Which place is cheaper, Santa Elena 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 Santa Elena?
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 Elena 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 Elena?
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 Elena
Santa Elena is a cute town, and the closest to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. It's one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, and is a great place to experience the cloud forest and see some of country's unique wildlife.
In the Monteverde Cloud Forest you have a good chance of seeing rare quetzals which are the national bird of Costa Rica. Other common animals include white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, orange-kneed tarantulas, any of 8-9 species of hummingbirds, and sloth.
Santa Elena is about 1,400 meters above sea level and has a humid and damp environment. The average yearly temperature is 64 degrees Fahrenheit and the average rainfall is 3,000 millimetres. Humidity can be anywhere between 74% and 97%.
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 Costa Rica, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Costa Rica.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesSanta Elena Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $56Santa Elena $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, while the average daily cost in Santa Elena is $109. 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 Elena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $40Santa Elena $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $80Santa Elena $110
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santa Elena
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santa Elena? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.10Santa Elena $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
- Private Transfer Aeroparque J. Newbery Airport In Buenos Aires: $245
- Private Transfer Cruise Port In Buenos Aires: $233
- Rojo Tango Show with Optional Private Transfers in Buenos Aires: $215
- Executive Van Transfer: Ezeiza Airport (EZE) – Buenos Aires: $210
- Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
- LOCAL AIRPORT TRANSFER (AEP) ROUND TRIP with english speaking driver: $200
- Buenos Aires Private Tour + Transfer to Airport: $199
- Buenos Aires Exp. Winery Gamboa Tasting and Lunch and Transfer: $180
- Buenos Aires Shore Excursion: Asado Experience with Port Transfer: $180
- Soccer Match in Buenos Aires with Transfers and Local Guide: $171
- One Way Private Transfer Ezeiza to/from Palermo Hotels: $170
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Elena
Also for Santa Elena, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Direct transfer from Monteverde to San Jose, English Speaking Driver: $197
- MiniVan Departure Transfer Monteverde to San Jose Airport SJO: $215
- One Way Private Transfer from Monteverde - Liberia: $276
- Private Transfer From Monteverde to San Jose With 2 Stops: $233
- Private Transfer From Monteverde to your Destination: $240
- Private Transfer Liberia Airport to Saint Helena Monte Verde: $210
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santa Elena?
Prices for flights to both Santa Elena 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 $7.60Santa Elena $41
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: $25
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Lesson: $31
- Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $32
- Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $35
- Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $38
- Tango Show and Dinner at: Tango Porteño: $40
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
- Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $44
- Dinner at Arte de Mafia, Mafioso Theme Restaurant in Palermo: $44
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
- Exclusive Italian Lunch or Dinner at Puny Pasta and Grill: $50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Elena
For Santa Elena, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Monteverde Cooking Class: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $30Santa Elena $30
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Buenos Aires Private City Tour Designed for Seniors: $250
- E-Scooter Tour: Recoleta, Palermo & Downtown + Local Flavors: $69
- Football Matchday In Argentina (Ticket+Transport+Guide): $130
- Private City Tour with Local Gastronomy: $120
- Private Full Day City Tour by Iconic Buenos Aires: $300
- Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
- "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food) : $300
- 100% Gaucho Experience in a Traditional Estancia: $262
- 2 Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisina : $43
- 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
- 2 Hours Private Tour in Buenos Aires: $127
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $13
Tours and Activities in Santa Elena
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santa Elena.
- Admission Ticket to Las Pumas Rescue Center : $20
- Curicancha Birdwatching Tour: $22
- Cloud Forest hanging bridges with a local naturalist tour guide: $22
- Night Walk Tour in Monteverde: $24
- Guided Butterfly Conservatory Tour in Costa Rica: $26
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Tour: $26
- Kinkajou Night Walk Tour: $27
- Monteverde: Kinkajou Forest Night Walking Tour: $27
- Monteverde Butterfly Gardens Tour: $28
- Adventure Day - Outdoor Fun for Family & Friends Package: $29
- Selvatura Park: Herpetarium Tour in Monteverde: $29
- Cloud Forest Small Group Tour: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.27Santa Elena $6.21
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:
- Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $37
- Boutique Wine Tasting: A Unique Experience in Buenos Aires: $45
- BA: Wine Tasting and Blending Experience in Palermo : $51
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
- Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown : $61
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $63
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santa Elena, we can see that Santa Elena 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 Santa Elena 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 Santa Elena would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santa Elena 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 Elena Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santa Elena?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Santa Elena experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santa Elena in the Summer?
Both Santa Elena and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Santa Elena year-round.
In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Santa Elena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Santa Elena averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Santa Elenain July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santa Elena receives 164 hours of full sun.
Santa Elena 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 January than Santa Elenain July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Santa Elena receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)Santa Elena 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santa Elena in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santa Elena. Santa Elena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much colder than Santa Elenain October. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°F), and Santa Elena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Santa Elena during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Santa Elena receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Santa Elena 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 Santa Elenain October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Santa Elena receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Santa Elena.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)Santa Elena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santa Elena in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Santa Elena. The warm climate attracts visitors to Santa Elena throughout the year.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Santa Elena in the winter. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Santa Elena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Santa Elena. In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets less sunshine than Santa Elenain January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santa Elena receives 264 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in July than Santa Elenain January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Santa Elena receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to May in Santa Elena is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)Santa Elena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santa Elena in the Spring?
Both Santa Elena and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Santa Elena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Santa Elena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Santa Elena averages at about 29°C (85°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Santa Elena. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than Santa Elena during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Santa Elena receives 255 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 Santa Elenain April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Santa Elena receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Santa Elena is February to May. June to October in Santa Elena is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)Santa Elena 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Santa Elena and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Santa Elena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.