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

Should you visit Budapest or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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 Budapest and Buenos Aires, Argentina can help you decide which place is right for you.

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

Budapest

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. It has been called the "Paris of the East" because of its impressive architecture and general beauty. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 because of its cultural importance, its location on the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrassy Avenue. In addition to its rich history, Budapest still has a young vibe with a lot of energy. There's an active night life, an impressive music scene, and a good reputation with European youth.

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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Budapest is $91, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10. 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 Budapest and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Budapest $50
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.07
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Budapest $100
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.14
Compare Hotels in Budapest and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Looking for a hotel in Budapest 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 Budapest


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

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Budapest $11
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $7.05
  • Metro Pass
    $3.87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest

Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bucharest - Romania to Budapest - Hungary /Private Transfer: $1,190
  • Budapest - Bük Transfer: $153
  • Budapest - Debrecen Transfer: $168
  • Budapest - Hungary to Bucharest - Romania /Private Transfer: $1,298
  • Budapest - Pécs Transfer: $150
  • Budapest Airport BUD Arrival Private Transfer to Budapest City: $90
  • Budapest Airport Private Luxury Transfer by a Mercedes Benz S Class: $120
  • Budapest Airport Transfer: $55
  • Budapest Airport Transfer - Round trip to and from Liszt Ferenc Airport: $78
  • Budapest Airport Transfer - return (arrival & departure) with discount: $51
  • Budapest Airport Transfer: Budapest Airport BUD to Budapest City in Business Car: $75
  • Budapest Airport Transfer: Budapest City to Budapest Airport BUD in Business Car: $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
    $0.13
  • 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:

  • Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City - ROUND TRIP: $263
  • Rojo Tango Show with private transfers in Buenos Aires: $259
  • Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $250
  • Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
  • Rojo Tango Show: Skip the Line Ticket including Private Transfer: $250
  • Ministro Pistarini Airport to Gualeguaychú Round Trip Transfer: $241
  • Rojo Tango Show Ticket with Private Transfers From Port & Hotels in Buenos Aires: $229
  • Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $222
  • Transfer from EZEIZA or AEP Airport + Private City Tour: $210
  • Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
  • LOCAL AIRPORT TRANSFER (AEP) ROUND TRIP with english speaking driver: $200
  • Private Transfer Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) In Buenos Aires: $185

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

Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Budapest 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
    Budapest $23
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.19
Typical Food Prices in Budapest

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:


  • Lunch
    $3.44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer: $45
  • Pizza & Beer Downtown Budapest Cruise: $46
  • Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $52
  • Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks: $53
  • Vegan Hungarian Food Tour / Local delights: $57
  • Private Street Food Tour: $59
  • Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music: $74
  • Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music: $75
  • Chefparade Cooking School_ Hungarian menu: $79
  • Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne: $86
  • Lángos (Hungary’s nr1 streetfood) cooking class: $87
  • Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music: $91

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
    $0.03
  • Cup of Coffee
    $0.01
  • Empandas
    $0.02
  • Espresso
    $0.01
  • Dinner (Pizza)
    $0.01
  • Ice Cream
    $0.01
  • Breakfast at Airport
    $0.04
  • Dinner (Sandwiches)
    $0.01
  • Sweets
    $0.01
  • Hot Dog
    $0.01
  • Breakfast (Take-Away)
    $0.01
  • Lunch for 2
    $0.16
  • Cake and Coffee
    $0.52
  • Dinner
    $1.85
  • Powerade
    $0.11
  • Lunch
    $0.82
  • Dinner
    $1.19
  • Chocolate
    $3.07

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 Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
  • 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
  • Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $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
  • Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending: $49
  • La Ventana Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $49
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Budapest $22
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance to the Baths for Two
    $6.91

Tours and Activities in Budapest

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Free Tour Budapest Essential in Spanish: $3.26
  • Guided Tour in Budapest Castle District: $3.28
  • Welcome to Budapest Walking Tour: $3.28
  • Original Budapest Walking Tour: $3.28
  • Communist History Evening Walking Tour of Budapest: $3.28
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Buda Castle: $5.46
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.92
  • Escape Game and Tour: $5.92
  • Historical Heroes & Hot Spa Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Discovering Budapest's hot pools and heroes: a self-guided audio tour: $5.99
  • TOP 10 Budapest- City Tour : $6.00

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)
    $0.04
  • Movie Ticket
    $0.02
  • Tango Class
    $0.03
  • Bar entrance
    $0.57

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • 2x1: Día de Campo + Tour Nocturno en Buenos Aires: $220
  • Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $59
  • Premium Buenos Aires by Night Small-Group City Tour: $59
  • Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
  • Small group Yerba Mate Experience with snacks: $35
  • 1-hour Paramotor Experience in Buenos Aires Argentina: $100
  • 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
  • 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
  • 3-Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisian: $45
  • 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70
  • 5hs Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (optional street food): $35
  • @argentinahighlights Private City Tour in Buenos Aires: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Budapest $18
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.78

Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest

Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $22
  • The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots: $22
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
  • Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $29
  • Detective Pub Crawl Game by App: $38
  • 8-Tier Hungarian Wine Tasting in a Cozy Downtown Wine Bar: $39
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
  • Drunken History Bar Crawl Tour with Local Drinks: $42
  • Private Wine Tasting in Budapest: $50
  • Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest: $50

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
    $0.65

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:

  • Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $30
  • Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
  • Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of 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
  • Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $70
  • Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79


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


Which is Bigger, Budapest or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Budapest. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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 Budapest 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 Budapest has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

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

The summer brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Many travelers come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Budapest is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the summer. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. In the summer, Budapest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Budapest usually gets less rain in July than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Budapest 21°C (70°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)

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

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Budapest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Budapest is much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Budapest in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during autumn. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In October, Budapest usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Budapest 12°C (53°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)

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

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Budapest during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Budapest can be very cold during winter. In January, Budapest is generally much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around -1°C (31°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in January than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Budapest -1°C (31°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The spring months attract visitors to Budapest because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Budapest is much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the spring. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during spring. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun in the spring.

Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Budapest usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Budapest 12°C (53°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Budapest

Budapest Buenos Aires, Argentina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)