Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Barcelona?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Camping Tours in Argentina.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBarcelona €158Buenos Aires, Argentina €8.87
The average daily cost (per person) in Barcelona is €158, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is €8.87. 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 personBarcelona €96Buenos Aires, Argentina €3.57
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBarcelona €192Buenos Aires, Argentina €7.14
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.
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 €19Buenos Aires, Argentina €1.36
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:
- Arrival Barcelona Airport to Cruise Port Private Transfer: $39
- Barcelona City to Cruise Port Private Transfer: $31
- Barcelona Group Departure Transfer: $133
- Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport to PortAventura hotels: $212
- Transfer from Barcelona To Blanes(Tossa de mar)Malgra de mar: $265
- Airport Transfer: $122
- America's cup venue pick and drop from barcelona private transfer: $53
- Arrival Barcelona Airport Private Transfer: $32
- Arrival Cruise Port barcelona to Airport private Transfer: $39
- Arrival Cruise Port to barcelona city Private Transfer: $36
- Arrival Cruise Port to barcelona city Private Transfer: $38
- Arrival Private Transfer by Sedan from BCN airport to Barcelona: $71
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€0.11
-
Local Bus€0.00
-
Metro Ride€0.00
-
Taxi to airport€0.03
-
Taxi€0.08
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: $9.02
- Private transfer Vehicle from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City: $16
- Private transfer Vehicle from Buenos Aires city to Ezeiza Airport: $16
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $26
- Private Transfer from Jorge Newbery Airport to Buenos Aires: $28
- Private transfer from Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airport: $28
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $28
- Private Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to your Hotel in Buenos Aires: $30
- Private Airport Transfer AEP Jorge New Berry to CAPITAL BA: $30
- Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
- Buenos aires Shared EZE Airport Transfer: $33
- Roundtrip Transfer Private SUV Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $33
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 dayBarcelona €33Buenos Aires, Argentina €2.80
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.
- Flamenco at El Patio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $27
- Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $39
- Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $39
- Flamenco Casa Sors & Guitar Museum with Dinner or Drink: $41
- Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $43
- Wine Tasting and Tapas 5-Course Pairing Dinner: $60
- Barcelona street food tour La Boqueria Market: $64
- Rooftop Terrace Paella Cooking Lesson: $65
- Private Evening Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $70
- Paella Cooking Experience & Boqueria Market Tour: $75
- Interactive Spanish Cooking Experience in Barcelona: $77
- Delicious Catalan Paella Cooking Class Small Group: $78
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€0.02
-
Cup of Coffee€0.01
-
Empandas€0.02
-
Espresso€0.01
-
Dinner (Pizza)€0.01
-
Ice Cream€0.01
-
Breakfast at Airport€0.03
-
Dinner (Sandwiches)€0.01
-
Sweets€0.01
-
Hot Dog€0.01
-
Breakfast (Take-Away)€0.01
-
Lunch for 2€0.14
-
Cake and Coffee€0.46
-
Dinner€1.62
-
Powerade€0.10
-
Lunch€0.72
-
Dinner€1.05
-
Chocolate€2.69
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 Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $35
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- Argentine Empanadas Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
- Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $45
- Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $45
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
- La Ventana Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $46
- Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $47
- Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $49
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting Experience: $49
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Barcelona €33Buenos Aires, Argentina €2.88
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:
- History & Legends Comedy Tour: Barcelona Gothic Quarter: $2.18
- Gaudí Free Walking Tour: $2.18
- Gothic Quarter Free Walking Tour in English: $3.26
- Barcelona Free Tour: Gaudi Highlights and La Sagrada Famila: $3.26
- Alternative Free Tour of the Raval: $3.26
- Free Tour Sant Cugat History and Legends: $3.32
- Premium El Born: History & Legends Comedy Tour: $3.32
- Barcelona Gothic Quarter: History&Legends Comedy Tour: $3.32
- Self-Guided Private City Tour in Barcelona's Best Kept Secrets: $3.32
- Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $3.33
- Gaudí & Sagrada Familia Free Tour in English : $3.34
- Barcelona, Gothic Quarter: Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour: $4.50
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)€0.03
-
Movie Ticket€0.01
-
Tango Class€0.02
-
Bar entrance€0.50
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Historic Buenos Aires: Quest Experience: $6.09
- Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
- Private Tour of La Boca and Caminito: $13
- La Boca Walking Tour: $13
- Private Tour of Plaza de Mayo and San Telmo.: $14
- Buenos Aires Shopping Tour: $15
- Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
- Graffiti Tour: $15
- Ticket to the Boca Juniors Museum: $19
- Puerto Madero, its history and architecture. 2 hour guided tour: $20
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBarcelona €17Buenos Aires, Argentina €1.56
Sample the Local Flavors in Barcelona
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:
- Original Pub Crawl: $13
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by King - Bar & Nightclub Hopping Tour: $14
- Pub Crawl Party Tour with 1-Hour Open Bar: $16
- Guided Bar Crawl with Shots and Nightclub Entry: $16
- Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $16
- Legendary Pub Crawl by I'm Barcelona VIP: $16
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING -The Best Party tour & VIP Club Entry: $17
- Pub Crawl in Barcelona: $17
- Estrella Damm Brewery in El Prat de Llobregat tour with Tasting: $17
- Barcelona Bar Crawl: 4+ Venues, Free shots, Free Club Entry: $19
- Estrella Damm Old Brewery Tour with Tasting: $22
- Pub Crawl Barcelona by EVOLVE The BEST night experience: $22
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€0.57
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 Pub Crawl: Techno Night: $22
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $42
- Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $42
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
- Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $48
- Wine tour with 5 tastings in the heart of Buenos Aires: $49
- Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending Experience: $55
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown : $56
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 JanuaryBarcelona 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 AprilBarcelona 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 JulyBarcelona 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 OctoberBarcelona 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) |
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.