Which place is cheaper, Punta del Este 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 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $10Punta del Este $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, while the average daily cost in Punta del Este is $98. 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 $4.13Punta del Este $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $8.26Punta del Este $110
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 $1.58Punta del Este $22
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:
- Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City - ROUND TRIP: $261
- Rojo Tango Show with private transfers in Buenos Aires: $259
- Rojo Tango Show: Skip the Line Ticket including Private Transfer: $250
- Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $250
- Ministro Pistarini Airport to Colón Roundtrip Transfer: $250
- Ministro Pistarini Airport to Gualeguaychú Round Trip Transfer: $239
- Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
- LOCAL AIRPORT TRANSFER (AEP) ROUND TRIP with english speaking driver: $200
- Skip the line Boca Juniors & River Plate Stadium and Museum tour with transfer: $196
- Private Transfer: Round trip transfer from/to EZE International Airport: $190
- Private Transfer Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) In Buenos Aires: $185
- Private Tour of Buenos Aires + Transfer Out to Ezeiza Airport: $180
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
- Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $54
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $29
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- 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 $3.25Punta del Este $31
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
- Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $37
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner 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
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50
- Skip the Line Ticket for Tango Porteño Show with Dinner : $53
- Tango Porteño Show with Private Transfers (with optional dinner): $54
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34Punta del Este $11
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:
- Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $59
- Private Full Day City Tour by Iconic Buenos Aires: $290
- Small group Yerba Mate Experience with snacks: $35
- 1-hour Paramotor Experience in Buenos Aires Argentina: $100
- 100% Gaucho Experience in a Traditional Estancia: $239
- 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
- 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70
- 5hs Premium Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires: $55
- @argentinahighlights Private City Tour in Buenos Aires: $120
- A Back-Street Beer Brewing Tour of Buenos Aires: $123
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- La Vista 360 ticket de admisión: $11
- Skip the Line: Casapueblo Museum Admission Ticket in Punta del Este: $15
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
- Punta del Este Classic City Tour with Sunset in Casapueblo: $30
- Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
- Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $50
- Punta del Este, City Tour: $50
- Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
- City Tour Punta del Este: $95
- Private - Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $1.81Punta del Este $7.70
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:
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
- Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in 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
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
- Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
- Private Asado and Wine Tasting in Argentina: $130
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
- Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $157
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.