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 Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.


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

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Barcelona is €156, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is €9.59. 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 96
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 3.86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Barcelona 192
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 7.72
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 1.47
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:

  • Barcelona City to Sant Train Station Barcelona private transfer: $31
  • Transfer From Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Cruise Port: $40
  • Airport Transfer: $120
  • Airport Transfers Barcelona Minivan : $75
  • Arrival Barcelona Airport Private Transfer: $31
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport BCN to Barcelona: $33
  • Arrival Transfer El Prat Airport BCN to Barcelona by Luxury Car: $129
  • Arrival Transfer El Prat Airport BCN to Barcelona by Luxury Van: $91
  • Arrival Transfer by Luxury Van from Barcelona Port to Barcelona: $75
  • Arrival Transfer from Barcelona Airport BCN to Barcelona in Private Car/Van: $80
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport BCN to Barcelona by Business Car: $86
  • Arrival Transfer: Cruise Port to Barcelona by Business Car: $86

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
    0.12
  • Local Bus
    0.00
  • Metro Ride
    0.00
  • Taxi to airport
    0.03
  • Taxi
    0.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • ONE WAY: Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Transfer to/from Buenos Aires City: $18
  • Private One-way Ezeiza Airport Transfer To/From Buenos Aires: $20
  • Private transfer Vehicle from Buenos Aires city to Ezeiza Airport: $20
  • Airport Transfer: Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) to Buenos Aires: $25
  • Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $25
  • Private AEP Jorge Newbery Airport Transfer To/From Buenos Aires: $28
  • 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 Shared EZE Airport Transfer: $30
  • Private Airport Transfer AEP Jorge New Berry to CAPITAL BA: $30
  • Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
  • Private Transfer Jorge Newbery Airport to Hotel in Buenos Aires: $32

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 33
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 3.03
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.

  • Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $21
  • Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $21
  • Walking Tour + Flamenco + Tapas Dinner (choose options): $27
  • Flamenco at El Patio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Tasty Barcelona Street Food Tour With Local Market Visit : $32
  • La Barceloneta: Tapas Food Tour: $37
  • Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $42
  • Boqueria Market & Barrio Gotico Street Food Tour: $56
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas 5-Course Pairing Dinner: $59
  • Paella Cooking Experience & Wine: $59
  • Paella Cooking Experience and Wine in Barcelona: $60

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
    0.15
  • Cake and Coffee
    0.49
  • Dinner
    1.76
  • Powerade
    0.11
  • Lunch
    0.78
  • Dinner
    1.13
  • Chocolate
    2.91

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.

  • 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
  • Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $37
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
  • Argentinian grilled pizza class in San Telmo: $40
  • Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $40
  • Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
  • Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50
  • Skip the Line Ticket for Tango Porteño Show with Dinner : $53
  • Tango Porteño Show with Private Transfers (with optional dinner): $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Barcelona 33
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 3.11
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:

  • Sagrada Familia: History&Legends Comedy Tour: $2.13
  • History & Legends Comedy Tour: Barcelona Gothic Quarter: $2.93
  • Barcelona Free Tour: Gaudi Highlights and La Sagrada Famila: $3.20
  • Escape Game and Tour: $3.20
  • Gothic Quarter Free Walking Tour in English: $3.20
  • Alternative Free Tour of the Raval: $3.20
  • Gaudí Free Tour in English: $3.20
  • Sagrada Familia Comedy Tour: $3.25
  • Barcelona Gothic Quarter: History&Legends Comedy Tour: $3.25
  • Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $3.25
  • Gaudí & Sagrada Familia Free Tour in English : $3.26
  • Barcelona Gaudi and Sagrada Familia Tour: $3.26

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
    0.02
  • Tango Class
    0.03
  • Bar entrance
    0.54

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
  • Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
  • Palermo Graffiti Tour: $10
  • Historical Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery: $15
  • True Crime Buenos Aires: A Walking Tour: $15
  • Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
  • Graffiti Tour: $15
  • Walking Tour La Boca: $15
  • Recoleta Cemetery Experience - Immersive Tour with Death: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Barcelona 17
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 1.68

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
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Nightlife Party Experience: $16
  • Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $16
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Free shot and VIP Entry: $16
  • Night Pub Crawl Tour in Barcelona: $16
  • Barcelona Bar Crawl: 4+ Venues, Free shots, Free Club Entry: $19
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Tour with Tasting: $21
  • Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $22
  • Nightlife Tour - Barcelona Bar Crawl with Flamingos: $23
  • Barcelona Bar Crawl: $26
  • Barcelona Halloween Bar Crawl: $27

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
    0.62

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:

  • Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $42
  • Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
  • Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
  • Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
  • Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
  • Private Asado and Wine Tasting in Argentina: $130


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)