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

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or La Paz?

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 Paz 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 Paz?

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 Paz

La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, has a breathtaking setting. The city is the highest national capital in the world, with an altitude ranging from about 4,058 m (13,313 ft) above sea level in El Alto, where the airport is located, to 3,100 m (10,170 ft) in the lower residential area. The dynamic and chaotic city was built in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River. La Paz is now a fusion of architectural styles, cultures and beliefs, welcoming everyday new boutique hotels, modern shops, delicious restaurants and reinventing standing establishments. However, generally speaking, Bolivia remains more a backpacker hit than a mainstream tourist destination.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best Luxury Tours to Bolivia, and The Best Budget Tours to Bolivia.


Which place is cheaper, La Paz 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 La Paz is $44. 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 Paz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.13
    La Paz $16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.26
    La Paz $32
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and La Paz

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or La Paz? 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 La Paz


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 Paz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58
    La Paz $9.45
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
  • Transfers from or to the airport In Argentina Your Best Choice: $83
  • Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City - ROUND TRIP: $261
  • 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 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: $160
  • Small Group Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $169

Typical Local Transportation Prices in La Paz

Some typical examples of transportation costs in La Paz are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

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

  • Airport Transfer In_ Day: $25
  • Airport Transfer In_night: $47
  • Airport Transfer Out_day: $25
  • Bus Station Transfer In_day: $25
  • Airport to City Center Hotel Private Transfer: $29
  • Private Transfer Airport to Hotels Service 24/7: $21
  • One-Way Private Transfer from La Paz Hotels to Airport : $27
  • Private Departure Transfer: La Paz Hotels to El Alto International Airport: $37
  • Private Transfer From Airport to Hotel in La Paz City: $60
  • Private Transfer From Bus Station to Hotel in La Paz City : $68
  • Private Transfer From Bus Station to your Hotel in La Paz City : $54
  • Private Transfer From Hotel to Airport in La Paz City : $68

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

Prices for flights to both La Paz 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
    La Paz $17
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 Private Transfers (with optional dinner): $54

Typical Food Prices in La Paz

For La Paz, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Fruit
    $0.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

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

  • La Paz Food Tour + Cable Car Cultural City tour: $45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34
    La Paz $16
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
  • Private Full Day City Tour by Iconic Buenos Aires: $290
  • Small group Yerba Mate Experience with snacks: $35
  • 1-hour Paramotor Experience in Buenos Aires Argentina: $100
  • 100% Gaucho Experience in a Traditional Estancia: $239
  • 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
  • 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
  • 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
  • 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

Tours and Activities in La Paz

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

  • Walking city tour La Paz: $2.66
  • La Paz Half-Day Walking Tour: $3.00
  • Be a Local - La Paz Walking Tour: $8.00
  • City Walking Tour in La Paz: $8.00
  • City Tour plus Cable Car La Paz: $10
  • La Paz Walking City tour plus Cable cars: $10
  • Live Virtual City Tour - La Paz : $10
  • Private Sunset Tour in La Paz: $10
  • City Highlights Walking Tour with Cable Car Ride: $10
  • Gastronomic Tour Vivencial Tour de las Caseras: $13
  • Private Cable Car City Tour: $18
  • Cable Car, Cemetery, Shaman, and El Alto Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.81
    La Paz $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:


  • 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
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
  • Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
  • Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
  • Private Asado and Wine Tasting in Argentina: $130

Sample the Local Flavors in La Paz

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in La Paz:

  • Cultural Pub Crawl La Paz Nightlife Tour : $50


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


Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or La Paz?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and La Paz, 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.