Which place is cheaper, Santiago 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 Santiago?
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 Santiago 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 Santiago?
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.
Santiago
Santiago is the capital city of Chile. It is centrally located in the long and narrow country, making it a good jumping off point to explore everywhere else. It's convenient location means that you can go skiing in the Andes one day, and hang out at the beach the next.
Santiago has a cool semi-arid climate that is similar to Mediterranean climates. The summers, which are between November and March, are warm and dry. The temperatures climb to around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The winters, between June and August, are humid with cold mornings. The daily highs are around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows stay a few degrees above freezing. Rain is more common in the winter months and the dry season is between December and March.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $59Santiago $161
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $59, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $161. 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 Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $42Santiago $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $84Santiago $234
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago? 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 Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.20Santiago $5.81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Private Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport (AEP): $19
- Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Airport (AEP): $19
- Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City: $20
- Private Aeroparque (AEP) Airport Transfer TO Buenos Aires City: $23
- Private Airport Transfer from Buenos Aires to Aeroparque AEP: $25
- Tango Show in Catullo Without Transfer: $28
- Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Airport (EZE): $29
- Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
- Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 30 USD: $30
- Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
- Local Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
- Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) Transfer with English Speaking Driver: $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:
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Metro Ride$1.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Airport Transfer and Halfday City tour Santiago de Chile: $362
- Airport Transfer: Santiago Airport SCL to Santiago by Luxury Van: $106
- Airport Transfer: Santiago to Santiago Airport SCL by Luxury Van: $106
- City Tour Santiago with Exclusive Guide + Private Transfer: $270
- City tour santiago with excursion to valparaiso and airport transfer: $150
- Cruise Ship Transfer to Valparaiso Port with 6 Hour tour + Winery: $89
- Departure Transfer Santiago de Chile to Santiago Airport SCL: $82
- Departure Transfer: Santiago to Airport SCL by Luxury Van: $106
- From Viña Santa Rita Tour w/Transfer: $120
- Private 15-Passenger Premium Transfer – Santiago to Valparaíso: $149
- Private Airport Transfer Santiago Arrival or Departure 4pax SUV: $65
- Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $37
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago 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 $7.95Santiago $24
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
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $41
- Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
- BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
- Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $44
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner and Transfers: $47
- El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
- Skip-the-Line El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with optional Dinner & Transfers: $48
- Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $49
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$2.02
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Hamburger$2.69
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Dinner$28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Legacy Family Tour Lunch or Dinner Pairing 4 Strokes: $40
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $82
- 4-Hour Boozy Chilean Cooking Class in Santiago: $85
- Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
- Santiago Food Tour: Bohemian Flavors and Local Gems: $109
- Lastarria Food Tour: Wine Tasting, Bites & Culinary Experience: $109
- Dinner Show in Bali Hai with Wine refill and transportation: $114
- Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
- Private Dinner & Chilean Folk Show with Transfers: $116
- Alyan Winery Sunset with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $117
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $125
- San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $32Santiago $51
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: $7.30
- Discover Buenos Aires: A Self-Guided Tour: $8.29
- Recoleta Cemetery Buenos Aires Tour with Audioguide (no ticket): $9.48
- The Women Behind Puerto Madero’s Streets: A Self Guided Tour: $9.99
- Walking Tour in Retreat Palaces and Trains and Authentic Mate.: $10
- Small Group Buenos Aires Walking Tour: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $11
- Private Tour of La Boca and Caminito: $12
- Guided tour of the Mate Museum: $13
- Graffiti Tour: $14
- Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $9.00
- A historical tour of Santiago, Chile: $18
- Cable Car Admission Ticket: $18
- Santiago City Tour: Living History and Local Food Tasting: $20
- Guided City Tour through the historic center of Santiago: $23
- Private Guided Walking Tour of the City Center: $24
- Yungay, Memory, Art, and Neighborhood Walking Tour: $25
- Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Old Town: $25
- Santiago : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $26
- Guided Walking Tour through the Historic Center: $29
- La Moneda Palace, Plaza de Armas & Historic Santiago Walking Tour: $29
- Andes Snow Experience Farellones Valle Nevado and from Santiago: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.69Santiago $9.02
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:
- Exclusive Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $42
- 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
- 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
- Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $65
- Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $70
- BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $78
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago
Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Traditional Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Official English: $27
- Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $34
- "Premium Wine Tour" Viña Cousiño Macul Official english: $45
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $60
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $63
- Undurraga Wine tour: $70
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $75
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $75
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
- Premium Wine Tasting in Santiago de Chile: $77
- Inca Lagoon and Vineyard Visit with Wine Tasting: $80
- Half Day Trip to Cousiño Macul Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santiago, we can see that Santiago 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 Santiago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santiago 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 Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santiago. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santiago, 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 Santiago?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santiago.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is a little warmer than Santiago in the summer. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Santiago. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Santiago.
In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina is a little warmer than Santiago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F).
Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in April than Santiago. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago in the Winter?
Both Santiago and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally a little warmer than Santiago. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 12°C (53°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Santiago. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago in the Spring?
Both Santiago and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the spring are popular places to visit.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is a little warmer than Santiago in the spring. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in October than Santiago. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.