Which place is cheaper, Punta del Este 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 del Este?
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 del Este 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 del Este?
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 del Este
Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesPunta del Este Prices
Uruguay Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $59Punta del Este $116
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $59, while the average daily cost in Punta del Este is $116. 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 del Este in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $42Punta del Este $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $84Punta del Este $104
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Punta del Este
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Punta del Este? 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 del Este Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.20Punta del Este $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- 8hr Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $298
- Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $260
- Rojo Tango Show: Skip the Line Ticket including Private Transfer: $260
- 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
- Executive Van Transfer: Ezeiza Airport (EZE) – Buenos Aires: $210
- Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
- Transfer Airports-Cruise Port: $190
- Private Transfer From EZE Airport To Cap: $188
- Madero Tango Show Including Private Transfers From Port & Hotels In Buenos Aires: $179
- Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $166
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bodega Garzon Wine Experience with Private Transfer: $200
- Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $115
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $166
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $166
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $273
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $273
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Special Art Icons Tour: $185
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Punta del Este?
Prices for flights to both Punta del Este 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 $7.95Punta del Este $51
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: $28
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $41
- Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
- BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
- Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $44
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner and Transfers: $47
- El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
- Skip-the-Line El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with optional Dinner & Transfers: $48
- Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $32Punta del Este $10
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Único tour sobre la Historia del Tango (sin mitos): $60
- "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food): $300
- 2 Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisina: $43
- 3 Hours Ultimate Buenos Aires Bar Tour: $34
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $160
- @argentinahighlights City LGBTQ tour: $150
- A Local's Grill: Hidden Tigre Island Experience - Grill & Wine: $120
- Adventure in Parque de la Costa: $95
- Architectural tour of Buenos Aires: $35
- Argentina Polo Experience by La Guapeada Polo: $267
- Argentine Asado by Maru. Private experience in Buenos Aires: $140
- Argentine Football Graffiti of Messi and Maradona Tour: $120
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- City Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Tour: $10
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $19
- Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
- Punta del Este Classic City Tour with Sunset at Casapueblo: $40
- Punta del Este Full-Day Guided Tour: $43
- Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $50
- Punta del Este Sightseeing Tour: $50
- Punta del Este, City Tour: $50
- Shore Excursion for Cruisers: $59
- Punta del Este Shore Tour for Cruise Passengers: $59
- From Montevideo: Punta del Este Full-Day City Tour: $62
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.69Punta del Este $7.41
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:
- Exclusive Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $42
- 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
- Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $60
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $65
- Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $70
- BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $78
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:
- Wine Tasting: $42
- Wine Lovers - Fun Wine Tasting outside Punta del Este!: $199
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Punta del Este, we can see that Punta del Este 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 del Este would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta del Este 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 del Este Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Punta del Este?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 1810 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Punta del Este, 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 del Este?
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 del Este in the Summer?
Both Punta del Este and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the summer are popular places to visit.
In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as Punta del Este. Typically, the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Punta del Este averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In Punta del Este, 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 Punta del Este. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Punta del Este receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)Punta del Este 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Punta del Este in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Punta del Este.
In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally around the same temperature as Punta del Este. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°F), and Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Punta del Este receives 171 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 del Este. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Punta del Este receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)Punta del Este 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Punta del Este in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Punta del Este.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is a little warmer than Punta del Este in the winter. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Punta del Este fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Punta del Este. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta del Este receives 135 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in July than Punta del Este. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Punta del Este receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)Punta del Este 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Punta del Este in the Spring?
Both Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este. Typically, the spring temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Punta del Este averages at about 16°C (61°F).
It's quite sunny in Punta del Este. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than Punta del Este during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Punta del Este receives 248 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 del Este. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Punta del Este receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)Punta del Este 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Punta del Este and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Punta del Este | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 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.