Which place is cheaper, San Juan 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 San Juan?
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 Juan 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 Juan?
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 Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $10San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $192. 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 Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $4.13San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $8.26San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Juan? 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 San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58San Juan $14
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:
- Rojo Tango Show: Skip the Line Ticket including Private Transfer: $250
- Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $250
- Ministro Pistarini Airport to Gualeguaychú Round Trip Transfer: $240
- Rojo Tango Show Ticket with Private Transfers From Port & Hotels in Buenos Aires: $229
- Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $220
- 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 from AEP Airport to EZE Airport or Viceversa: $187
- Private Transfer Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) In Buenos Aires: $185
- Colonia Day Trip & Optional Private Transfers from Buenos Aires: $175
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
- Mendoza: One-Way Private Transfer from Airport: $25
- Old Walking Tour with Shopping and Hotel Transfer: $70
- Oneway Transfer San Juan to Ceiba: Ferry, Vieques/Culebra Airport: $80
- Oneway Transfer from San Juan (SJU, hotel, airbnb, port) to Ponce: $125
- Oneway Transfer- San Juan(SJU, hotel, airbnb, port) to Río Grande: $68
- Private Airport Transfers to Ceiba Ferry Terminal and Airport: $155
- Private Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to San Juan Airport: $22
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $105
- Private Transportation in Puerto Rico From or To San Juan Airport(SJU) Transfers: $33
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan 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 $3.25San Juan $36
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
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
- City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
- Private Local Food Tour in San Juan: $275
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34San Juan $49
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
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historic Buildings: $5.99
- Discover Old In-App Audio Tour of History: $11
- Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide: $14
- Group Transportation in airport, cruise ships, hotels, bnb's in San Juan, PR: $20
- Old Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $25
- History, Legends, & Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $30
- Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
- Old San Juan Walking Tour with a Certified Guide: $30
- Old San Juan City Walking Tour: $39
- Old San Juan Walking Tour: $39
- Legacy Tour at Casa BarcadÍ in Puerto Rico: $45
- Walking tour of Oaxaca City: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $1.81San Juan $12
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:
- 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
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Juan, we can see that San Juan 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 Juan is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan 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 Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Juan?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Juan, 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 Juan?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally cooler than San Juanin July. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 25°C (77°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
In San Juan, 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 San Juanin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 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 Juanin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Juan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Juan. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than San Juan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
San Juan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than San Juanin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as San Juan. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in July average around 12°C (53°F), and San Juan averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets less sunshine than San Juanin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in July than San Juanin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Juan in the Spring?
Both San Juan and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally cooler than San Juanin April. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (64°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 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 Juanin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.