Santiago de Compostela is a religious city known for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago.. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Santiago de Compostela that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Santiago de Compostela?
You should plan to spend around $119 (€105) per day on your vacation in Santiago de Compostela. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $38 (€34) on meals
- $43 (€38) on local transportation
- $84 (€74) on hotels
A one week trip to Santiago de Compostela for two people costs, on average, $1,672 (€1,470). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$836
€735
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,672
€1,470
-
One Month
Per person
$3,582
€3,150
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,672
€1,470
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,343
€2,940
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,165
€6,300
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Santiago de Compostela cost?
A one week trip to Santiago de Compostela usually costs around $836 (€735) for one person and $1,672 (€1,470) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Santiago de Compostela on average costs around $1,672 (€1,470) for one person and $3,343 (€2,940) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Santiago de Compostela will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Santiago de Compostela on average costs around $3,582 (€3,150) for one person and $7,165 (€6,300) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Santiago de Compostela expensive to visit?
Santiago de Compostela is a popular city among visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Although Santiago de Compostela can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $47 (€43) per day, mid-range travelers spend $114 (€105) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $261 (€241) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Santiago de Compostela.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Santiago de Compostela is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Santiago de Compostela?
The average Santiago de Compostela trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Santiago de Compostela travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Santiago de Compostela cost?
Santiago de Compostela on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$17
(€15)
|
$42
(€37)
|
$105
(€93)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$19
(€17)
|
$43
(€38)
|
$79
(€69)
|
|
Food2
|
$15
(€13)
|
$38
(€34)
|
$95
(€83)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$19
(€17)
|
$44
(€39)
|
$87
(€77)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$5-16
(€5-14)
|
$13-38
(€11-34)
|
$30-90
(€26-79)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Santiago de Compostela. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $47 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, you'll find plenty of hostels in Santiago de Compostela, such as Meiga Backpackers, Hostal Seminario Menor, and Blanco Albergue. These hostels provide inexpensive dormitory lodging and a friendly atmosphere, but amenities are quite limited. Food is a standout attraction for all visitors to Santiago de Compostela, but those on a budget might rely on street food or cook in their hostels, which could mean less exposure to the fantastic local dishes.
So, are you average?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most tourists in Santiago de Compostela are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $114 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Santiago de Compostela. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Casa Grande Do Bachao is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Hotel Gastronomico San Miguel is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Santiago de Compostela here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If a complete vacation with all amenities and a higher level of service is what you want, expect to allocate around $261 per day. To stay in nicer hotels, dine at award-winning establishments, treat yourself to extravagant excursions, and hire taxis or private drivers to navigate the city, a luxury budget will be necessary. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private tour Santiago de Compostela with tickets - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Santiago de Compostela
The cost of hotels in Santiago de Compostela can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $83, but peak season (summer) average prices jump to $155. Overall, prices range from $52 to $261. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Santiago de Compostela for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $84 (€74). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $42 (€37) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Santiago de Compostela? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Santiago de Compostela include:
- Casa Grande Do Bachao starting at $55
- A Quinta Da Auga Hotel Spa Relais & Chateaux starting at $208
- San Francisco Hotel Monumento starting at $120
- Gran Hotel Los Abetos starting at $85
- Pousadas de Compostela Hotel Virxe da Cerca starting at $99
If you want to save on accommodation in Santiago de Compostela, it has a good public transit system makes it possible to stay further out. However, your transportation costs and time spent commuting will increase.
By skipping summer and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Lots of people prefer to explore Santiago de Compostela on foot, so consider booking a central location. Just keep in mind that this can often be pricier.
The city's famous old town is a major attraction for travelers. While hotels in this area can be more expensive, they usually offer a lot of charm and easy access to all the main sights.
Transportation Budget in Santiago de Compostela
Public transit in Santiago de Compostela is reliable and reaches key landmarks. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa. For a budget-friendly way to travel, public transportation is ideal, provided it's near where you need to go. Taxis and rideshares are also easy to find.
Walking enthusiasts will have a wonderful experience during their visit. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $43 (€38) per person, per day, on local transportation in Santiago de Compostela. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Santiago de Compostela is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$43
€38
Due to the famous pilgrimage route, the most popular way of getting to Santiago is by walking. The "Way of St. James" pilgrimage route is also more popularly known as the Camino de Santiago, which is a very long trek through northern Spain.
The next most popular way of arriving or departing here is by bus. The bus station is located in the outskirts of the city, but you can get a public bus or a taxi to get to the city center. Long distance buses are provided by Arriva, Monbus, or Alsa.
The train station is operated by RENFE and is located near the city center.
The closest airport is Santiago de Compostela Airport, located about 20 minutes from the city center in the parish of Lavacolla. It is an international airport, the second busiest in Spain after Bilbao. Airlines include Aer Lingus, Air Europa, Easy Jet, Iberia, Ryanair, Swiss International, Turkish, and Vueling.
The city itself can be easily navigated on foot.
If you're driving, check for convenient parking at your hotel.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from the city centre to SCQ Airport for $54 details
- Santiago de Compostela Private Transfer from SCQ Airport to City centre for $66 details
- Airport transfer Santiago de Compostela for $75 details
How much does it cost to go to Santiago de Compostela? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Santiago de Compostela will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Santiago de Compostela
The culinary offerings in Santiago de Compostela are superb, so be sure to dedicate some time to experience all the local flavors. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Santiago de Compostela can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Santiago de Compostela is $38 (€34) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$38
€34
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Santiago de Compostela is around $36 (€34) per person, with previous travelers spending from $15 to $90. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Santiago de Compostela are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $11
- Lunch: $5 to $15
- Dinner: $11 to $26
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
Like in many parts of Spain, tapas, raciones (literally "portions") and pinchos (tapas on bread) are staples in cuisine of Santiago de Compostela. These can be found on San Clemente and Carretas streets, as well as in the Ensanche area and in the outskirts of the city. Specialties of the Galician region, however, also include things like "Pulpo" or cooked octopus, seafood, many local cheeses, and cakes like the "Tarta de Santiago" (ground almond cake with powdered sugar). Churrasquería are also popular especially for meat enthusiasts, serving flame-grilled meats, T-bone steaks, chorizo sausage, and barbecued steaks. While Franco and Raíña streets, in the heart of the old quarter, are hubs for some of the best food around, dining houses, bars, taverns, and shellfish houses can be found in other areas as well like the San Pedro neighbourhood, Rúa Travesa street, or the Ensanche (new part of the city). The Old Town is, by far, the most popular hub for pilgrims and tourists, so expect a bustling atmosphere when it comes to meal times.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also a great way to help the environment.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in Santiago de Compostela, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Legends tour and galician dinner for $85 details
Below are some standard food costs in Santiago de Compostela, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
-
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
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Santiago de Compostela
It's easy to see why people visit Santiago de Compostela, given its museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Santiago de Compostela typically cost an average of $44 (€39) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$44
€39
The Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela is, of course, the centerpiece of the city. Its baroque facade sculpted in Galician granite dates back to the 12th century and is laid out on a basilica plan. The towers of the cathedral exist just as grand with an interior decked with elaborate archways and columns to match. Each piece of art sculpted into the design of the cathedral tells a story, biblical tributes, that have drawn pilgrims to the site for centuries.
The square in front of the cathedral, called the Praza do Obradoiro, is surrounded by more architectural gems. Though the cathedral is outstanding by far, there are other historic structures significant to the city, like the Pazo de Xelmirez with its vaulted medieval interior, the Hostal dos Reis Catolicos built by Ferdinand and Isabella, the medieval Colexio de San Xerome, and the Renaissance college Colexio de Fonseca. The surrounding area also has beautiful courtyards, and a famous ornate fountain of four horses with webbed feet called the Fuente de los Caballos.
Beyond the endless opportunities for wandering old town streets and taking in grandiose architectural wonders, the city has a history that cannot be better told than by visiting some of the local museums. The Cathedral Museum, for example, shows the main Cathedral's history and artistic testimonies, from the first basilicas and archaeological remains to the present. Museum of the Galician People, housed in the former Convent of Santo Domingo de Bonaval, displays different aspects of costal life, traditional trades, the country, traditional costumes, and architecture. The Pilgrimage Museum also exhibits important history highlighting the significance, for European culture and Hispanic America, of the pilgrimage and worship of St. James. And as far as the art culture goes, Galician Centre of Contemporary Art has been holding a stable program in Old Town since 1995.
The city also is home to various monasteries, being deeply rooted in religion. The outlying Santa Maria de Conxo Monastery is one such example important to Santiago de Compostela history.
Other activities include guided tours, shopping, and dining.
Museums and Attractions:
Museums and landmarks are a major reason why Santiago de Compostela attracts so many visitors. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.
Historical Sights:
Many people come to experience the charm of the historic old town. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.
Hiking:
Hiking in and around Santiago de Compostela is absolutely fantastic. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.
Shopping:
The shopping experience here is something you have to do. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Santiago de Compostela. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private tour Santiago de Compostela with tickets for $75 details
- Santiago de Compostela Private Walking Tour with Cathedral Ticket for $202 details
- Guided tour of Bodegas Granbazán for $23 details
Nightlife Budget in Santiago de Compostela
The nightlife experience in Santiago de Compostela is both fun and vibrant, with visitors enjoying nights out at local bars, clubs, and parties. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $26 (€23) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Santiago de Compostela per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$26
€23
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
If you're out drinking at night, keep an eye on your surroundings. You could be a target for pickpockets, so it's wise to stay in a group and with people you trust.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Santiago de Compostela. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience for $34 details
- Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience for $33 details
Below are some common prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santiago de Compostela, based on actual traveler experiences. While these numbers offer an idea of what you might spend, your costs will vary depending on how often you drink and the amount you order. If you're aiming to save money, cutting back on alcohol is a great way to lower your travel expenses.
Travel cost data last updated: Mar 9, 2025
Traveling in Santiago de Compostela
The Cathendral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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.
The Old Town of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many narrow winding streets full of historic buildings. The cathedral is the city's treasure, an architectural wonder both inside and out.
Neighborhoods & Around
Old Town of Santiago de Compostela is the heart of the city. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, virtually all of the old town's streets are pedestrianized and many are cobbled. Most of the buildings are crafted of a grey-brown granite native to the area with terra cotta roof tiles, giving the streets a charm of a different time and place. With many shops, tapas bars, and bustling crowds, plus the grand cathedral with public squares and decorative architecture everywhere you go, it is sometimes hard to know where to look first. The squares and narrow streets of the Old Town contain Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassicist buildings, and since the streets are fairly level it is very easy to see the city on foot. All in all, it is a very well-preserved historical city and one very rooted in faith.
Related:
Looking for a party in Barcelona or Madrid?
Traveling alone to Granada or Seville?
Find a Contiki tour to Europe.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.