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

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cali?

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 Cali 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 Cali?

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.

Cali

Cali is Colombia's third largest city. Founded in 1536, can be explored on foot: walk under the shade of trees along the riverbank, admire the architecture of churches and other national monuments, and visit the city's many museums. Being the salsa capital of the world, Cali is primarily a destination for salsa and party but it also offers some great days out in the nearby natural surroundings. In Cali, travelers can enjoy music festivals, learn about sugarcane farming, and take in the mountainous landscapes.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bogota, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Colombia.


Which place is cheaper, Cali 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 Cali is $25. 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 Cali in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.13
    Cali $6.16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.26
    Cali $12
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Cali

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


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 Cali Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58
    Cali $5.76
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:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires APT-HTL (EZA): $36
  • Transfer from Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Cruise Terminal: $80
  • Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal to International Airport (EZE): $80
  • Transfer between airports (EZE-AEP): $70
  • Transfer Buenos Aires Downtown Hotel transfer to International Airport (EZE): $68
  • Tango Show in Aljibe - No transfers: $75
  • Tango Porteño Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels In Buenos Aires: $70
  • Soccer Match in Buenos Aires with Transfers and Local Guide: $160
  • Small Group Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $169
  • Skip the line Boca Juniors & River Plate Stadium and Museum tour with transfer: $196
  • Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $250
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $40

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cali

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


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $1.02

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cali

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

  • Airport Transfers Cali (per way): $35
  • Alfonso Airport CLO to Cali or Palmira Hotels Arrival Transfer: $24
  • Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) to Cali/Palmira-RoundTrip Transfer: $48
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Cali Airport CLO to Cali City by Minivan: $102
  • Arrival Transfer from Cali Airport CLO to Cali City by MiniSuv: $98
  • Cali to Popayan Private Transfer: $272
  • Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airpot One Way Transfer: $19
  • City Highlights Private Bus Tour with Transfer: $152
  • National Park Waterfalls Tour with Lunch & Transfer: $117
  • From Cali Airport: One-way Privater Transfer to Cali: $58
  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport : $17
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Cali Airport (CLO) - Cali City: $51

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

Prices for flights to both Cali 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 $3.25
    Cali $8.77
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)
    $0.02
  • 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
    $0.53
  • Dinner
    $1.88
  • Powerade
    $0.12
  • Lunch
    $0.83
  • Dinner
    $1.21
  • Chocolate
    $3.12

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.

  • 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
  • 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 Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $54
  • Argentine Cooking Experience in Palermo: $55
  • Early Tango Dinner Show with Semi Private Transfer: $59
  • Dinner or Lunch on Grill Revire By Grupo Summa: $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cali

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

  • Alameda Market Cali Food Tour: $14
  • Street Food Tour: $21
  • Alameda Market Food Tour: $55
  • Flavors of Food tour at the local market: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34
    Cali $11
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
    $0.58

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $59
  • 1-hour Paramotor Experience in Buenos Aires Argentina: $100
  • 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
  • 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
  • 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70
  • 5hs Premium Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires: $55
  • @argentinahighlights Private City Tour in Buenos Aires: $120
  • A Back-Street Beer Brewing Tour of Buenos Aires: $123
  • Alternative Private City Tour: Buenos Aires for second time visitors: $99
  • Argentine Asado by Maru. Private experience in Buenos Aires: $150
  • Argentine Women Bike Tour: $40
  • Arrival from Buenos Aires Cruise Port to Buenos Aires by Sedan: $38

Tours and Activities in Cali

For Cali, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Gastronomic Tour at the Alameda Market Shared: $13
  • Salsa, Urban Art & Resistance Tour in Cali: $13
  • Cali Salsa & Resistance Street Art Tour: $14
  • Cali's Cultural and Historical Walking Tour: $14
  • Walking Tour in the Historic Center of Cali City: $25
  • The Cali Street Food Walking Tour: $30
  • Cali Bike Tour: $32
  • Private half day tour in Siloé Cali: $35
  • Coffee Tasting Experience in Cali Colombia : $35
  • Walking Tour: $35
  • Medicinal Plant Private Tour in La Galeria Alameda of Cali: $35
  • Walking tour of the historic center: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.81
    Cali $8.68
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
    $0.67

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
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
  • Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
  • Wine Tour to Colonia Del Sacramento Uruguay: $147
  • Bodega Gamboa Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $169
  • Customizable Private City Tour of Buenos Aires + Wine Tasting: $229


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


Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Cali?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cali. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Cali, 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.