Which place is cheaper, Quepos or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Quepos?
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 Quepos 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 Quepos?
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.
Quepos
Quepos is both a district and the capital of Aguirre canton in the Puntareanas Province of Costa Rica. The town is quite small, and the district has a population of about 22,000 people. Quepos is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica due to its close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast. The town's economy is centered around tourism and there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area. The town also has a lively nightlife for such a small community.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $10Quepos $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, while the average daily cost in Quepos is $117. 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 Quepos in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $4.13Quepos $77
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $8.26Quepos $154
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Quepos
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Quepos? 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 Quepos Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58Quepos $9.56
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
-
Taxi from Airport$0.13
-
Local Bus$0.00
-
Metro Ride$0.00
-
Taxi to airport$0.03
-
Taxi$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires APT-HTL (EZA): $36
- Transfer from Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Cruise Terminal: $80
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires Port: $51
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal to International Airport (EZE): $80
- Transfer between airports (EZE-AEP): $75
- Transfer Buenos Aires Downtown Hotel to Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal: $44
- Transfer Airports-City Tours-Connections between airports-Airport Transfers //: $110
- Tango Show La Ventana only show exclusive with transfer: $76
- Tango Porteño Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels In Buenos Aires: $70
- Skip the line Boca Juniors & River Plate Stadium and Museum tour with transfer: $196
- Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $250
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos
Also for Quepos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Manuel Antonio & Quepos one way transfer to SJO hotels - Airport up to 5 people.: $274
- One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to Monteverde: $276
- One-Way Private Transfer from Uvita to Quepos - Manuel Antonio: $140
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Manuel Antonio/Quepos : $300
- Private Transfer From San Jose Airport To Manuel Antonio Beach: $125
- Private Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Nauyaca Waterfalls (Round Trip): $199
- Private Transfer from Quepos Cruise Port to San Jose City Hotels: $91
- Private transfer from SJ Airport to Manuel Antonio and vice versa: $230
- Shuttle Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San Jose: $60
- Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport and surroundings : $209
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Quepos?
Prices for flights to both Quepos 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
-
Food Meals for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $3.25Quepos $30
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
-
Lunch$0.03
-
Cup of Coffee$0.01
-
Empandas$0.02
-
Espresso$0.01
-
Dinner (Pizza)$0.02
-
Ice Cream$0.01
-
Breakfast at Airport$0.04
-
Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
-
Sweets$0.01
-
Hot Dog$0.01
-
Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
-
Lunch for 2$0.16
-
Cake and Coffee$0.53
-
Dinner$1.88
-
Powerade$0.12
-
Lunch$0.83
-
Dinner$1.21
-
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
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
- Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $39
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience 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
- Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending: $49
Typical Food Prices in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch$15
-
Seafood Dinner (for 1)$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Night Jungle Tour with Dinner (Rainmaker Park): $59
- 3 Hour Cooking Class and Medical Plants Garden: $77
- Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: $77
- Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34Quepos $17
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:
-
Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.04
-
Movie Ticket$0.02
-
Tango Class$0.03
-
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
- Premium Buenos Aires by Night Small-Group City Tour: $59
- Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
- Small group Yerba Mate Experience with snacks: $35
- 1-hour Paramotor Experience in Buenos Aires Argentina: $100
- 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 Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (optional street food): $35
- 8 Hours Guided Bike Tour in Delta El Tigre: $140
- @argentinahighlights Private City Tour in Buenos Aires: $96
Tours and Activities in Quepos
For Quepos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Beach Day Experience in Manuel Antonio: $20
- Manuel Antonio National Park tour : $27
- Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $28
- Manuel Antonio National Park Tour: $28
- Manuel Antonio Park Tour and its Amazing Wildlife and Beaches: $30
- Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $30
- Manuel Antonio National Park Group Guided Tour: $30
- Guided Tour in Manuel Antonio National Park!: $35
- Manuel Antonio Jungle Night Tour with pick up included: $39
- Guided hiking Tour by the Mystic Ebano Rainforest in Costa Rica: $40
- Manuel Antonio: Manuel Antonio National Park Tour: $45
- Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $45
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $1.81Quepos $15
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:
-
Beer$0.01
-
Beer (0.66L)$0.02
-
Cocktail$0.03
-
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:
- Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $30
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $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
- Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $56
- 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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Quepos, we can see that Quepos 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 Quepos is in Central 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 Quepos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Quepos 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 Quepos Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Quepos?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 1670 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Quepos, 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 Quepos?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Quepos experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Quepos in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Quepos. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.
In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Quepos. Typically, the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Quepos averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Queposin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Quepos. Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in January than Queposin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)Quepos 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Quepos in the Autumn?
Both Quepos and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much colder than Queposin October. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Quepos during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Queposin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)Quepos 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Quepos in the Winter?
Both Quepos and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Quepos in the winter. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in January.
In Quepos, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets less sunshine than Queposin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in July than Queposin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)Quepos 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Quepos in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Quepos. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Quepos. Typically, the spring temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Quepos averages at about 29°C (85°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Quepos this time of the year. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than Quepos during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Queposin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)Quepos 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Quepos and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Quepos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.