Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Ottawa?
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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa?
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.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second. It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.
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 Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $10Ottawa $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $123. 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 Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $4.07Ottawa $18
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $8.14Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Ottawa? 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 Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.55Ottawa $7.27
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:
- Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City - ROUND TRIP: $263
- Transfer from EZEIZA or AEP Airport + Private City Tour: $210
- 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 Downtown Hotel transfer to International Airport (EZE): $68
- Transfer Buenos Aires Downtown Hotel to Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal: $44
- Transfer Buenos Aires Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal to Downtown Hotel : $44
- Transfer Airports-City Tours-Connections between airports-Airport Transfers //: $110
- Tango Show La Ventana only show exclusive with transfer: $76
- Tango Porteño Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels In Buenos Aires: $70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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 dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $3.19Ottawa $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)$0.01
-
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$0.52
-
Dinner$1.85
-
Powerade$0.11
-
Lunch$0.82
-
Dinner$1.19
-
Chocolate$3.07
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
- 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $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
- La Ventana Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $49
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $71
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79
- Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $82
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.28Ottawa $40
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$0.57
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2x1: Día de Campo + Tour Nocturno en Buenos Aires: $220
- Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $59
- Premium Buenos Aires by Night Small-Group City Tour: $59
- Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
- Small group Yerba Mate Experience with snacks: $35
- 1-hour Paramotor Experience in Buenos Aires Argentina: $100
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
- 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
- 3-Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisian: $45
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70
- 5hs Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (optional street food): $35
- @argentinahighlights Private City Tour in Buenos Aires: $120
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.46
- Ottawa Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
- Ottawa's Hidden History: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
- Ottawa Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ottawa by Wacky Walks: $10
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Ottawa by Operation City Quest: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Ottawa by Crazy Dash: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $1.78Ottawa $18
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$0.65
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 of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of 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
- Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $70
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:
- Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Ottawa, we can see that Ottawa 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 Ottawa is in North 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 Ottawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ottawa 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 Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Ottawa?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Ottawa has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Ottawa.
In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ottawa. 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 around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawain July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 268 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 Ottawain July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much warmer than Ottawain October. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 116 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 Ottawain October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the winter are popular places to visit.
The weather in Ottawa can be very cold. Buenos Aires, Argentina is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F)in January.
In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Ottawain January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in July than Ottawain January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Ottawa.
In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F)in April.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 180 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 Ottawain April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 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.