A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. San Juan del Sur for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Juan del Sur?

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 del Sur 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 del Sur?

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 del Sur

San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan del Sur or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, while the average daily cost in San Juan del Sur is $53. 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 del Sur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.13
    San Juan del Sur $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.26
    San Juan del Sur $42
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Juan del Sur

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Juan del Sur? 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 San Juan del Sur


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 del Sur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58
    San Juan del Sur $18
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:

  • Ezeiza Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $75
  • Airport Transfer Buenos Aires (to/from Ezeiza & Aeroparque): $90
  • Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $25
  • Aljibe Tango Earlier Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels Buenos Aires: $85
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Business Car: $80
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $124
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $112
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $139
  • Arrival Transfer Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires City by Sedan: $46
  • Best Tango Show with Private Transfer: $102
  • Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Juan del Sur?

Prices for flights to both San Juan del Sur 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 $3.25
    San Juan del Sur $18
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34
    San Juan del Sur $15
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:

  • Palermo Soho for curious people Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
  • La Boca Walking Tour: $13
  • Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
  • Historical Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery: $15
  • Walking Tour La Boca: $15
  • Graffiti Tour: $15
  • True Crime Buenos Aires: A Walking Tour: $15
  • Recoleta Cemetery Experience - Immersive Tour with the Death: $16

Tours and Activities in San Juan del Sur

Here are a few actual costs in San Juan del Sur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Maderas, San Juan del Sur also in Costa Rica: $90
  • SJDS PORT EXCURSION: Zipline and Adventure Park: $103
  • San Juan del Sur Shore Excursion: Private Masaya Volcano and Catarina Tour: $118
  • ATV Adventure Tour in San Juan del Sur, NICARAGUA: $130
  • atv tour also in Costa Rica: $132
  • Mombacho Volcano Hike and Ziplining Adventure from San Juan del Sur: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.81
    San Juan del Sur $13
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 San Juan del Sur, we can see that San Juan del Sur 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 del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan del Sur 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 del Sur Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Juan del Sur?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 1680 times larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Juan del Sur, 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 del Sur?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan del Sur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Juan del Sur in the Summer?

Both San Juan del Sur and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan del Sur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than San Juan del Sur during summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan del Sur receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than San Juan del Surin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Juan del Sur in the Autumn?

Both San Juan del Sur and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan del Sur year-round.

In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than San Juan del Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in April average around 18°C (65°F), and San Juan del Sur averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than San Juan del Surin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan del Sur receives 195 hours of full sun.

San Juan del Sur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in April than San Juan del Surin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Juan del Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Juan del Sur. San Juan del Sur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much colder than San Juan del Surin January. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 12°C (53°F), and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan del Sur this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than San Juan del Sur during winter. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan del Sur receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than San Juan del Surin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Juan del Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as San Juan del Sur. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur throughout the year.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than San Juan del Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan del Surin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan del Sur receives 242 hours of full sun.

Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in October than San Juan del Surin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan del Sur and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina San Juan del Sur
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)