How Much Does Santiago Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Santiago serves as the sophisticated gateway to the Andes, offering a cost profile that sits comfortably between budget-friendly South American neighbors and pricier European capitals. Travelers should expect a daily budget ranging from $98 / CLP 84,663 for solo budget explorers to $750 / CLP 647,446 for those seeking high-end luxury in districts like Las Condes. While urban costs for dining and transport are moderate, the proximity to world-class nature adds unique value for hikers and skiers. Prices are remarkably consistent, though significant savings are available for those who understand the local tax exemptions for foreign visitors. Overall, the city provides a high standard of living and modern infrastructure that justifies its slightly higher price point compared to nearby regional hubs.
Is Santiago expensive to visit?
Santiago is a moderately priced capital where daily expenses typically range from $98 / CLP 84,663 to $750 / CLP 647,446 depending on your preference for mountain lodges or city hostels.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Santiago
$98
per person /day
$248
per person /day
$750
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $294 | $744 | $2,250 |
| 5-Day Trip | $491 | $1,241 | $3,750 |
| 7-Day Trip | $686 | $1,736 | $5,251 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is recommended to maintain a 15% budget buffer to account for the socially expected 10% service charge (Propina Sugerida) on meals and the high ATM withdrawal fees that can reach $10 / CLP 8,636 per transaction.
How Does It Compare?
See how Santiago stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Santiago
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mid-Range Dinner for Two (3-Course) Cost for two is ~$52 / CLP 44,826. Alcohol usually adds ~$4.71–$9.42 / CLP 4,064–CLP 8,128 per drink. | $52 CLP 44,826 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L Draft) Standard bar price of ~$4.04 / CLP 3,485. | $4.04 CLP 3,485 |
| Completo (Chilean Hot Dog) at Dominó Classic street food meal for ~$5.53 / CLP 4,775. The 'Italiano' (avocado, tomato, mayo) is the staple. | $5.54 CLP 4,785 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Metro de Santiago Peak Hour Fare Peak fares cost ~$1 / CLP 864. Requires a Bip! card to travel. | $1 CLP 864 |
| Bip! Card (Physical Card Cost) One-time cost of ~$1.79 / CLP 1,544. Must be topped up with a minimum of ~$0.88 / CLP 762. | $1.79 CLP 1,544 |
| Airport Bus (Centropuerto) - One Way Costs ~$2.88 / CLP 2,489. Buses run every 10–15 minutes between the airport and Los Héroes Metro. | $2.88 CLP 2,489 |
| Official Airport Taxi (Flat Rate to Centro) Costs ~$32 / CLP 27,889. Use only the official blue or black/yellow taxis inside the terminal. | $32 CLP 27,889 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Hostel Dorm Bed (Providencia) Cost is approximately $73 / CLP 63,195 per night. Prices fluctuate based on proximity to Metro Line 1. | $67 CLP 57,638 |
| Boutique Mid-Range Hotel (Providencia) Equivalent to ~$151 / CLP 130,353. This is for a high-end boutique hostel/hotel experience in a safe neighborhood. | $138 CLP 119,238 |
| Luxury Hotel Room (Las Condes) Approximately $429 / CLP 370,535. Foreigners paying in USD with a credit card are exempt from the 19% IVA (VAT). | $429 CLP 370,545 |
Activities (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Sky Costanera Observation Deck Admission Costs ~$27 / CLP 22,911. Offers the best 360-degree views of the Andes from 300 meters high. | $27 CLP 22,911 |
| San Cristóbal Funicular (Weekend Round Trip) Approx. $5.19 / CLP 4,481. Weekdays are slightly cheaper at ~$4.61 / CLP 3,983. | $5.19 CLP 4,481 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| WOM Prepago Plan Zero (100GB) Comprehensive 30-day plan for ~$12 / CLP 9,947. Social media is usually data-free. | $12 CLP 9,947 |
Other (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) Standard adult price is ~$7.79 / CLP 6,726. | $7.79 CLP 6,726 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining revolves around hearty staples and fresh produce, with a quick meal like a Chilean 'Completo' hot dog at Dominó costing approximately $5.54 / CLP 4,785. A mid-range three-course dinner for two in trendy neighborhoods like Lastarria averages $52 / CLP 44,826, while a standard 0.5L draft beer at a local bar is about $4.04 / CLP 3,485.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
La Piojera
$7.5–$14 / CLP 6,472–CLP 11,948Centro Histórico · Local chain
Ordering the 'Terremoto' drink for ~$5.19 / CLP 4,481 is mandatory; it comes with pineapple ice cream.
Galindo
$11–$21 / CLP 9,459–CLP 17,932Bellavista · Local chain
Try the 'Cazuela' or 'Pastel de Choclo' for a massive traditional meal under ~$18 / CLP 15,240.
Tirso de Molina Market (Second Floor)
$6.34–$10 / CLP 5,476–CLP 8,961Recoleta · Food court
Head to the upper level for incredible Peruvian-Chilean fusion at ~$6.47–$10 / CLP 5,588–CLP 8,941 per meal.
Fuente Alemana
$9.8–$16 / CLP 8,463–CLP 13,950Plaza Italia · Local chain
Sit at the bar and watch the 'maestras' assemble massive sandwiches in seconds.
El Rápido
$2.88–$6.92 / CLP 2,489–CLP 5,974Centro · Local chain
The fastest service in the city—perfect for a quick standing lunch for ~$3.24 / CLP 2,794.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
The city features a highly efficient metro system with peak hour fares at just $1 / CLP 864, though a physical Bip! card must be purchased first for $1.79 / CLP 1,544. For airport transfers, the Centropuerto bus is a budget-friendly $2.88 / CLP 2,489 compared to the flat-rate official airport taxi which costs $32 / CLP 27,889.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging options vary from budget dorm beds in Providencia for $67 / CLP 57,638 to luxury rooms in Las Condes reaching $429 / CLP 370,545. A major financial benefit for international tourists is the 19% IVA (VAT) exemption when paying in foreign currency or credit card and presenting a PDI entry slip.
Accommodation Budget in Santiago
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Pay for accommodation in EUR, USD, or with a foreign credit card to legally waive the 19% IVA (VAT) tax, saving roughly $24–$59 / CLP 20,320–CLP 50,800 per night.
- 2 Use the Centropuerto or Turbus airport buses for $2.88 / CLP 2,489 instead of taxis to reach Los Héroes Metro station in the city center.
- 3 Look for 'Colación' or 'Menú del Día' lunch specials at traditional spots like Galindo in Bellavista for significant savings compared to dinner prices.
- 4 Avoid high ATM fees of $8–$10 / CLP 6,909–CLP 8,636 by using a digital bank card or withdrawing the maximum allowed amount in a single transaction.
- 5 Purchase a Bip! card for $1.79 / CLP 1,544 and take advantage of free transfers between the Metro and buses within a 2-hour window.
- 6 Visit the second floor of the Tirso de Molina Market for some of the city's most affordable and authentic fresh seafood and paila marina.
- 7 Drink tap water as it is perfectly safe in Santiago, saving several Euros per day on bottled water.
- 8 For those heading to the mountains, rent gear in the city center rather than at the ski resorts like Valle Nevado to avoid inflated mountain prices.
- 9 Book national park entries through the CONAF (pasesparques.cl) website in advance to ensure access and occasionally find discounted rates.
- 10 Use ride-hailing apps for city travel but be aware of the $5.19 / CLP 4,481 airport pick-up surcharge that is automatically added.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Dec, Jan, Feb
+25-40%
Jun, Jul, Aug
-20-30%
Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr
Peak summer (Jan–Feb) sees a massive exodus of locals to the coast, so while hotels might be pricier, the city transport is actually less crowded. Best value is October when spring blooms and wine valleys are lush.
Events to Watch
- ● Fiestas Patrias (mid-Sept): +50% accommodation and closed shops
- ● Lollapalooza Chile (March): +30% hotels in Las Condes/Centro
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Hike up Cerro Santa Lucía for panoramic city views and historic fortifications at no cost.
- 2 Visit the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos (Museum of Memory and Human Rights) to learn about Chile's modern history for $0.
- 3 Explore the sculpture-filled gardens of the Parque de las Esculturas in Providencia.
- 4 Walk through the Parque Bicentenario in Vitacura to see the flamingos and enjoy the landscaped lagoons.
- 5 Enter the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts) which offers free admission to its permanent collections.
- 6 Visit the Bahá’í Temple of South America in the Andean foothills for stunning architecture and sunset views.
- 7 Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Palacio de La Moneda, held every other day at 10:00.
- 8 Wander through the Mercado Central to experience the vibrant local fish market atmosphere.
- 9 Trek the trails of Cerro Manquehuito, accessible via Vía Roja, for an accessible mountain experience without entry fees.
- 10 Explore the street art and bohemian architecture of Barrio Yungay and Barrio Lastarria on foot.
- 11 Visit the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center (GAM) to view contemporary art installations and watch local dancers practice in the courtyards.
- 12 Relax in the 30-hectare Parque Forestal, a green lung stretching along the Mapocho River.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Boragó Tasting Menu
One of the world's best restaurants, showcasing unique Chilean hyper-local ingredients.
Private Maipo Valley Wine Tour
Avoid the crowds at Concha y Toro and visit exclusive boutique family vineyards with tastings.
Full Day Skiing at Valle Nevado
World-class skiing in the high Andes; the lift ticket alone is worth it for the views.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Santiago
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Santiago and what they cost
Valparaíso & Viña del Mar
$14 / CLP 11,948 by bus
Free
$74 / CLP 63,754
Cajón del Maipo & Embalse El Yeso
$52 / CLP 44,826 by van/shuttle
$5.77 / CLP 4,978
$75 / CLP 64,750
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Chilean Peso (CLP)
1 $ ≈ 863 $
No
Excellent—contactless is standard even in small kiosks and markets.
10% 'Propina' is standard in restaurants. Taxis don't require tips, but rounding up to the nearest ~$0.59 / CLP 508 is common.
Use ATMs inside bank branches (Redbanc). Avoid Scotiabank or Banco Estado if possible as they charge the highest fees to foreigners, often ~$9.42 / CLP 8,128.
Connectivity
eSIM: $9.42–$14 for 10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $12 / CLP 9,957 for 100GB (30 days)
WiFi: Excellent in Providencia and Las Condes cafes; spotty in the historic center.
Get a local WOM SIM card at any pharmacy or kiosk for the best local rates.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Santiago.
Updated: February 16, 2026
Ready to Visit Santiago?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santiago expensive to visit?
How much does Santiago cost per day?
How much does a trip to Santiago cost?
What is the cheapest month to visit Santiago?
What are the hidden costs in Santiago?
How can I save money in Santiago?
More Santiago Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Coming soon
Things to Do
Coming soon
Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
Itineraries
Coming soon
Complete Cost Guide
Full budget and cost breakdown