Which place is cheaper, La Fortuna or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or La Fortuna?
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 La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna?
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.
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is in San Carlos, in the province of Alajuela. It is the closest town to Arenal Volcano, and the area is often simply refered to as Arenal. The volcano itself is active and has been constantly erupting since 1968. It erupts on average 41 times a day. This area of northern Costa Rica is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $10La Fortuna $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, while the average daily cost in La Fortuna is $104. 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 La Fortuna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $4.13La Fortuna $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $8.26La Fortuna $102
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and La Fortuna
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or La Fortuna? 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 La Fortuna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58La Fortuna $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Taxi from Airport$0.13
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Local Bus$0.00
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Metro Ride$0.00
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Taxi to airport$0.03
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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 La Fortuna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Fortuna:
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Arenal La Fortuna San Carlos: $42
- Arenal La Fortuna to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $63
- Arenal lake boat transfer from to Monteverde from La Fortuna: $60
- Costa Rica Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) -Arrival Private Transfer: $189
- Direct Transfer From La Fortuna to San Jose, English Speaking Driver: $153
- From La Fortuna/La Palma: Private Transfer to Tamarindo: $280
- From Lake Arenal Kayaking Trip with Transfer: $90
- From Monteverde: 2 Day Hike in Fortuna with Hotel Transfer: $160
- From San Jose Airport To Arenal - La Fortuna - PRIVATE TRANSFER: $295
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Guapiles: $213
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Liberia or LIR Airport: $187
- La Fortuna de Arenal: Transfer to Manuel Antonio or Quepos: $320
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or La Fortuna?
Prices for flights to both La Fortuna 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
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Food Meals for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $3.25La Fortuna $27
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Lunch$0.03
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Cup of Coffee$0.01
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Empandas$0.02
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Espresso$0.01
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Dinner (Pizza)$0.02
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Ice Cream$0.01
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Breakfast at Airport$0.04
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Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
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Sweets$0.01
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Hot Dog$0.01
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Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
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Lunch for 2$0.16
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Cake and Coffee$0.53
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Dinner$1.88
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Powerade$0.12
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Lunch$0.83
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Dinner$1.21
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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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Fortuna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.
- 2 Hours Private Cooking Class in La Fortuna: $38
- Organic Farm Visit & Farm-to-Table Cooking Class: $45
- Cooking Class and Sugar Cane Experience: $45
- Typical Costa Rican Cooking Classes in La Fortuna: $48
- Costa Rica Cooking, El Fogon de Chela: $50
- Costa Rican cuisine Cooking Class at Rancho Don Lelo: $60
- Cooking Class "Cook Like a Local" La Fortuna: $63
- Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner from La Fortuna: $65
- 3-Hour Costa Rican Cooking Class with Dinner: $68
- Private typical cooking class with a Costa Rican family: $70
- Private cooking class in organic farm at La Fortuna: $75
- Ceviche & Empanadas Cooking Class: $77
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34La Fortuna $44
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:
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Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.04
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Movie Ticket$0.02
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Tango Class$0.03
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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 La Fortuna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Fortuna are as follows:
- Two Destinations Tour - La Fortuna Top Destinations : $20
- Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket: $20
- Arenal Volcano Hike Experience (not guide included): $23
- Arenal Observatory Trails Admission Ticket: $29
- San Carlos: The Art of Chocolate Making Tour at Don Olivo: $30
- 1-Hour Private Sloth Tour in the Rainforest from Costa Rica: $30
- Private Sloth and Monkey Wildlife Tour: $30
- Rainforest Chocolate Tour: $30
- arenal fortuna city tour: $30
- Don Olivo Chocolate Tour: $30
- Sloth Tour: $30
- Night tour through the Tropical Forest at Tifakara : $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $1.81La Fortuna $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:
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Beer$0.01
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Beer (0.66L)$0.02
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Cocktail$0.03
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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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and La Fortuna, we can see that La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna is in Central 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 La Fortuna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or La Fortuna?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 4340 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and La Fortuna, 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 La Fortuna?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but La Fortuna experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or La Fortuna in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and La Fortuna. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than La Fortuna in the summer. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than La Fortuna during summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
La Fortuna receives a lot of rain in the summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than La Fortunain July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)La Fortuna 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or La Fortuna in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as La Fortuna. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.
In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than La Fortuna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in April average around 18°C (65°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than La Fortunain October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in La Fortuna. Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in April than La Fortunain October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or La Fortuna in the Winter?
Both La Fortuna and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much colder than La Fortunain January. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 12°C (53°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in La Fortuna. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than La Fortuna during winter. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than La Fortunain January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or La Fortuna in the Spring?
Both La Fortuna and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than La Fortuna in the spring. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in April.
In La Fortuna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets less sunshine than La Fortunain April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in October than La Fortunain April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)La Fortuna 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | La Fortuna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.