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

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Calgary?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Calgary 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: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Calgary?

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.

Calgary

Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and, located at the edge of the prairie and foothills, it is a gateway to the Rocky Mountains. If you're headed to Banff or Jasper, this is likely to be your first stop. It's also Canada's fourth largest city and worth a few days visit. Calgary's economy is diverse, but includes energy, financial services, film and television, transportation, technology, manufacturing, and much more.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, while the average daily cost in Calgary is $156. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Calgary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.07
    Calgary $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.14
    Calgary $148
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Calgary

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Calgary? 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina


Hotels in Calgary


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 and Calgary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.55
    Calgary $13
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:

  • Ezeiza Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $75
  • Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $26
  • Airport Transfer: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires : $40
  • 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: $80
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $124
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $109
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $140
  • Arrival Transfer Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires City by Sedan: $46
  • Best Tango Show with Private Transfer: $102
  • Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $44
  • Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:

  • Alberta Transfer: Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary: $67
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Business Car: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Luxury Van: $128
  • Banff To Calgary Airport - Private Transfer: $365
  • Banff to Calgary Airport | Private Transfer: $190
  • Calgary Air to Fairmont/Radium Hot Springs Round-Trip Transfer: $295
  • Calgary Airport (YYC) to Banff | Private Transfer: $185
  • Calgary Airport (YYC) to Lake Louise | Private Transfer: $235
  • Calgary Airport to Banff Thermal Resorts Private Arrival Transfer: $139
  • Calgary Airport to Banff | Private Transfer: $190
  • Calgary Airport to Canmore | Private Transfer: $177
  • Calgary Airport to Fairmont/Radium Hot Springs Arrival Transfer: $147

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

Prices for flights to both Calgary and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.19
    Calgary $31
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

Typical Food Prices in Calgary

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:


  • Bread, Chips, Cheese
    $8.16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary

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

  • Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.28
    Calgary $16
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:

  • Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
  • La Boca Walking Tour: $13
  • Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
  • True Crime Buenos Aires: A Walking Tour: $15
  • Bike tour through the La Boca neighborhood. Tango, Football and Art: $15
  • Walking Tour La Boca: $15
  • Graffiti Tour: $15
  • Palermo Soho for curious people Walking Tour: $20

Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary

Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Stampede Admission (for 2)
    $22

Tours and Activities in Calgary

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

  • Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.11
  • Bow River Trail Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.11
  • Downtown Calgary a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.19
  • 3-Hour Tips Based Walking Tour of Calgary: $5.46
  • 3-hour Tips-Based City Walking Tour: $6.58
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Rocky Mountains: Smartphone Driving and Walking Audio Tours: $15
  • Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $22
  • Heritage Park Historical Village Admission Ticket: $26
  • Calgary self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt: $38
  • Sheep & Spirits: Diamond Valley Hiking Experience: $39
  • 3-Hour Sightseeing Bus Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.78
    Calgary $11
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

Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary

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

  • Calgary Brewery and Wine Tours at Award Winning Venues: $83
  • Calgary Brewery Tour: $89


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


Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Calgary?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Calgary. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Calgary, 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.