritage Wine Tour with Tastings: $25
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $61
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $62
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $65
- Valparaíso and Vineyard of the Sea with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $68
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $70
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $75
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $75
- Half Day Trip to Cousiño Macul Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Santiago, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Santiago much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich is in Europe 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 Santiago would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich than you might in Santiago.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zurich Expensive? and Is Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zurich or Santiago?
Santiago has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich or Santiago?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Santiago is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Zurich has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Zurich or Santiago in the Summer?
Both Santiago and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
Zurich is around the same temperature as Santiago in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in January.
In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Santiagoin January. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 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 JanuaryZurich 21°C (70°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Santiago in the Autumn?
Both Santiago and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.
In the autumn, Zurich is cooler than Santiago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in April.
Zurich usually gets more rain in October than Santiagoin April. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 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 AprilZurich 13°C (56°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Santiago in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Santiago. Many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. In January, Zurich is generally much colder than Santiagoin July. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In January, Zurich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Santiagoin July. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 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 JulyZurich 3°C (37°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Santiago in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Santiago. Many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty.
Zurich is cooler than Santiago in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in October.
Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Santiagoin October. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 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 OctoberZurich 12°C (53°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Zurich
| Zurich | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.