Which place is cheaper, San Diego 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 San Diego?
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 San Diego 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 San Diego?
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.
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesSan Diego Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $56San Diego $251
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $251. 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 San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $40San Diego $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $80San Diego $248
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Diego? 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: San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.07San Diego $23
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 with Optional Private Transfers in Buenos Aires: $265
- Gaucho Day: Estancia with Private Transfer: $264
- Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $260
- Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
- Gaucho Day: Areco Town & Estancia with Private Transfer: $249
- Private Transfer Aeroparque J. Newbery Airport In Buenos Aires: $245
- Horseback Riding Experience in Carlos Keen with Transfers: $233
- Private Transfer Cruise Port In Buenos Aires: $233
- Buenos Aires Exp. Winery Gamboa Tasting and Lunch and Transfer: $192
- Transfer Airports-Cruise Port: $190
- Buenos Aires Private Tour + Transfer to Airport: $189
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Business Car: $106
- Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Luxury SUV: $118
- Departure Private Transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Business Car: $106
- Departure Transfer San Diego City to San Diego Airport SAN: $124
- Private Arrival Transfer - from San Diego Airport (SAN) by SUV: $89
- Private Arrival Transfer from San Diego Airport SAN: $48
- Private SUV Transfer from San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN: $166
- Private Transfer Airport Tijuana/Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada) or back.: $178
- Private Transfer from San Diego City Hotels to San Diego Port: $70
- Private Transfer from San Diego Port to San Diego Airport (SAN): $70
- Private Transfer from Tijuana to Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe: $151
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to Carlsbad - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego 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 $7.49San Diego $84
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.
- Argentine Cooking, Wine & Beef Tasting at Argentine Experience: $30
- Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $37
- Tango Porteño Show or Dinner Show with Barra Libre Buenos Aires: $37
- 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
- Buenos Aires Family Empanada Cooking Class Kids Take the Lead: $44
- Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- BA: Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $46
- El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $47
Typical Food Prices in San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tijuana Walking Street Food Tour with Wild Foodie Tours: $79
- San Diego Holiday Sweet Treats, Donuts & Pastries Food Tour: $85
- Pizza and Ice Cream Walking Tour: $89
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $89
- Vegan Food Tour: $89
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $94
- Gaslamp District Food Tour with 6 Local Dishes: $96
- San Diego Gaslamp Food Tour with 6 Modern Californian Tastings: $97
- San Diego Chinese Food Tour with Wild Foodie Tours: $99
- City Cruises Buffet Dinner Cruise: $102
- Public Italian Cooking Class in San Diego: $105
- City Cruises Buffet Dinner Cruise with Drinks: $108
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $30San Diego $57
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food): $300
- - Exclusive Buenos Aires By Night : Walking Tour on Corrientes Avenue -: $40
- 1-Hour Catamaran Cruise in the Tiger Delta: $20
- 2 Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisina: $43
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market: $13
- 3 Hours Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barracas: $45
- 5 Hour Private Driving and Walking Tour of Buenos Aires: $185
- 5 Stops Walking Tour of Buenos Aires hidden Wineries: $82
- @argentinahighlights City LGBTQ tour: $150
- Adventure in Parque de la Costa: $95
- Argentina Polo Experience by La Guapeada Polo: $267
- Argentine Asado by Maru. Private experience in Buenos Aires: $140
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Discover Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.55
- Self-guided Bike Tour App - Audio + Written: $5.00
- San Diego Historic Gaslamp Quarter Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.75
- San Diego Balboa Park: Mystery Puzzle Adventure: $8.30
- Tijuana Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
- La Jolla Coast & Cove Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
- Gaslamp Quarter Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of San Diego’s Scenic Waterfront: $9.99
- Self-Guided Walking Tour of San Diego's Historic Old Town: $9.99
- Sights of San Diego Harbor: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
- San Diego Pacific Naval Power GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $12
- Discover UCSD: A Self-Guided Tour for Students, Parents and Staff: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.13San Diego $21
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 and Local Specialties in Buenos Aires: $58
- Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $65
- Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $65
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $69
- Empanadas & Argentine wine tour: $74
- BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $78
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
- Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
- Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown: $97
- Private Walking Tour & Argentine wine Tasting: $103
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- An Epic Scavenger Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- Downtown Bar Crawl Party Pass: $20
- San Diego Haunted Pub Crawl: True Crime & Ghost Stories: $35
- Hillcrest Drag Queen 5 Bar Crawl with Shots: $45
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- The most fun wine tour of the Guadalupe Valley: $124
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours: $149
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Private Deluxe Wine Tour to Valle de Guadalupe by Luxury Vehicle: $209
- Private Temecula Wine Tour from Escondido: $300
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Diego, we can see that San Diego 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 San Diego is in North 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Diego?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Diego. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Diego, 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 San Diego?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but San Diego has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Diego in the Summer?
Both San Diego and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is a little warmer than San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C)in July.
In San Diego, 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 less sunshine than San Diegoin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 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 San Diegoin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Diego in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Diego. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Diego in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in April average around 18°C (65°F), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego 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 San Diego during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 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 San Diegoin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Diego in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as San Diego. Additionally, most visitors come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally cooler than San Diegoin January. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 12°C (53°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets less sunshine than San Diegoin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in July than San Diegoin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Diego in the Spring?
Both San Diego and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C)in April.
It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 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 San Diegoin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
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.