Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen?
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 Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen?
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.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
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 Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $10Playa del Carmen $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, while the average daily cost in Playa del Carmen is $81. 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 Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $4.13Playa del Carmen $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $8.26Playa del Carmen $80
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Playa del Carmen? 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 Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58Playa del Carmen $24
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Cancun International Airport From/to Akumal - Private Transfer: $130
- Transfer in Private vehicle from Xcaret - Cancun Airport (CUN): $88
- 2x1 Tour: Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres, Open Bar, Lunch and Transfers: $190
- Access to Xel-Há Park with Transfer: $145
- Airport Transfers to Playa del Carmen - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $227
- Akumal to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Akumal to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $77
- Amazing ATV (single) Cenote and Ziplines with Transfer from Playa del Carmen: $80
- CUN Airport One-Way/Round-Trip Transfers to Playa del Carmen: $115
- Cancún Airport Transfer to Playa del Carmen One Way: $118
- Cancun Airport Private Transfer One Way: To or From Akumal area Up to 03 Pass.: $105
- Cancun Airport Round Trip transfer to Puerto Aventuras: $190
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen 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 $3.25Playa del Carmen $24
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 Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $60
- Walking Food Tour: $65
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $77
- Mexican Cooking Class: $100
- Seafood Tour in Playa del Carmen: $101
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $104
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Cultural Coba Sunset Adventure with Dinner and show from Cancun: $130
- Sunset Adventure in Coba and Dinner with Show from Riviera Maya: $155
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $157
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34Playa del Carmen $17
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 Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Shopping Tour & Tulum Mayan Ruins: $11
- Cancun Airport: Bus Ticket to/from Playa del Carmen: $14
- Tulum Ruins: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Ek Balam: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map: $15
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2024: $20
- YAL-KÚ Park in Riviera Maya Admission Ticket: $23
- Chichen Itza and Cenote Full Day Tour from Playa del Carmen: $28
- Ultramar Ferry, Regular round ticket, Playa del Carmen-Cozumel: $32
- Tulum and 2 Cenotes Half Day Tour from Riviera: $34
- Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to/from Cozumel: $35
- Mayan tour 4x1: Tulum, Cobá, Cenote & Playa del carmen: $35
- Tulum Ruins and Amusement Park Shared Tour: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $1.81Playa del Carmen $21
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 Playa del Carmen, we can see that Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Playa del Carmen?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Playa del Carmen, 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 Playa del Carmen?
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 Playa del Carmen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
Both Playa del Carmen and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Playa del Carmen during summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmenin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
Both Playa del Carmen and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally cooler than Playa del Carmenin October. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmenin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmenin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Playa del Carmen. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Playa del Carmen in the winter. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during winter. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmenin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Playa del Carmen. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 27°C (81°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. 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 less sunshine than Playa del Carmenin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 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 Playa del Carmenin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.