Which place is cheaper, Leon 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 Leon?
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 Leon 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 Leon?
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.
Leon
Leon is one of the oldest city's in Nicaragua and you can see hints of its colonial past in the architecture around town. Tourism is not a major part of the economy in Leon, but the city is gaining popularity with budget travelers and backpackers and more recently tour groups are including Leon in their itinerary.
With a population of just over 200,000, Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua, after Managua. During the university season the population grows dramatically as there is a heavy presence of students in Leon. It is a popular university town, and this young population gives the city plenty of energy and entertainment.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $10Leon $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, while the average daily cost in Leon is $59. 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 Leon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $4.13Leon $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $8.26Leon $32
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Leon
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Leon? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58Leon $1.51
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:
- Ezeiza Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $75
- Airport Transfer Buenos Aires (to/from Ezeiza & Aeroparque): $90
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $25
- Aljibe Tango Earlier Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels Buenos Aires: $85
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Business Car: $80
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $124
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $112
- Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $108
- Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $139
- Arrival Transfer Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires City by Sedan: $46
- Best Tango Show with Private Transfer: $102
- Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $44
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Leon?
Prices for flights to both Leon 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 $3.25Leon $12
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 Leon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.
- Tlakualli Food Tour: $19
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34Leon $5.81
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 Leon
Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $35
- Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
- Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
- Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
- Volcano Boarding Private Tour : $84
- Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
- Telica Sunset Tour : $93
- Horseback Riding Private Tour : $103
- Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
- Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
- 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $163
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $1.81Leon $3.53
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 Leon, we can see that Leon 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 Leon 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 Leon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Leon 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 Leon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Leon?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Leon. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Leon, 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 Leon?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Leon experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Leon in the Summer?
Both Leon and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally around the same temperature as Leonin July. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 25°C (77°F), and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Leon during summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Leon. It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Leonin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Leon receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Leon in the Autumn?
Both Leon and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Leon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Leonin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 195 hours of full sun.
Leon 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 April than Leonin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Leon receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Leon in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Leon. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Leon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Leon averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leon this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than Leon during winter. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Leonin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Leon receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)Leon 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Leon in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Leon. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year.
In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much colder than Leonin April. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (64°F), and Leon fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leonin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 242 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in October than Leonin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Leon receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)Leon 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Leon and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Leon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.