A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Abu Dhabi vs. Buenos Aires, Argentina for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Buenos Aires, Argentina can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Abu Dhabi

It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.

Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.

Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Abu Dhabi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10. 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 Abu Dhabi and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.40
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Buenos Aires, Argentina? 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 Abu Dhabi


Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina


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: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:


  • Car Rental
    $31
  • Taxi to Airport
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:

  • Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $76
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $133
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $71
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $80
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $119
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $101
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE: $33
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $65
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to or from Dubai to Abu Dhabi Airport: $140

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Taxi from Airport
    $0.14
  • Local Bus
    $0.00
  • Metro Ride
    $0.00
  • Taxi to airport
    $0.04
  • Taxi
    $0.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • One Way Private AEP Airport Transfer to Buenos Aires: $15
  • ONE WAY: Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Transfer to/from Buenos Aires City: $18
  • Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $20
  • Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 20 USD: $20
  • Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $20
  • Private Airport Transfer AEP Jorge New Berry to CAPITAL BA: $27
  • Port Transfers with English speaking guide: $30
  • Private Transfer from Aeroparque to Capital Federal: $33
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires APT-HTL (EZA): $36
  • Airport Transfer: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires : $37
  • Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) Transfer with English speaking driver: $37
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires HTL-APT (EZE): $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Abu Dhabi 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
    Abu Dhabi $45
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.

  • Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $45
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $80
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
  • Scenic Dinner Cruise: $82
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with Camel Ride and Dinner: $84
  • Abu Dhabi Afternoon Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner: $90
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner,Sandboarding & Camel Ride: $90

Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Lunch
    $0.03
  • Cup of Coffee
    $0.01
  • Empandas
    $0.02
  • Espresso
    $0.01
  • Dinner (Pizza)
    $0.02
  • Ice Cream
    $0.01
  • Breakfast at Airport
    $0.04
  • Dinner (Sandwiches)
    $0.01
  • Sweets
    $0.01
  • Hot Dog
    $0.01
  • Breakfast (Take-Away)
    $0.01
  • Lunch for 2
    $0.17
  • Cake and Coffee
    $0.54
  • Dinner
    $1.91
  • Powerade
    $0.12
  • Lunch
    $0.85
  • Dinner
    $1.23
  • Chocolate
    $3.16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
  • Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $37
  • Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Argentine Empanadas Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
  • Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $44
  • Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
  • Private Walking Tour & Argentinian pizzas Tasting: $50
  • Skip the Line Ticket for Tango Porteño Show with Dinner : $53
  • Tango Porteño Show with Private Transfers (with optional dinner): $54
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $54
  • Aljibe Earlier Tango Show Skip the Line Ticket W/Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.39

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:

  • Qasr Al Hosn: Entry Tickets with 1 GB Data eSIM: $8.08
  • Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
  • Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $8.69
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Louvre Join Us Express Tour: $14
  • Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi: $17
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi General Admission Ticket: $17
  • Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
  • Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
  • Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
  • Admission Ticket To Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi: $20

Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)
    $0.04
  • Movie Ticket
    $0.02
  • Tango Class
    $0.03
  • Bar entrance
    $0.59

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Guided Walking Tour of Palermo Soho: $5.00
  • Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Urban Legends and Myths Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery: $6.00
  • Introduction to Argentina (Virtual Live Experience): $6.67
  • Tour in the Boca Neighborhood: $8.00
  • History of Tango (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
  • The Life of Pope Francis in Argentina (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
  • Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Recoleta Cemetery Tour in English : $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
  • Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.83

Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.01
  • Beer (0.66L)
    $0.02
  • Cocktail
    $0.03
  • Alcohol
    $0.68

Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
  • Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $65
  • Private Walking Tour & Argentine wine Tasting: $78
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
  • Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
  • Half-Day Nightlife Experience in Buenos Aires: Palermo Bar Crawl: $110
  • Bodega Gamboa Premium Wine Tasting with Lunch: $165
  • Wine Tour to Colonia Del Sacramento Uruguay: $168


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Buenos Aires, Argentina, 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 Abu Dhabi or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Abu Dhabi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.

The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year.

Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Abu Dhabi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun.

Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Buenos Aires, Argentina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)