A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Santa Cruz de la Sierra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santa Cruz de la Sierra?

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 Santa Cruz de la Sierra 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 Santa Cruz de la Sierra?

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.

Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Santa Cruz de la Sierra, or simply Santa Cruz, is a larger city in the middle of Bolivia. It is also one of the most wealthy cities in the country. The city is also one of the fastest growing in the world. It is famous for its nightlife and it makes an excellent base for exploring many of the tourist attractions in the nearby areas.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Bolivia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Bolivia.


Which place is cheaper, Santa Cruz de la Sierra 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 Santa Cruz de la Sierra is $54. 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 Santa Cruz de la Sierra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.13
    Santa Cruz de la Sierra $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.26
    Santa Cruz de la Sierra $44
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santa Cruz de la Sierra? 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 Santa Cruz de la Sierra


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 Santa Cruz de la Sierra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58
    Santa Cruz de la Sierra $9.90
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 Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $26
  • Aljibe Tango Earlier Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels Buenos Aires: $85
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $124
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $109
  • Arrival Transfer Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires City by Sedan: $46
  • Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $44
  • Buenos Aires Airport Arrival Transfer (Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires Hotel or Address): $131
  • Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $139
  • Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE in Luxury Car: $160
  • Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
  • Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $220

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santa Cruz de la Sierra:


  • Taxi Ride
    $4.34
  • Mini Bus
    $0.58

Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santa Cruz de la Sierra?

Prices for flights to both Santa Cruz de la Sierra 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
    Santa Cruz de la Sierra $20
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.

  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Argentinian grilled pizza class in San Telmo: $40
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $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
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending Experience: $49
  • La Ventana Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $49
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50

Typical Food Prices in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Santa Cruz de la Sierra:


  • Snacks
    $3.18
  • Chips
    $0.29
  • Banana
    $0.14
  • Cookies
    $1.30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34
    Santa Cruz de la Sierra $19
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 - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
  • Historical Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery: $15
  • True Crime Buenos Aires: A Walking Tour: $15
  • Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
  • Graffiti Tour: $15
  • Walking Tour La Boca: $15
  • Recoleta Cemetery Experience - Immersive Tour with the Death: $16
  • Under Ground Tours Private Side B of the City: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.81
    Santa Cruz de la Sierra $14
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:

  • 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
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
  • Bodega Gamboa Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $80
  • Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
  • Private Asado and Wine Tasting in Argentina: $130

Typical Alcohol Prices in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santa Cruz de la Sierra from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $1.59


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santa Cruz de la Sierra, we can see that Santa Cruz de la Sierra is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Santa Cruz de la Sierra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Cruz de la Sierra 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 Santa Cruz de la Sierra Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santa Cruz de la Sierra?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santa Cruz de la Sierra, 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.