Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Beijing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Beijing 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 Beijing 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: Beijing or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Camping Tours in Argentina.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeijing $77Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.30
The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $77, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $9.30. 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 Beijing and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeijing $40Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.74
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeijing $80Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.48
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Looking for a hotel in Beijing 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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beijing $7.86Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.43
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
-
Taxi$4.80
-
Train from Airport for Two$7.04
-
Taxi to Hotel$8.45
-
2 Metro Passes$2.25
-
Metro$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Jinshanling Great Wall Self-hiking Tour by Private Transfer Service : $98
- Private English Transfer to Shilin Gorge Platform And Ming City Wall : $140
- Private One-Way Transfer Between Beijing Railway Station and Hotel: $30
- Private Transfer to Daxing International Airport : $35
- 1 Day Pass for Universal Beijing and Private Transfer Package: $265
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Private Tour: Forbidden City with Round Airport transfers: $198
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with Round Airport Transfers: $208
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
- 1-Way Private Transfer between Beijing Airport and City Hotels: $35
- 4-Hour Huanghuacheng Great Wall Sunset Tour with Airport Transfer: $160
- Acrobatic Show at Red Theater With Private Transfer: $45
- Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $75
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$0.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Aljibe Tango Earlier Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels Buenos Aires: $85
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Business Car: $119
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $129
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $116
- Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $119
- Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $146
- Arrival Transfer Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires City by Sedan: $46
- Best Tango Show with Private Transfer: $92
- Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $146
- Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE in Luxury Van: $146
- Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport Transfer with English speaking driver: $34
- Buenos Aires Private Tour + Transfer to Airport: $198
Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Beijing 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 dayBeijing $20Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.94
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
-
Popcorn$0.84
-
Hot Pot Dinner$7.04
-
Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.82
-
Watermelon$1.97
-
Peking Duck Dinner for 2$17
-
Two Popsicles$0.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour with Beer and Tastings: $75
- Beijing Gulou Night Market Food Tour: $75
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
- Beijing Hutong Neighborhood: Food and Dinner Tour: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Center Beijing: $81
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$0.48
-
Dinner$1.70
-
Powerade$0.10
-
Lunch$0.75
-
Dinner$1.10
-
Chocolate$2.82
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 Cooking Class: $35
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $37
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- BA: Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- Madero Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $40
- Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $43
- Madero Tango Show with Optional Transfers and Dinner : $45
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $46
- Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $49
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo: $49
- BA: Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo: $49
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $54
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beijing $25Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.02
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.45
-
Two Opera Tickets$60
-
Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.85
-
Forbidden City (for 2)$17
-
Forbidden City Tickets$17
-
Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tiananmen Square Ticket Fast and Smooth: $4.99
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Temple of Heaven Tickets Booking: $6.50
- Beijing Lama Temple Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $7.00
- Temple of Earth ticket; Serene, Majestic, Ancient: $7.19
- Confucius Temple and the Impercial College E-ticket: $7.20
- Beijing：Jingshan Park (Palace Museum Garden) Ticket: $7.34
- Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $7.88
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $7.88
- The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Entrance Ticket: $8.00
- Agent ticket booking service: Temple of heaven: $8.00
- Summer Palace Ticket: $8.80
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$0.52
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
- Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
- Palermo Graffiti Tour: $10
- La Boca Walking Tour: $13
- Private Tour of Plaza de Mayo and San Telmo.: $14
- Buenos Aires Shopping Tour: $15
- Historical Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery: $15
- Graffiti Tour: $15
- The funny Recoleta Cemetery audio tour that historians will hate : $20
- BA Street Art Walking Tour - Small Shared Group : $21
- Half Day Walking Tour Discovering Palermo Soho & Graffiti in Buenos Aires: $25
- San Telmo Walking Tour: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeijing $12Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.63
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
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$0.60
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 and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $40
- BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $49
- Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $51
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
- Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $65
- Bodega Gamboa Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $85
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $99
- Buenos Aires Urban Art and Wine Tour: $233
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing 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 Beijing Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beijing or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Beijing. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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 Beijing 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 Beijing has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Beijing or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It's quite rainy in Beijing. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 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 JanuaryBeijing 27°C (80°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Beijing during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
Beijing is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the autumn, Beijing often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 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 AprilBeijing 14°C (56°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. In the winter, Beijing is much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 12°C (53°F)in July.
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 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 JulyBeijing -4°C (26°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Beijing is generally cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the spring, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 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 OctoberBeijing 14°C (57°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Beijing
| Beijing | Buenos Aires, Argentina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.