A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Quepos for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Quepos 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, while the average daily cost in Quepos is $155. 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 person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $40
    Quepos $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $80
    Quepos $170
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.

Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina


Hotels in Quepos


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: Quepos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.09
    Quepos $11

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 HTL-APT (EZE): $109
  • Transfer from Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires Port: $72
  • Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal to International Airport (EZE): $130
  • Transfer Van 6 pax Airport Pistarini Buenos Aires to Hotel Port: $170
  • Transfer Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Downtown Hotel: $115
  • Transfer Airports-Cruise Port: $190
  • Temaiken Biopark Tour with Transfer Included: $95
  • Tango Show in Tango Porteño - no transfers -: $47
  • Tango Show La Ventana only show exclusive with transfer: $96
  • Tango Show El Querandí No Transfers: $78
  • Small group local Tango milonga with lesson and transfers: $102
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Airport (EZE): $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos

Also for Quepos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to the Sierpe: $213
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Uvita to Quepos - Manuel Antonio: $140
  • Private Airport Transfer to Manuel Antonio: $250
  • Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Arenal La Fortuna: $195
  • Private Transfer FROM or TO Manuel Antonio - Sierpe: $209
  • Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Manuel Antonio: $88
  • Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Manuel Antonio: $88
  • Private Transfer from Quepos Cruise Port to Liberia City Hotels: $255
  • Private Transfer from Quepos Cruise Port to San Jose City Hotels: $205
  • Private Transfer from Quepos Port to Liberia Int Airport (LIR): $255
  • Puntarenas city to Juan Santamaria Intl Airport(SJO)-Departure Private Transfer: $103
  • Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport and surroundings: $229

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 day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.55
    Quepos $57

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.

  • Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $35
  • Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $37
  • Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $38
  • BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $39
  • Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
  • BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
  • Buenos Aires Family Empanada Cooking Class Kids Take the Lead: $44
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
  • Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
  • Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
  • El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $47

Typical Food Prices in Quepos

For Quepos, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    $16
  • Seafood Dinner (for 1)
    $22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos

For Quepos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Class and Medical Plants Garden: $77
  • Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79
  • Local Flavor Cooking Experience: $96
  • Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $30
    Quepos $19

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
  • 1-Hour Catamaran Cruise in the Tiger Delta: $20
  • 2 Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisina: $43
  • 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires: $30
  • 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $160
  • 5 Stops Walking Tour of Buenos Aires hidden Wineries: $82
  • @argentinahighlights City LGBTQ tour: $150
  • A Back-Street Beer Brewing Tour of Buenos Aires: $165
  • Argentine Asado by Maru. Private experience in Buenos Aires: $140
  • Argentine Football Graffiti of Messi and Maradona Tour: $120
  • Argentine Women Bike Tour: $45

Tours and Activities in Quepos

For Quepos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Manuel Antonio National Park *Group tour/Park ticket NOT included: $22
  • Manuel Antonio National Park: Ticket Include Private & Group Tour: $23
  • Manuel Antonio National Park : Guided tour with TICKET INCLUDED: $23
  • Beach Day Experience in Manuel Antonio: $25
  • Manuel Antonio Nature Experience with Jeremias: $25
  • Manuel Antonio Guided Tour of Nature and Beaches: $25
  • Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour With Ticket Option: $27
  • Manuel Antonio Park Tour and its Amazing Wildlife and Beaches: $27
  • Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour with ticket option: $27
  • Manuel Antonio National Park: Guided Tour with TICKET INCLUDED: $27
  • Manuel Antonio Park Guided Tour with Ticket Included Option: $28
  • Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $28

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.22
    Quepos $16

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:

  • BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
  • Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
  • 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
  • Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting & Gastronomy Experience: $129
  • Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $129
  • Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting Experience (BBQ): $150
  • Bodega Gamboa Premium Wine Tasting with Lunch: $159
  • Private Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Experience: $160


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 July
    Buenos 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. The dry season in Quepos is December to April. May to November is the hurricane season in Quepos.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Buenos 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 January
    Buenos 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. December to April in Quepos is the dry season. May to November in Quepos is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Buenos 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)