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 Camping 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 $9.74, while the average daily cost in Cali is $24. 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 $3.92
    Cali $5.76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.84
    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 $1.49
    Cali $5.38
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 Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Downtown Hotel: $68
  • Transfer Buenos Aires Downtown Hotel transfer to International Airport (EZE): $68
  • Tango Show La Ventana only show exclusive with transfer: $76
  • Tango Porteño Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels In Buenos Aires: $70
  • Soccer Match in Buenos Aires with Transfers and Local Guide: $201
  • Small Group Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $172
  • Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $250
  • Rojo Tango Show Ticket with Private Transfers From Port & Hotels in Buenos Aires: $229
  • Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
  • Private transfer of connection between airports AEROPARQUE / EZEIZA or vice versa: $74
  • Private transfer from or to Jorge Newbery Airport "Aeroparque": $46
  • Private transfer from or to Ezeiza International Airport: $60

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cali

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


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cali

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

  • Airport Transfers Cali (per way): $33
  • Alfonso Aragon Airport CLO to Cali Palmira Arrival Transfer: $24
  • Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) to Cali/Palmira-RoundTrip Transfer: $49
  • 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 Tour Privado x3 horas con Transfers: $175
  • Cali Tour Privado x5 horas con Transfers: $241
  • Cali Tour Privado x8 horas con Transfers: $359
  • Cali to or from Buenaventura Private Transfer: $86
  • Cali to or from Coffee Region Private Transfer: $136
  • Cali to or from Coffee Region Private Transfer: $140
  • Cali/Palmira to Alfonso B.Aragon Airport (CLO) - Private Transfer: $24

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 $3.08
    Cali $8.20
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
    $0.04
  • Dinner (Sandwiches)
    $0.01
  • Sweets
    $0.01
  • Hot Dog
    $0.01
  • Breakfast (Take-Away)
    $0.01
  • Lunch for 2
    $0.16
  • Cake and Coffee
    $0.50
  • Dinner
    $1.78
  • Powerade
    $0.11
  • Lunch
    $0.79
  • Dinner
    $1.15
  • Chocolate
    $2.95

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 with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $39
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $42
  • La Ventana Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $46
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $46
  • Tango Show and Dinner at: Tango Porteño: $54
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $54
  • Mansion Tango Show And Dinner: $55
  • El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $55
  • Private Walking Tour & Argentinian pizzas Tasting: $58
  • Tango Show @ El Querandi with Optional Dinner: $59
  • Early Tango Dinner Show with Semi Private Transfer: $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cali

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

  • Street Food Tour: $21
  • Alameda Market Food Tour: $55
  • Flavors of Food tour at the local market: $59
  • Patio Santo Style Rumba Dinner: $168

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.16
    Cali $10
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
    $0.55

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: $47
  • 3-Hour Bike Tour Getting to Know the Best of Buenos Aires: $35
  • 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
  • 3-Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisian: $45
  • 5hs Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (optional street food): $35
  • 8 Hours Guided Bike Tour in Delta El Tigre: $140
  • A Back-Street Beer Brewing Tour of Buenos Aires: $137
  • Argentina Motorcycle tour Paseo Costanera Buenos Aires: $40
  • Argentine Football Graffiti of Messi and Maradona Tour: $85
  • Arrival by Luxury Van Buenos Aires Cruise Port to Buenos Aires: $58
  • BA Bike Tour: Elegance & Inequality Unveiled (Max. 6 People): $57

Tours and Activities in Cali

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

  • Shared Tour of the Historical and Cultural Center of Cali: $13
  • Gastronomic Tour at the Alameda Market Shared: $13
  • Cultural and heritage Cali tour: $15
  • Ceramic Workshop for Tourists: $17
  • Weed Tour: Cali's Cannabis culture and smoke spots: $30
  • The Cali Street Food Walking Tour: $30
  • RiCo Salsa Tour: Cali Real: $32
  • Coffee Tasting Experience in Cali Colombia : $35
  • Medicinal Plant Private Tour in La Galeria Alameda of Cali: $35
  • Walking tour of the historic center: $37
  • Afro Walking Tour. THE COLORS OF CALI.: $39
  • Craft beer tour in Cali: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.71
    Cali $8.12
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
    $0.63

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 and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $40
  • Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $42
  • Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
  • Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $48
  • BA: Wine tour with 5 tastings stops in the heart of Palermo: $49
  • Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $55
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Bodega Gamboa Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $85
  • Bodega Gamboa Premium Wine Tasting with Lunch: $85
  • Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98


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.