Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesPlaya del Carmen Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $56Playa del Carmen $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, while the average daily cost in Playa del Carmen is $89. 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 $40Playa del Carmen $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $80Playa del Carmen $72
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 $2.10Playa del Carmen $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Aljibe, Tango and Folk Show With Transfer: $66
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE by Luxury Van: $154
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $146
- Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $146
- Arrival Transfer: Airport AEP to Buenos Aires by Business Car: $125
- Arrival Transfer: Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires by Sedan: $126
- Buenos Aires Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Private Transfer: $45
- Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) Transfer with English Speaking Driver: $34
- Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires - Round -Trip Transfer: $107
- Buenos Aires Airport Arrival Transfer (Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires Hotel or Address): $71
- Buenos Aires Airport EZE to Buenos Aires Arrival Private Transfer: $45
- Buenos Aires Airport EZE to Buenos Aires-Arrival Private Transfer: $54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Akumal to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $83
- CUN Airport One-Way/Round-Trip Transfers to Playa del Carmen: $115
- Cancún Airport Transfer to Playa del Carmen One Way: $127
- Cancún: Cozumel 2-Tank Diving Tour with Lunch & Transfers: $327
- Cancun Airport and Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen Transfer: $120
- Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen Roundtrip Private Transfer: $165
- Cancun, Riviera Maya and Tulum Airport Transfers : $190
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- Chetumal Airport (CTM) to Chetumal - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130
- Chetumal Airport to Bacalar - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $108
- Chetumal to Chetumal Airport (CTM) - Departure Private Transfer : $66
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 $7.60Playa del Carmen $37
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.
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $25
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Lesson: $31
- Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $32
- Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $35
- Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $38
- Tango Show and Dinner at: Tango Porteño: $40
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
- Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $44
- Dinner at Arte de Mafia, Mafioso Theme Restaurant in Palermo: $44
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
- Exclusive Italian Lunch or Dinner at Puny Pasta and Grill: $50
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: $56
- Flavors of Playa del Carmen, Mexican Food Tour: $63
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $79
- Yucatecan Cooking Class & Unlimited Margaritas – Playa del Carmen: $85
- Playa del Camen Vegan Mexican Food Tour: $85
- Temazcal Mayan Ceremony and Dinner in Mayan Village: $89
- Mayan Cooking Class: Chicken Pibil in Secret Cenote: $95
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $109
- Riviera Maya Luxury Sunset Sailing plus Light Dinner and Open Bar: $109
- Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $30Playa del Carmen $15
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $5.34
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
- Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
- B.A Hidden Wonders Tour Parque Chas and Agronomía Park: $12
- Private Tour of La Boca and Caminito: $12
- Private Tour of San Telmo, Old Town: $12
- La Boca Walking Tour: $13
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $13
- Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
- Graffiti Tour: $15
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bus Ticket connecting Cancun Central and Playa del Carmen: $6.43
- Mexico City Self-Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- 4 ADVENTURES 1 DAY Tulum Coba Cenote and Playa del Carmen : $16
- Isla Mujeres Sailing tour from Riviera Maya: $16
- Full day tour Chichen Itza : $18
- 4X1 Enjoy a tour to Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Playa del Carmen : $18
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2025: $19
- Ice Bath Experience on the Beach: $20
- Full day Chichén Itzá Tour from Cancún and Riviera Maya: $22
- Chichen Itza Tour Options with Cenote Swim from Playa del Carmen: $31
- Wild Tulum Day: ATV Tour + Zip Lines + Cenote + Rappel & Lunch!: $35
- Adrenaline Atv tour from Playa del Carmen : $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.27Playa del Carmen $19
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:
- Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $37
- Boutique Wine Tasting: A Unique Experience in Buenos Aires: $45
- BA: Wine Tasting and Blending Experience in Palermo : $51
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
- Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown : $61
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $63
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
Sample the Local Flavors in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Playa del Carmen:
- Madness tour bar crawl Playa del carmen open bar: $99
- Tour to the Brewery with Tasting and Fifth Avenue: $100
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.