Which place is cheaper, La Serena 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 Serena?
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 Serena 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 Serena?
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 Serena
La Serena is a charming town in Northern Chile. It is Chile's second-oldest city and the thriving capital of Region IV. With its beautiful architecture, its long golden shoreline, dignified stone churches, tree-shaded avenues and pretty plazas, La Serena has everything you could ask for!
Chileans on holidays flood in the city in January and February, though it is fairly peaceful outside the summer rush. Some of the city's architecture is from the colonial era, but most is actually neocolonial thanks to president Gabriel Gonzalez Videla, born in La Serena, and her 'Plan Serena' of the late 1940s.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Camping Tours in Argentina, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Chile, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.74La Serena $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $9.74, while the average daily cost in La Serena is $89. 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 Serena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $3.92La Serena $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $7.84La Serena $86
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and La Serena
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or La Serena? 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 Serena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.49La Serena $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:
- Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City - ROUND TRIP: $266
- Transfer from EZEIZA or AEP Airport + Private City Tour: $210
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Port to Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE): $52
- Transfer from Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Cruise Terminal: $80
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires Port: $52
- Transfer between airports (EZE-AEP): $75
- Transfer Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Downtown Hotel: $68
- Transfer Buenos Aires Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal to Downtown Hotel : $44
- Transfer Airports-City Tours-Connections between airports-Airport Transfers //: $110
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or La Serena?
Prices for flights to both La Serena 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 $3.08La Serena $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$0.02
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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)$0.01
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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$0.50
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Dinner$1.78
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Powerade$0.11
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Lunch$0.79
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Dinner$1.15
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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 Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $35
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- Argentine Empanadas Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
- Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $45
- Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $45
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
- La Ventana Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $46
- Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $47
- Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $49
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting Experience: $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.16La Serena $24
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$0.55
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $47
- Premium Buenos Aires by Night Small-Group City Tour: $59
- Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $10
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
- 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
- 8-Hour Tour of the South Bank of the Río de la Plata: $200
- A Back-Street Beer Brewing Tour of Buenos Aires: $137
Tours and Activities in La Serena
For La Serena, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Full Day History and Flavors Tour in the Elqui Valley: $50
- Astronomical Tour Collowara Observatory: $64
- La Serena and Coquimbo City Tour (SIB): $66
- La Serena and Coquimbo Guided City Tour: $76
- Full day Tour to Elqui Valley : $80
- Elqui Valley Full Day Tour: magical towns, pisco and mountains: $85
- Spas and Beaches Tour: La Herradura -Totoralillo - Guanaqueros -Tongoy: $118
- Elqui Valley Tour from La Serena: $120
- La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour - Short Cruise Excursion : $128
- Tour to the internationally renowned Pangue Observatory: $135
- Dama Island or Chañaral Navigation Tour Humboldt Penguin Reserve: $135
- Tour to Valle del Encanto Archeology, Petroglyphs, Flora, Fauna and Springs: $140
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $1.71La Serena $23
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$0.63
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:
- Buenos Aires Pub Crawl: Techno Night: $22
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $42
- Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $42
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
- Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $48
- Wine tour with 5 tastings in the heart of Buenos Aires: $49
- Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending Experience: $55
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown : $56
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and La Serena, we can see that La Serena 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 Serena would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Serena 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 Serena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or La Serena?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of La Serena. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and La Serena, 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 Serena?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or La Serena in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as La Serena.
In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally a little warmer than La Serena. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 25°C (77°F), and La Serena fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Serena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than La Serena. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Serena receives 247 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in January than La Serena. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)La Serena 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or La Serena in the Autumn?
Both La Serena and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is a little warmer than La Serena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and La Serena fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than La Serena during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while La Serena receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than La Serena. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)La Serena 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or La Serena in the Winter?
Both La Serena and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the winter are popular places to visit.
In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as La Serena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in July average around 12°C (53°F), and La Serena averages at about 12°C (54°F).
In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets less sunshine than La Serena. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Serena receives 160 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in July than La Serena. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)La Serena 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or La Serena in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and La Serena.
In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally a little warmer than La Serena. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (64°F), and La Serena fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than La Serena during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while La Serena receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than La Serena. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while La Serena receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)La Serena 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for La Serena and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | La Serena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.