Which place is cheaper, Koh Tao or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Koh Tao?
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 Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao?
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.
Koh Tao
With a name that literally means, "Turtle Island," Koh Tao, Thailand is the type of vacation spot divers dream of. There is the faintest current and a buffet of dive sites and shops.
This tiny island hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, but take not that there are no garbage disposal facilities. Everything that can't be burnt needs to be taken from the island. Avoid plastic bags, and don't dump your trash in the open landscape (then again, why would you?) because there are no departments for road clean up. Water and electricity on the island are scarce, so use them wisely.
Keep in mind that monsoon season from November to January so you may be faced with constant rain for days at a time in those months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.
-
Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesKoh Tao Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $59Koh Tao $49
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $59, while the average daily cost in Koh Tao is $49. 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 Koh Tao in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $42Koh Tao $16
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $84Koh Tao $32
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Koh Tao
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Koh Tao? 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.
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 Koh Tao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.20Koh Tao $9.76
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- 8hr Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $296
- Gaucho Day: Estancia with Private Transfer: $264
- Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $260
- Rojo Tango Show: Skip the Line Ticket including Private Transfer: $260
- Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
- Gaucho Day: Areco Town & Estancia with Private Transfer: $249
- Private Transfer Aeroparque J. Newbery Airport In Buenos Aires: $245
- Private Transfer Cruise Port In Buenos Aires: $233
- Executive Van Transfer: Ezeiza Airport (EZE) – Buenos Aires: $210
- Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
- Personalized Airport Transfers in Buenos Aires: $200
- Transfer Airports-Cruise Port: $190
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Tao
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Tao:
-
Motorbike Rental$5.83
-
Chumpon to Koh Tao Ferry$20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Tao
Also for Koh Tao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Convenient Catamaran and Bus Transfer from Koh Tao to Krabi: $63
- Koh Tao to Krabi High Speed Catamaran with Bus Transfer: $56
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Koh Tao?
Prices for flights to both Koh Tao 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 dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $7.95Koh Tao $18
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.
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $28
- Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $35
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $40
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
- BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo: $43
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
- BA: Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo: $49
- Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $49
Typical Food Prices in Koh Tao
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Tao:
-
Sit Down Lunch (for One)$6.14
-
Breakfast$4.60
-
Casual Breakfast (for Two)$3.68
-
Fancy Dinner (for Two)$15
-
Pancake$2.15
-
American Breakfast (for Two)$8.60
-
Dinner at Bam Bam (for Two)$8.29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class with Sea View from Koh Tao: $63
- Memorable Thai Cooking Class with Stunning View from Koh Tao: $67
- Koh Tao Private Rooftop Thai Cooking Class with Scenic View: $218
- Private Thai Cooking Class at Rooftop Kitchen on Koh Tao: $255
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $32Koh Tao $30
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food): $300
- 2 Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisina: $43
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market: $13
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $160
- 5 Hour Private Driving and Walking Tour of Buenos Aires: $185
- 5hs Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (Optional Street Food): $54
- @argentinahighlights City LGBTQ tour: $150
- Adventure in Parque de la Costa: $95
- Argentina Polo Experience by La Guapeada Polo: $267
- Argentine Asado by Maru. Private experience in Buenos Aires: $140
- Argentine Football Graffiti of Messi and Maradona Tour: $120
- Argentine Women Bike Tour: $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Kayak Rental (One Hour)$7.67
-
Snorkel Rental$3.07
-
Kayak and Snorkel (2)$3.07
Tours and Activities in Koh Tao
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Tao.
- No Rush Morning & Afternoon 5 Stop Snorkeling tour for Koh Tao: $28
- Snorkelling Trip 5 Island Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nang yuan: $29
- 5 Islands Full-Day Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan: $30
- Ko Tao: Ko Nangyuan & Hidden Bays Snorkeling Tour with Lunch: $30
- Koh Tao Top Crystal Clear Snorkeling Day Tour by Big Boat: $30
- Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao 5 Point Snorkeling Tour: $31
- Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao: $31
- Snorkel Tour to Koh Nangyuan and the hidden bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $33
- Koh Tao's First Light Snorkel Adventure with Oxygen Tours: $36
- Koh Tao Snorkeling Tour to Hidden Bays and Koh Nang Yuan: $42
- Premium Snorkel Tour to the Bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $46
- CocoTipAdventures and Snorkel with Meals-BBQs-Cocktail-Sunset: $53
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.69Koh Tao $8.04
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:
- Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $35
- Exclusive Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $42
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $60
- Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $65
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $78
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
- Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
- Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown: $97
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Tao
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Tao from other travelers:
-
Beer$2.00
-
Bottle of Wine$11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Koh Tao, we can see that Buenos Aires, Argentina is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South America and Koh Tao is in Asia, 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 Koh Tao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tao 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Buenos Aires, Argentina than you might in Koh Tao.
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 Koh Tao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Koh Tao?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 9460 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Koh Tao, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Koh Tao?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Tao experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Koh Tao in the Summer?
Both Koh Tao and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Koh Taoin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun.
Koh Tao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in January than Koh Taoin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Koh Tao in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Koh Tao. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F)in October.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Koh Tao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Koh Taoin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, October and November is the rainy season in Koh Tao.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Koh Tao in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Koh Tao. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.
In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much colder than Koh Taoin January. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 12°C (53°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets less sunshine than Koh Taoin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in July than Koh Taoin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)Koh Tao 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Koh Tao in the Spring?
Both Koh Tao and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Koh Tao. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Koh Taoin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Koh Tao is February to June.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)Koh Tao 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Koh Tao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 380 mm (15 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.