A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. Mendoza for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Auckland or Mendoza?

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 Auckland and Mendoza can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Auckland or Mendoza?

Auckland

Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.

Mendoza

Mendoza is a city in western Argentina and more precisely in the desertic Cuyo region. Mendoza is the center of the Argentinian wine industry and is famed around the world for its vineyards and wine production. Spread across the valley of the Rio Mendoza and in the foothills of the Andean mountain range, Mendoza is also near the Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. The bustling and scenic city of wide, leafy avenues, atmospheric plazas and cosmopolitan cafes spoils visitors with unique natural attractions and historical landmarks. If you can, visit Mendoza during the harvest festival at the end of February. There are many events and festivals in Mendoza and they are usually free. Each has a different theme, and they usually have a stage with singing and dancing and booths that sell food around a plaza. Seventy percent of Argentina's wines are produced here, and Mendoza is especially known for its world-famous malbecs.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Mendoza or Auckland?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $167, while the average daily cost in Mendoza is $56. 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 Auckland and Mendoza in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Auckland $97
    Mendoza $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Auckland $194
    Mendoza $84
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Mendoza

Looking for a hotel in Auckland or Mendoza? 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 Auckland


Hotels in Mendoza


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: Auckland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Auckland $17
    Mendoza $4.15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:


  • Bus from Airport
    $9.26
  • Airport Shuttle
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland

Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • [PRIVATE] Airport Transfer from/to Auckland Airport: $107
  • Waitomo / Transfer: $163
  • VIP / Premium Airport Transfers: $104
  • Seamless Auckland Airport Transfers to Auckland CBD: $89
  • Rotorua to Auckland - Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Caves: $175
  • Reliable Transfers Across New Zealand with Trekway NZ: $76
  • Private Transfer from Auckland City to Auckland Cruise Port: $52
  • Private Transfer from Auckland Airport /City to Rotorua: $296
  • Private Transfer North Shore or Henderson to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Van: $127
  • Private Transfer North Shore or Henderson to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Car: $127
  • Private Transfer From Cruise Ship To Auckland Airport: $178
  • Private Transfer From Auckland City To Auckland Airport Oaks: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mendoza

Also for Mendoza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ushuaia: Transfer Ida & Volta para Cerro Castor desde hotel: $25
  • Transportation around Mendoza or others states!!! Trips.. transfers: $35
  • Termas Cacheuta Water Park with transfer: $50
  • Tasting Experience and Roast in Sottano Winery– Private Transfer: $230
  • Sunset Electronic Music Party at Las Palapas with Transfers: $220
  • Pulenta Estate Wine Tasting+Lunch at Ruca Malen. Private Transfer: $260
  • Private Wine, Empanadas and Choripán Tour with Transfers: $120
  • Private Transfers in Mendoza and Lujan de Cuyo: $45
  • Private Transfers Airport Hotel in Mendoza: $11
  • Private Transfer to Uco Valley Wineries Full Day: $280
  • Private Transfer in Mendoza I Personal Driver: $30
  • Private Transfer between Airport and Hotel in Mendoza: $31

Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or Mendoza?

Prices for flights to both Mendoza and Auckland 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
    Auckland $45
    Mendoza $5.80
Typical Food Prices in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $4.63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
  • Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $101
  • Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
  • Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
  • Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
  • From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mendoza

For Mendoza, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mendoza Meals Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $95
  • 4-Hour Argentine Cooking Class at Grazie Mille Winery: $101
  • 3h Cooking Class in Mendoza with 7 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $110
  • Original Asado Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $114
  • Sunset Horseback Riding Tour in Lunlunta with Dinner Included: $120
  • Cooking Class with 7 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $150
  • City Tour with Dinner at a Local Restaurant: $164
  • Full-Day Small-Group Mendoza Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $194
  • Horseback Riding at Sunset and Dinner in Mendoza: $205
  • Horseback Riding at Sunset and Dinner at an Estancia in Mendoza: $210
  • Private Roast & Wine Dinner with Chef Sommelier: $220
  • Tango Show with Dinner at Hualta Winery Hotel: $220

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Auckland $27
    Mendoza $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)
    $32
  • Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)
    $117

Tours and Activities in Auckland

For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "City of Sails" highlights - private tour with German tour guide: $217
  • 2025 Award Winning: Auckland City Highlights Half Day Tour: $85
  • 24 day Greatest Of All Tours Small Group Tour: $3,447
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $15
  • Half-Day CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR - Mt.Eden, Tamaki Dr: $86
  • Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $118
  • All Blacks Experience: Interactive Guided Cultural Tour: $41
  • Amazing Auckland City Half Day Guided Tour: $106
  • America's Cup Sailing Experience on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour: $124
  • America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour: $122
  • Auckland Airport To Ports Of Auckland Private Highlights Tour: $237
  • Auckland Best Top 5 Spots Half day Tour: $148

Tours and Activities in Mendoza

For Mendoza, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Wineries & Olive Oil Experience with Lunch. Private Transport: $130
  • 3 Wineries & Olive Oil Experience with Private Transport: $100
  • 3 Winery Tour with Lunch and Blend Set: $150
  • 3-hour Mendoza Tasting Tour with 34 Traditional Argentine Flavors: $95
  • 3-hour Mendoza Tasting Tour: 34 Authentic Argentine Flavors: $86
  • Aconcagua & Puente del Inca Full Day Tour from Mendoza with Lunch: $110
  • Adrenaline Canopy Tour on the Mendoza River: $173
  • Adventure & Flavor: Breakfast, Rafting & Asado in Mendoza: $220
  • Adventure Park - Unforgettable Challenge!: $39
  • Adventure and Relaxation in Mendoza Rafting and Cacheuta Springs: $237
  • Andes High Mountain full day Tour: $64
  • Andes Hiking Experience Full Day: $240

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Auckland $13
    Mendoza $5.90

Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland

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

  • Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
  • Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $118
  • Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
  • Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
  • From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
  • Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
  • Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $184
  • City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
  • Auckland City Tour & Kumeu Wine Country Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $237
  • Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278
  • Waiheke Island Scenic Wine Tour: $301

Sample the Local Flavors in Mendoza

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mendoza:

  • Walking & Wine Tasting Tour & San Martin Park Gate: $17
  • Burlesque Cabaret Show with Wine: $20
  • Antigal Winery Tour with Wine Tasting & Choice of Experiences: $33
  • Maipu Wine Tour: 3 Wineries and Olive Oil Factory: $37
  • Mendoza Wine Tasting at Bodega Ciclo Andino with Snacks: $39
  • Wine, Distillery & Chocolate Tour with Tastings: $39
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $41
  • Classic Wine Tasting: $44
  • La Histórica Winery Tour and Wine Tasting: $48
  • Premium Wine Tasting: $66
  • Winery tours in Mendoza, wine tasting and lunches: $90
  • El Enemigo and Casa Vigil Wine Tour: $93


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is Mendoza Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Auckland or Mendoza?

Mendoza has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and Mendoza, 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.