Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas?
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 Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas?
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.
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesPunta Arenas Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $56Punta Arenas $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $79. 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 Punta Arenas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $40Punta Arenas $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $80Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Punta Arenas
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Punta Arenas? 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 Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.10Punta Arenas $1.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
- Private Transfer Aeroparque J. Newbery Airport In Buenos Aires: $245
- Private Transfer Cruise Port In Buenos Aires: $233
- Rojo Tango Show with Optional Private Transfers in Buenos Aires: $215
- Executive Van Transfer: Ezeiza Airport (EZE) – Buenos Aires: $210
- Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
- LOCAL AIRPORT TRANSFER (AEP) ROUND TRIP with english speaking driver: $200
- Buenos Aires Private Tour + Transfer to Airport: $199
- Buenos Aires Exp. Winery Gamboa Tasting and Lunch and Transfer: $180
- Buenos Aires Shore Excursion: Asado Experience with Port Transfer: $180
- Soccer Match in Buenos Aires with Transfers and Local Guide: $171
- One Way Private Transfer Ezeiza to/from Palermo Hotels: $170
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Oneway Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport to Punta Arenas: $37
- Transfer Airport Punta Arenas : $30
- Transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales: $267
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Punta Arenas?
Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas 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 $7.60Punta Arenas $36
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
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $30Punta Arenas $6.44
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 Private City Tour Designed for Seniors: $250
- E-Scooter Tour: Recoleta, Palermo & Downtown + Local Flavors: $69
- Football Matchday In Argentina (Ticket+Transport+Guide): $130
- Private City Tour with Local Gastronomy: $120
- Private Full Day City Tour by Iconic Buenos Aires: $300
- Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
- "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food) : $300
- 100% Gaucho Experience in a Traditional Estancia: $262
- 2 Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisina : $43
- 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
- 2 Hours Private Tour in Buenos Aires: $127
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $13
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- Fort Bulnes Historical Tour: $39
- City Tour: $60
- City Tour Shore Excursion for Cruisers: $60
- Punta Arenas City Tour Shore Excursion: $60
- Cruises Shore Excursions : City tour Cruises Regular: $70
- Fuerte Bulnes Shore Tour for Cruisers: $70
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Fuerte Bulnes Shore Tour for Cruisers in Punta Arenas: $80
- Full-Day Torres del Paine Tour: $88
- Monte Tarn Trekking Tour with Guide: $129
- Torres Del Paine and Milodon Cave Full Day Tour: $135
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $154
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.27Punta Arenas $4.86
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.33
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Punta Arenas, we can see that Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Punta Arenas?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?
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 Punta Arenas in the Summer?
Both Punta Arenas and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the summer are popular places to visit.
In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In Punta Arenas, 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 more sunshine than Punta Arenas. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 208 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 Punta Arenas. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Punta Arenas.
In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much warmer than Punta Arenas. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Punta Arenas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Punta Arenas.
The weather in Punta Arenas can be very cold. Buenos Aires, Argentina is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the winter. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).
In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenas. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in July than Punta Arenas. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Punta Arenas in the Spring?
Both Punta Arenas and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 7°C (44°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Punta Arenas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 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.