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.
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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.
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Auckland Prices
New Zealand PricesMendoza Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAuckland $165Mendoza $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $165, while the average daily cost in Mendoza is $57. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAuckland $96Mendoza $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAuckland $192Mendoza $86
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.
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 and Mendoza Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Auckland $17Mendoza $4.21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$9.19
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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: $104
- VIP / Premium Airport Transfers: $101
- Rotorua to Auckland - Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Caves: $175
- Reliable Transfers Across New Zealand with Trekway NZ: $74
- Private Transfer from Auckland City to Auckland Cruise Port: $52
- Private Transfer North Shore or Henderson to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Car: $127
- Private Transfer From Auckland City To Auckland Airport Oaks: $78
- Private Transfer From Auckland CBD Hotels To Cruise Ship: $81
- Private One-Way Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland City Hotel: $52
- Private Mercedes Airport Transfers in Auckland: $87
- Private Luxury Sedan Transfer Auckland Airport To Auckland Hotel: $124
- Private Luxury Airport Transfers in Auckland – Sedans & Vans: $110
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mendoza
Also for Mendoza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Wine Blending Experience in Uco Valley + Lunch & Private Transfer: $220
- Visit to Winery and Argentine Asado in Terrace. Transfer included: $150
- Visit Salentein Winery + Lunch at The Vines Transfer included: $250
- Ushuaia: Transfer Ida & Volta para Cerro Castor desde hotel: $25
- Transfer Regular Airport and Hotel Central in Mendoza: $9.00
- Termas Cacheuta Water Park with transfer: $50
- Pulenta Estate Wine Tasting+Lunch at Ruca Malen. Private Transfer: $260
- Private Uco Valley Wine Tour: 3 Wineries, Malbec Tasting &Transfer: $90
- Private Transfers Airport Hotel in Mendoza: $11
- Private Transfer to Uco Valley Wineries Full Day: $280
- Private Transfer in Mendoza: $25
- Private Transfer between Airport and Hotel in Mendoza: $29
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
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Food Meals for one dayAuckland $44Mendoza $5.89
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.59
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: $98
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
- The Tastebud Tour, award winning food tour of Auckland: $159
- 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
- Mendoza Meals Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $99
- Original Asado Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $114
- 4-Hour Argentine Cooking Class at Grazie Mille Winery: $125
- 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: $192
- 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
- Winery & Michelin-Star Dinner Saffron barrels. Private Transport: $260
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Auckland $27Mendoza $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$32
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$116
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: $211
- 2025 Award Winning: Auckland City Highlights Half Day Tour: $92
- 24 day Greatest Of All Tours Small Group Tour: $3,447
- 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland: $167
- AKL: TAUPO - Maori Rock Carving Cruise, Wai O Tapu & Blue Springs: $277
- AKL: TAUPO Maori Rock Carvings Cruise, Wai O Tapu & Blue Springs: $259
- Half-Day CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR - Mt.Eden, Tamaki Dr: $86
- Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $115
- Amazing Auckland City Half Day Guided Tour: $103
- America's Cup Sailing Experience on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour: $121
- America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour: $122
- Auckland Airport To Ports Of Auckland Private Highlights Tour: $231
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
- Aconcagua Classic Tour 1 Day - Shared: $136
- Aconcagua Private Full Day Experience: $179
- Adrenaline Canopy Tour on the Mendoza River: $173
- Adventure & Flavor: Breakfast, Rafting & Asado in Mendoza: $220
- Adventure Day in Potrerillos, Rafting, Canopy or Trekking: $202
- Adventure Park - Unforgettable Challenge!: $39
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAuckland $13Mendoza $5.98
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Auckland Coastal Brewery Kayak Tour: $69
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
- Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $115
- Wineries & Brewery Tour: $130
- Ultimate Auckland Experience Full Day Tour with Brewery Lunch: $144
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
- Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
- Kumeu Wine Tasting & Local Flavours Tour: Vines, Brews & Views: $173
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $179
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
- City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
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
- Wine, Distillery & Chocolate Tour with Tastings: $39
- Mendoza Wine Tasting at Bodega Ciclo Andino with Snacks: $39
- Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $41
- Classic Wine Tasting: $44
- La Histórica Winery Tour and Wine Tasting: $48
- Premium Wine Tasting: $66
- Wine Tour, Paired Lunch and Olive Oil Tasting from Mendoza: $75
- Winery tours in Mendoza, wine tasting and lunches: $90
- El Enemigo and Casa Vigil Wine Tour: $93
- Make an Argentine Asado BBQ w/ Local Host & Wine Tasting: $99
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.
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.