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

Should you visit Barcelona or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Barcelona and Buenos Aires, Argentina can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Barcelona or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Barcelona

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires.


Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Barcelona?

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

  • Barcelona Prices
    Spain Prices
    Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
    Argentina Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Barcelona 179
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 50

The average daily cost (per person) in Barcelona is €179, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is €50. 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 Barcelona and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Barcelona 92
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Barcelona 184
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 70
Compare Hotels in Barcelona and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Looking for a hotel in Barcelona 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 Barcelona


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: Barcelona Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Barcelona 19
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 1.86
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:


  • 10 Trip Metro Ticket
    7.80
  • Airport Bus
    5.00
  • Metro
    2.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:

  • 24 Hour Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport to City Centre: $23
  • Arrival Barcelona Airport Private Transfer: $23
  • Arrival Private Transfer by Sedan from BCN airport to Barcelona: $91
  • Arrival Transfer El Prat Airport BCN to Barcelona by Luxury Van: $98
  • Arrival Transfer from Barcelona Airport BCN to Barcelona in Private Car/Van: $86
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport BCN to Barcelona by Business Car: $92
  • Arrival Transfer: Cruise Port to Barcelona by Business Car: $92
  • Barcelona Airport (BCN) Private Transfer to Barcelona City/Hotels: $63
  • Barcelona Airport (BCN) Private Transfer to/from Barcelona City: $45
  • Barcelona Airport (BCN) to Barcelona - Arrival Private Transfer: $33
  • Barcelona Airport (BNC) to Palamós - Arrival Private Transfer: $286
  • Barcelona Airport (BNC) to Sitges - Arrival Private Transfer: $115

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Private Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport (AEP): $19
  • Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City: $20
  • Private Aeroparque (AEP) Airport Transfer TO Buenos Aires City: $23
  • Private Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport (EZE): $29
  • Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
  • Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 30 USD: $30
  • Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
  • Local Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
  • Private Transfer from Ezeiza (EZE) to Buenos Aires Cruise Port: $35
  • Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Port to Ezeiza: $35
  • Private Ezeiza (EZE) Airport Transfer to Buenos Aires City: $35
  • Madero Tango Show in Buenos Aires Without Transfers: $36

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

Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Barcelona 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
    Barcelona 58
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 6.71
Typical Food Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Hot Cocoa & Churro
    4.15
  • Sandwich
    1.70
  • Baguette & Horchata
    3.80
  • Tapas on the beach
    8.28
  • Gelatto
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $34
  • Tipsy Food Tour With Paella, Sangria & History: $41
  • Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $53
  • Top Awarded Flamenco Show Tablao Cordobes with dinner option: $56
  • Barcelona Food Tour: Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $56
  • Barcelona Paella and Sangria Cooking Experience: $57
  • Barcelona Morning Tapas Crawl by Food Tour: $69
  • Barcelona Boqueria Market e Barrio Gotico Street Food Tour: $75
  • Evening Cruise with Dinner and Drinks in Barcelona: $75
  • Paella & Tapas Cooking Class with Sangria Making: $80
  • Paella Cooking Class in Barcelona | Small Group, Cava & Wine: $80
  • Gothic And El Born Food Tour with Tapas and Wine: $81

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.

  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $28
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $40
  • Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
  • BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
  • BA: Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $46
  • Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
  • El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $47
  • Tango Dinner-Show at El Aljibe with Optional Classic Bus Transfer: $48
  • BA: Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $49
  • Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Barcelona 33
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Barcelona

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:


  • Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass
    42
  • Souvenir Gaudi Book
    8.55
  • Admission to Museo Picasso
    6.00

Tours and Activities in Barcelona

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

  • Barcelona Electric Scooter Tour: $3.49
  • Sagrada Familia Exterior Tour: $3.50
  • Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $3.50
  • Barcelona Segway Tour: $3.50
  • Barcelona Guided Tour on Segway: $3.50
  • Happiness Walking Tour in Barcelona: $3.51
  • Censored Barcelona Tour: $3.51
  • Barcelona Gaudi and Sagrada Familia Tour: $3.51
  • Sagrada Familia External Audio Tour - The 3 Iconic Facades: $3.51
  • Barcelona Gothic Quarter Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $5.07
  • Barcelona Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.10
  • Haunted Ghost Night Walking Tour: $5.36

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $6.72
  • Buenos Aires Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h30 and 18 reviews: $7.08
  • Discover Buenos Aires: A Self-Guided Tour: $8.15
  • Small Group Buenos Aires Walking Tour: $10
  • Walking Tour in Retreat Palaces and Trains and Authentic Mate.: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $11
  • Guided tour of the Mate Museum: $13
  • 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market: $13
  • Palermo Graffiti Tour: $13
  • Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
  • Small Group Tour of Buenos Aires Historic: $15
  • Recoleta Cemetery Tour in English: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Barcelona 17
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 8.19

Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:

  • Amazing Bar Crawl in Barcelona: $15
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING -The Best Party tour & VIP Club Entry: $17
  • Largest Bar Crawl in Barcelona: $17
  • Estrella Damm Brewery in El Prat de Llobregat tour with Tasting: $17
  • Largest Pub Crawl in Barcelona: $18
  • Pub Crawl 4 nightclubs + skip-the-line entry: $18
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl and VIP Club Experience: $18
  • Pub Crawl Barcelona by EVOLVE The BEST night experience: $23
  • Bar Crawl at Gaixample: $29
  • Barcelona Speakeasy Pub Crawl With Hidden Bars & Optional Tapas: $29
  • Wine tasting by Recadero at the Mirador Torre Glòries Barcelona: $33
  • Winery tour & wine tasting in Penedès region 40min from Barcelona: $37

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:

  • Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $35
  • Exclusive Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $42
  • BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
  • Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
  • Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
  • Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $60
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
  • Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
  • Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown: $97
  • Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $106


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Barcelona and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Barcelona is in Europe 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona 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 Barcelona Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Barcelona or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Barcelona. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona 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 Barcelona or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Barcelona has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Barcelona and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The summer months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Barcelona is around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Barcelona in July average around 23°C (73°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 Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Barcelona usually receives more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during summer. Barcelona gets 308 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, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Barcelona gets 22 mm (0.9 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
    Barcelona 23°C (73°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Barcelona as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In October, Barcelona is generally around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 17°C (63°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. In the autumn, Barcelona often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Barcelona gets 181 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. Barcelona usually gets less rain in October than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Barcelona gets 94 mm (3.7 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
    Barcelona 17°C (63°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)

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

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Barcelona are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Barcelona is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the winter. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in July.

Barcelona usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Buenos Aires, Argentina during winter. Barcelona gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Barcelona gets 44 mm (1.7 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
    Barcelona 9°C (48°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)

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

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Barcelona during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Barcelona in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Barcelona is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Barcelona in April average around 13°C (55°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 Barcelona. In the spring, Barcelona often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Barcelona gets 204 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. Barcelona usually gets less rain in April than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Barcelona gets 51 mm (2 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
    Barcelona 13°C (55°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Barcelona

Barcelona Buenos Aires, Argentina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)