Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Camping Tours in Argentina, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.74Santiago $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $9.74, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $144. 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 $3.92Santiago $112
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $7.84Santiago $224
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 $1.49Santiago $5.54
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Taxi from Airport$0.13
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Local Bus$0.00
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Metro Ride$0.00
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Taxi to airport$0.03
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Taxi$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- One Way Private AEP Airport Transfer to Buenos Aires: $9.02
- Private transfer Vehicle from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City: $16
- Private transfer Vehicle from Buenos Aires city to Ezeiza Airport: $16
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $26
- Private Transfer from Jorge Newbery Airport to Buenos Aires: $28
- Private transfer from Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airport: $28
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $28
- Private Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to your Hotel in Buenos Aires: $30
- Private Airport Transfer AEP Jorge New Berry to CAPITAL BA: $30
- Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
- Buenos aires Shared EZE Airport Transfer: $33
- Roundtrip Transfer Private SUV Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $33
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$1.16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Airport transfer between Santiago city center and Arturo Merino Benítez Airport: $51
- Arrival Private Transfers : Santiago Airport SCL to Santiago in Luxury Van: $86
- Arrival Transfer - Santiago International Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $35
- Arturo Merino Benítez Intl Airport: Shared Transfer: $24
- Departure Private Transfers : Santiago to Santiago Airport SCL in Business Car: $69
- Departure Private Transfers : Santiago to Santiago Airport SCL in Luxury Van: $86
- From Farellones Roundtrip Transfer: $28
- From Valle Nevado and Farellones with Transfer: $72
- Ignacio P.García International Airport to Hermosillo - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour, Concha y Toro, Private Transfer from Santiago: $167
- Pick up Santiago Visit Haras de Pirque Winery & Transfer Hotel: $300
- Private Airport Transfer to/from Portillo Ski Resort: $190
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 $3.08Santiago $13
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Lunch$0.02
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Cup of Coffee$0.01
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Empandas$0.02
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Espresso$0.01
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Dinner (Pizza)$0.01
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Ice Cream$0.01
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Breakfast at Airport$0.04
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Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
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Sweets$0.01
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Hot Dog$0.01
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Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
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Lunch for 2$0.16
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Cake and Coffee$0.50
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Dinner$1.78
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Powerade$0.11
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Lunch$0.79
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Dinner$1.15
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Chocolate$2.95
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 Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $35
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- Argentine Empanadas Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
- Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $45
- Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $45
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
- La Ventana Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $46
- Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $47
- Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $49
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting Experience: $49
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.93
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Hamburger$2.56
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Dinner$26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Bali Hai Dinner & Show, Transport and Wine refill: $106
- Dinner Show in Bali Hai with Wine refill and transportation: $109
- Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
- San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
- Sunset Winery Tour with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $130
- Private Tour: Santiago at Night with Dinner and Show: $131
- Private Night City Tour with San Cristobal Hill And Dinner Show: $131
- Viña Concha y Toro Nocturno: Dinner Show: $137
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour with Dinner and Show: $150
- Private Dinner and Show with Transfers: $158
- Traditional Chilean Cooking Class with a Local in Her Santiago Countryside Home: $168
- Chilean Cooking Class in Santiago with Wine Pairings : $168
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.16Santiago $48
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:
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Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.04
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Movie Ticket$0.02
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Tango Class$0.03
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Bar entrance$0.55
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Historic Buenos Aires: Quest Experience: $6.09
- Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
- Private Tour of La Boca and Caminito: $13
- La Boca Walking Tour: $13
- Private Tour of Plaza de Mayo and San Telmo.: $14
- Buenos Aires Shopping Tour: $15
- Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
- Graffiti Tour: $15
- Ticket to the Boca Juniors Museum: $19
- Puerto Madero, its history and architecture. 2 hour guided tour: $20
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Explore Santiago's Soul: Walking In-App Audio Tour: $5.00
- Explore Santiago's Soul: Walking In-App Audio Tour: $5.00
- Best of Santiago a Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.98
- Official Tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago: $10
- Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $10
- Cable Car Admission Ticket: $15
- Undurraga Sibaris Tour Ticket: $22
- Cousiño Macul Official Winery Tour with Tasting: $23
- Santiago : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $24
- Skip the Line: Concha y Toro Traditional Tour Ticket: $25
- A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -small group: $25
- History Walking Tour in Chile: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $1.71Santiago $8.61
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:
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Beer$0.01
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Beer (0.66L)$0.02
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Cocktail$0.03
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Alcohol$0.63
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 Pub Crawl: Techno Night: $22
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $42
- Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $42
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
- Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $48
- Wine tour with 5 tastings in the heart of Buenos Aires: $49
- Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending Experience: $55
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown : $56
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago
Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Concha y Toro Ticket and Tour with Wine Tasting: $50
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $50
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $50
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $62
- Undurraga Wine tour: $70
- Private Tour: Santa Rita Vineyard with Wine Tastings: $72
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with wine tasting in Casablanca: $79
- Inca Lagoon and Vineyard Visit with Wine Tasting: $85
- Portillo Andes Mountain Range with Inca Lagoon and Wine Tasting: $89
- From Concha y Toro Marqués Half-Day Wine Tasting: $89
- Private Tour: Undurraga Vineyard Experience with Premium Wine Tasting: $92
- half day wine tour to concha y toro from Santiago seasonal offer: $95
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.