Which place is cheaper, Lima 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 Lima?
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 Lima 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $10Lima $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, while the average daily cost in Lima is $77. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $4.13Lima $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $8.26Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58Lima $5.73
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: Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Transfer to/from Buenos Aires City: $18
- Private One-way Ezeiza Airport Transfer To/From Buenos Aires: $20
- Private transfer Vehicle from Buenos Aires city to Ezeiza Airport: $20
- Airport Transfer: Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) to Buenos Aires: $25
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $25
- Private AEP Jorge Newbery Airport Transfer To/From Buenos Aires: $28
- Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
- Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 30 USD: $30
- Buenos aires Shared EZE Airport Transfer: $30
- Private Airport Transfer AEP Jorge New Berry to CAPITAL BA: $30
- Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
- Private Transfer Jorge Newbery Airport to Hotel in Buenos Aires: $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Short Taxi Ride$4.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
- Assistance /Transfer Hotel - Airport Lima Airport : $40
- From The Larco Museum Complete Tour with transfers: $52
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Arrival Private Transfer : $30
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
- Jorge Chavez International Airport: Private Transfer: $25
- Lima : Private transfer between airport to your destination: $29
- Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
- Lima Airport Transfers: Lima City to Jorge Chavez Airport LIM in Standard Car: $27
- Lima Airport Transfers: Lima City to Jorge Chavez Airport LIM in Standard Van: $30
- Lima Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Lima city center: $6.00
- Lima Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Miraflores: $5.63
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $3.25Lima $18
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
- 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 Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.34
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Ice cream$3.53
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Coffee$2.99
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Donut$0.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Market Food Tour: $33
- Lima Market Food Tour: $34
- Lima Market Food Tour - Taste 9 Popular Peruvian Snacks: $35
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
- Lima Night Food Tour: $48
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34Lima $8.66
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:
- Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
- Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
- Palermo Graffiti Tour: $10
- Historical Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery: $15
- True Crime Buenos Aires: A Walking Tour: $15
- Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
- Graffiti Tour: $15
- Walking Tour La Boca: $15
- Recoleta Cemetery Experience - Immersive Tour with Death: $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$16
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Movie Tickets$2.31
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Free Walking Tour of Lima: $2.00
- Customize your trip to Peru with Lima Experience: $12
- bike tour: $12
- Party tour Fridays Barranco / Saturdays Miraflores: $18
- Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Private Tour with guide in Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI: $20
- 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $20
- Lima Downtown Tour from Miraflores in 3 hrs: $21
- Coffee tasting experience at Terrua Cafe: $25
- Historic Center Walking Tour with Pisco Sour Tasting: $25
- City Sightseeing Panoramic Bus Tour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $1.81Lima $5.63
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:
- 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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.30
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Beer$4.07
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Cocktail$3.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $17
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $18
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
- Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Local Wine Tour: $50
- Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Lima, we can see that Lima 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 Lima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lima 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 Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Lima?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Lima. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Lima, 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 Lima?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Lima in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Lima. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally a little warmer than Limain July. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 25°C (77°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Limain July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Lima. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°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 Limain October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in April than Limain October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Lima in the Winter?
Both Lima and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.
Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than Lima during winter. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Limain January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lima 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)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally cooler than Limain April. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (64°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Limain April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 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 Limain April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 22°C (72°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.