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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, 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. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
    Argentina Prices
    Santa Cruz de la Sierra Prices
    Bolivia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $57
    Santa Cruz de la Sierra $68

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $57, while the average daily cost in Santa Cruz de la Sierra is $68. 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 $40
    Santa Cruz de la Sierra $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $80
    Santa Cruz de la Sierra $46
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 $2.12
    Santa Cruz de la Sierra $9.92

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: $293
  • Airport Transfer: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires by Business Car: $116
  • Airport Transfer: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires by Luxury Van: $143
  • Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE by Business Car: $110
  • Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE by Luxury Van: $143
  • Aljibe Tango Earlier Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels Buenos Aires: $115
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $126
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $143
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $143
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport AEP to Buenos Aires by Business Car: $116
  • Arrival Transfer: Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires by Sedan: $116
  • Best Tango Show with Private Transfer: $105

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 $7.65
    Santa Cruz de la Sierra $34

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.

  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $28
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $40
  • Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
  • BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
  • BA: Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $46
  • Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
  • El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $47
  • Tango Dinner-Show at El Aljibe with Optional Classic Bus Transfer: $48
  • BA: Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $49
  • Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $49

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

  • Guided Street Food Tour: Santa Cruz de la Sierra: $10

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $31
    Santa Cruz de la Sierra $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:

  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $6.72
  • Buenos Aires Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h30 and 18 reviews: $7.08
  • Discover Buenos Aires: A Self-Guided Tour: $8.15
  • Small Group Buenos Aires Walking Tour: $10
  • Walking Tour in Retreat Palaces and Trains and Authentic Mate.: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $11
  • Guided tour of the Mate Museum: $13
  • 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market: $13
  • Palermo Graffiti Tour: $13
  • Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
  • Small Group Tour of Buenos Aires Historic: $15
  • Recoleta Cemetery Tour in English: $16

Tours and Activities in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Here are a few actual costs in Santa Cruz de la Sierra for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Walking tour - A journey through the History of Santa Cruz: $11
  • Lomas de Arena Sandboarding Tour: $42
  • Santa Cruz: Wildlife Sanctuary and Preservation Park Tour: $85
  • Day Tour /El Fuerte & Samaipata: $98
  • Day Tour Jardin de las Delicias: $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.34
    Santa Cruz de la Sierra $14

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:

  • Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $35
  • Exclusive Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $42
  • BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
  • Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
  • Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
  • Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $60
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
  • Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
  • Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown: $97
  • Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $106

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Also in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bolivia: Bolivian Wine Tasting with Charcuterie Board: $39


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.