Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas?
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 Punta Arenas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Auckland or Punta Arenas?
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.
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.
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Auckland Prices
New Zealand PricesPunta Arenas Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAuckland $170Punta Arenas $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $170, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $79. 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 Punta Arenas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAuckland $99Punta Arenas $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAuckland $198Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Punta Arenas
Looking for a hotel in Auckland or Punta Arenas? 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 Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Auckland $17Punta Arenas $1.80
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$9.47
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Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Hobbiton Private Transfers with Group Tour: $516
- Auckland Airport (AKL) to North Shore-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $221
- Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Thames: $201
- Rotorua to Auckland - Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Caves: $188
- Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Cambridge : $180
- Private Airport Transfers and Tours: $168
- Private Luxury Transfer To/Fr City in Mercedes Van: $162
- Private One-Way Transfer: Auckland Airport to Hamilton/Rotorua: $162
- Airport Transfer: Auckland to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Car: $152
- Auckland Airport Transfers: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Luxury Car: $152
- Auckland's Point to Point Transfers : $150
- Auckland Cruise/Wharf & Airport Transfers : $144
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales: $267
- Transfer Airport Punta Arenas : $30
- Oneway Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport to Punta Arenas: $37
Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or Punta Arenas?
Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas 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 $46Punta Arenas $36
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.73
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
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $102
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Auckland $27Punta Arenas $6.44
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)$33
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$119
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Auckland Best Top 5 Spots Half day Tour : $96
- Cathedral Cove & Hot water beach -Full Day Tour: PRIVATE TOUR : $270
- Hobbiton Lord Of Rings Movie Set tour Private Driver : $198
- Hobbiton Movie Set Small Tour from Auckland: $249
- 24 day Greatest Of All Tours Small Group Tour: $3,447
- 4 hours Auckland Friday Night Tour : $78
- 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland: $174
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $12
- AUCKLAND CITY Full Day Tour with War Memorial Museum and Mt Eden: $155
- Half-Day CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR - Mt.Eden, Tamaki Dr: $86
- Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $117
- America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour: $122
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Cruises Shore Excursions : City tour Cruises Regular: $70
- For Cruise-ship passengers: Magdalena Island (Penguins): $200
- Fuerte Bulnes Shore Tour for Cruisers in Punta Arenas: $80
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
- Guided Tour of Punta Arenas and Fort Bulnes: $300
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $154
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $154
- Magallanes National Reserve and Punta Arenas City Tour: $165
- Magdalena Island Penguin Boat Tour and Marta Island: $165
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $160
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $160
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAuckland $13Punta Arenas $4.86
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: $119
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
- Kumeu Wine Tour: $165
- Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $180
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
- City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
- Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278
- Waiheke Island Scenic Wine Tour: $301
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.33
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Punta Arenas, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Punta Arenas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is Punta Arenas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Auckland or Punta Arenas?
Auckland has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and Punta Arenas, 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 Auckland or Punta Arenas?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Auckland or Punta Arenas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Punta Arenas. Most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Auckland is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Auckland in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 11°C (52°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Punta Arenas this time of the year. In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 208 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Auckland usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryAuckland 20°C (68°F)Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Punta Arenas. The autumn months attract visitors to Auckland because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In April, Auckland is generally much warmer than Punta Arenas. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 16°C (61°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In the autumn, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenas. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 119 hours of full sun.
Auckland usually gets more rain in April than Punta Arenas. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilAuckland 16°C (61°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Punta Arenas in the Winter?
Both Punta Arenas and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Punta Arenas. Auckland is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the winter. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).
Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Auckland. In July, Auckland usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyAuckland 11°C (52°F)Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Punta Arenas in the Spring?
Both Punta Arenas and Auckland during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Auckland is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Auckland in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 7°C (44°F).
In the spring, Auckland often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Punta Arenas. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 183 hours of full sun.
Auckland usually gets more rain in October than Punta Arenas. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberAuckland 14°C (58°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Auckland
| Auckland | Punta Arenas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
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.