Which place is cheaper, Queenstown 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 Queenstown?
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 Queenstown 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 Queenstown?
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.
Queenstown
Queenstown is a popular tourist destination on New Zealand's South Island. It is beautifully surrounded by the Southern Alps and sits on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Across the lake you will find a stunning view of the Remarkables, a dramatic mountain range. The town itself is quite touristy, but prices still remain reasonable. There are options for all travel budgets, whether you're a backpacker hoping to save a few dollars or a family looking for some luxury accommodation. Despite its natural and tranquil setting, Queenstown is actually very much a party town, particularly during the peak seasons. Don't be surprised to find people out enjoying themselves until the early hours of the morning. If you're not into the party scene and are hoping to get a decent night's sleep, consider staying a little outside of town. About an hour outside of Queenstown you'll find Wanaka, which is a much smaller and peaceful town without the party scene.
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 Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesQueenstown Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $56Queenstown $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, while the average daily cost in Queenstown is $127. 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 Queenstown in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $40Queenstown $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $80Queenstown $108
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Queenstown
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Queenstown? 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: Queenstown Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.09Queenstown $9.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Private Aeroparque (AEP) Airport Transfer TO Buenos Aires City: $18
- Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City: $20
- Private Airport Transfer from Buenos Aires to Aeroparque AEP: $25
- Buenos Aires: EZE Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $27
- Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Port to Ezeiza: $28
- Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Airport (EZE): $29
- Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 30 USD: $30
- Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
- Local Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
- Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
- Private Ezeiza (EZE) Airport Transfer to Buenos Aires City: $35
- Port Transfers with English Speaking Driver: $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Queenstown
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Queenstown:
- From Cardrona Ski/Snowboard Rentals & Transfer: $165
- Private Queenstown Airport to Hotel Transfers: $73
- Private Return Luxury Transfers Queenstown to Gibbston Vineyard: $257
- Private Transfer from Wanaka to Queenstown Airport: $176
- QUEENSTOWN Best Private Airport Transfer:1 Way from/to Hotel: $51
- Queenstown Airport to Towncenter Transfer: $78
- Queenstown Private Airport Transfer: Door to Door Service: $29
- Queenstown private transfer: $76
- Queenstown to Mt Cook One Way Scenic Transfer: $121
- Milford Sound Cruise with Helicopter Transfer: $901
- Tasman Glacier Helihike with Flight Transfers: $1,016
- ZQN Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Queenstown?
Prices for flights to both Queenstown 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 $7.54Queenstown $60
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: $27
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $38
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $39
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- Tango Porteño Show or Dinner Show with Barra Libre Buenos Aires: $40
- Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
- Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
- BA: Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $46
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $47
- El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Queenstown
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Queenstown.
- Bar Crawl with 5 Free Shots and Pizza: $17
- Skyline Queenstown Gondola with Lunch or Dinner: $80
- Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown: $113
- Wine & Food Tour, Scenic Tastings & Paired Lunch: $129
- Queenstown Dinner & Wine Experience (Adults Only) 3 Iconic Venues: $286
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $30Queenstown $21
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
- Self Guided Walking Tour of Buenos Aires with Audio Guide: $5.83
- Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina: $6.72
- Buenos Aires Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h30 and 18 reviews: $6.97
- The Women Behind Puerto Madero’s Streets: A Self Guided Tour: $9.99
- Walking Tour in Retreat Palaces and Trains and Authentic Mate.: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $11
- Private Tour of San Telmo, Old Town: $12
- Guided tour of the Mate Museum: $13
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market: $13
- Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Queenstown
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Queenstown are as follows:
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Skyline Gondola (for 2)$29
Tours and Activities in Queenstown
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Queenstown are as follows:
- Queenstown to Wānaka: A Self-Guided Gibbston Valley Driving Tour: $7.99
- Hidden Underwater Theatre Experience: $8.47
- From the Green to the Grave: An Audio Tour of Queenstown: $12
- Escape Adventure: $20
- Queenstown Riverside Sauna and Cold Plunge Experience (Community): $21
- The Dreamery Interactive Sensory Journey Entry Ticket: $22
- Fear Factory Haunted House Admission Ticket: $23
- Private Race Car Simulation Experience: $25
- Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Ticket: $28
- Kawarau Zipride! (Family Fun Experience): $28
- Gibbston Valley Wines - Winery Tour: $29
- Odysseum Expierence Pass - 1 Hour Adventure: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.20Queenstown $8.67
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:
- Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $35
- Exclusive Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $42
- Wine Tasting and Local Specialties in Buenos Aires: $46
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
- Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $65
- Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $65
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $69
- BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $78
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
- Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires Private Experience: $92
Sample the Local Flavors in Queenstown
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Queenstown:
- Kinross Winery: Classic Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience: $18
- Ice Bar Crawl: $23
- Queenstown Wine Tour - Self Guided Audio Tour (Driving): $30
- Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours: $73
- Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting: $95
- Queenstown's Original Premium Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $101
- Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Winery Visits, Cave Tour & Cheese: $129
- Small Group Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting: $129
- Classic Wine Tour: $135
- Arrowtown Wine Tour: $141
- Queenstown Afternoon Wine Tour (Adults Only) | Kiwi Host, Max 10: $149
- Small Group Wine Tasting Tour with 18+ tastings: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Queenstown, we can see that Queenstown 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 Queenstown is in Pacific, 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 Queenstown would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Queenstown 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 Queenstown Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Queenstown?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 1250 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Queenstown, 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.
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.