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

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Isla Mujeres?

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 Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres?

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.

Isla Mujeres

About eight miles from the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Mujeres is an island in the Mexican Caribbean Sea. The town, of the same name, has a population of about 13,000. Tourism has grown in the area since the 1970s and today it is a significant part of the island's economy. As such, there are plenty of amenities that cater specifically to visitors. The island's proximity to Cuba make it a common transit point for Cubans in route to the United States.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres is $148. 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 Isla Mujeres in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.13
    Isla Mujeres $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.26
    Isla Mujeres $156
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Isla Mujeres

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Isla Mujeres? 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 Isla Mujeres


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 Isla Mujeres Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58
    Isla Mujeres $35
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:

  • One Way Private AEP Airport Transfer to Buenos Aires: $15
  • ONE WAY: Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Transfer to/from Buenos Aires City: $18
  • Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $25
  • Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 30 USD: $30
  • Private Airport Transfer AEP Jorge New Berry to CAPITAL BA: $30
  • Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
  • Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
  • Private Transfer from Jorge Newbery Airport to Downtown Area: $35
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires APT-HTL (EZA): $36
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private SUV Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $39
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $40
  • Private Transfer from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) to Buenos Aires: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Isla Mujeres

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Isla Mujeres:

  • Private Transfer: Playa Mujeres to Cancun Airport CUN in SUV: $123

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

Prices for flights to both Isla Mujeres 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
    Isla Mujeres $46
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.

  • 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $39
  • Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
  • Argentinian grilled pizza class in San Telmo: $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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34
    Isla Mujeres $21
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:

  • Palermo Soho for curious people Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
  • La Boca Walking Tour: $13
  • Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
  • Historical Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery: $15
  • Walking Tour La Boca: $15
  • Graffiti Tour: $15
  • True Crime Buenos Aires: A Walking Tour: $15
  • Recoleta Cemetery Experience - Immersive Tour with the Death: $16

Tours and Activities in Isla Mujeres

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Isla Mujeres are as follows:

  • Excursion Crystal Boat Tour at the Caribbean: $35
  • Tour Isla Mujeres excursion in Collective Transparent Boat: $37
  • Crystal Boat Tour to Isla Mujeres and Reefs: $43
  • Snorkel Tour at Musa and Manchones Reef: $45
  • Clear Boat Tour "La Isla": $47
  • Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Adventure at the Underwater Museum: $47
  • Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour Adventure: $49
  • Snorkel Experience in Underwater Museum: $52
  • Cancun: Isla Mujeres 12 pm Catamaran Tour with Snorkeling: $59
  • UNDER WATER MUSEUM CANCUN SNORKEL ISLA MUJERES - Experience with Ticket: $65
  • Cancun Jungle Kingdom Adventure ATV, Zipline and Cenote : $70
  • Sunrise Snorkeling Experience in Cancun: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.81
    Isla Mujeres $25
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:

  • Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $30
  • Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
  • Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $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
  • Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $56
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
  • Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79

Sample the Local Flavors in Isla Mujeres

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

  • Isla Mujeres Golf Cart Bar Crawl : $175


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Isla Mujeres, we can see that Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Isla Mujeres?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 1050 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Isla Mujeres, 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.