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

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Montevideo?

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 Montevideo 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 Montevideo?

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.

Montevideo

As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.


Which place is cheaper, Montevideo 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 Montevideo is $65. 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 Montevideo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.20
    Montevideo $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.40
    Montevideo $82
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Montevideo

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Montevideo? 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 Montevideo


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 Montevideo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.60
    Montevideo $7.52
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
    $0.14
  • Local Bus
    $0.00
  • Metro Ride
    $0.00
  • Taxi to airport
    $0.04
  • 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: $264
  • Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $260
  • Ministro Pistarini Airport to Colón Roundtrip Transfer: $253
  • Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
  • Ministro Pistarini Airport to Gualeguaychú Round Trip Transfer: $242
  • Rojo Tango Show Ticket with Private Transfers From Port & Hotels in Buenos Aires: $229
  • Buenos Aires: Temaiken Biopark including Transfers: $227
  • Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $222
  • LOCAL AIRPORT TRANSFER (AEP) ROUND TRIP with english speaking driver: $200
  • Private Transfer: Round trip transfer from/to EZE International Airport: $190
  • Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $190
  • Private Transfer Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) In Buenos Aires: $185

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

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

  • Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
  • Arrival Private Transfer Montevideo Airport to Montevideo City in Business Car: $69
  • Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $50
  • Carrasco Airport MVD to Montevideo Hotels Round Trip Transfer: $99
  • Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $99
  • Departure Private Transfer Montevideo to Montevideo Airport MVD in Business Car: $69
  • Departure Private Transfer Montevideo to Montevideo Airport MVD in Sedan Car: $46
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
  • Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $26
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $73
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $30

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

Prices for flights to both Montevideo 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 $3.30
    Montevideo $14
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
    $0.17
  • Cake and Coffee
    $0.54
  • Dinner
    $1.91
  • Powerade
    $0.12
  • Lunch
    $0.85
  • Dinner
    $1.23
  • Chocolate
    $3.16

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 Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
  • Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $37
  • Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Argentine Empanadas Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
  • Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $44
  • Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
  • Private Walking Tour & Argentinian pizzas Tasting: $50
  • Skip the Line Ticket for Tango Porteño Show with Dinner : $53
  • Tango Porteño Show with Private Transfers (with optional dinner): $54
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $54
  • Aljibe Earlier Tango Show Skip the Line Ticket W/Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

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

  • The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
  • El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango & Folklore in Montevideo: $98
  • Montevideo private city tour with dinner included and tango show: $200

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.39
    Montevideo $21
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
    $0.59

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 Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
  • 100% Gaucho Experience in a Traditional Estancia: $243
  • 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
  • 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70
  • 5hs Premium Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires: $55
  • 8 Hours Guided Bike Tour in Delta El Tigre: $140
  • 8-Hour Tour of the South Bank of the Río de la Plata: $200
  • @argentinahighlights Private City Tour in Buenos Aires: $118

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.

  • Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Skip the Line: Museo Andes 1972 Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
  • Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $10
  • Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo : $25
  • Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $25
  • Old City Walking Tour with Private Photographer: $30
  • Walking Tour of the City of Montevideo (Spanish and/or Portuguese): $30
  • Shared Montevideo Tour for Cruisers: $30
  • City Sightseeing Tour: $32
  • Walking Tour with Photographer and Audioguide: $33
  • Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers: $35
  • The Best Montevideo City Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.83
    Montevideo -
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
    $0.68

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 of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $65
  • Private Walking Tour & Argentine wine Tasting: $78
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
  • Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
  • Half-Day Nightlife Experience in Buenos Aires: Palermo Bar Crawl: $110
  • Bodega Gamboa Premium Wine Tasting with Lunch: $165
  • Wine Tour to Colonia Del Sacramento Uruguay: $168

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:

  • Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Juanico Wine Tour Lunch: $132
  • The best wine tour: $140
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210


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


Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Montevideo?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Montevideo. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Montevideo, 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 Montevideo?

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 Montevideo in the Summer?

Both Montevideo and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the summer are popular places to visit.

In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as Montevideo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Montevideo averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Montevideo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montevideo. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montevideo receives 296 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 January than Montevideo. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F) 
    Montevideo 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Montevideo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Montevideo.

In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally around the same temperature as Montevideo. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°F), and Montevideo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Montevideo during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Montevideo receives 171 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Montevideo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montevideo. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F) 
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Montevideo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Montevideo.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as Montevideo in the winter. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Montevideo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montevideo. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montevideo receives 135 hours of full sun.

Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Montevideo. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F) 
    Montevideo 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Montevideo in the Spring?

Both Montevideo and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as Montevideo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Montevideo averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Montevideo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than Montevideo during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Montevideo receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Montevideo. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F) 
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Montevideo and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina Montevideo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)