A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Santiago for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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 Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Santiago 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 $11, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $141. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.24
    Santiago $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.48
    Santiago $220
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.

Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina


Hotels in Santiago


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.62
    Santiago $5.39
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
    $0.14
  • Local Bus
    $0.00
  • Metro Ride
    $0.00
  • Taxi to airport
    $0.04
  • Taxi
    $0.10

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: $15
  • Airport Transfer: Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) to Buenos Aires: $18
  • Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $18
  • ONE WAY: Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Transfer to/from Buenos Aires City: $18
  • Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 20 USD: $20
  • Local Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $20
  • Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $20
  • Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $20
  • Private transfer Vehicle from Buenos Aires city to Ezeiza Airport: $20
  • Private transfer Vehicle from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City: $20
  • Private One-way Ezeiza Airport Transfer To/From Buenos Aires: $20
  • Private Airport Transfer AEP Jorge New Berry to CAPITAL BA: $27

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:


  • Metro Ride
    $1.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:

  • Private Departure Transfer from Santiago- Santiago Airport (SCL): $28
  • Airport transfer between Santiago city center and Arturo Merino Benítez Airport: $51
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Santiago Airport SCL to Santiago by Luxury Van: $71
  • Arrival Private Transfers : Santiago Airport SCL to Santiago in Business Car: $69
  • Arrival Private Transfers : Santiago Airport SCL to Santiago in Luxury Van: $86
  • Arrival Transfer - Santiago International Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $35
  • Departure Private Transfer Santiago to Santiago Airport SCL in a Luxury Van: $71
  • Departure Private Transfers : Santiago to Santiago Airport SCL in Business Car: $69
  • Departure Private Transfers : Santiago to Santiago Airport SCL in Luxury Van: $86
  • Departure Transfer - Hotel in Santiago to Santiago International Airport: $35
  • From Farellones/Valle Nevado Roundtrip Transfer: $35
  • From Valle Nevado and Farellones with Transfer: $73

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.33
    Santiago $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:


  • 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
    $0.17
  • Cake and Coffee
    $0.54
  • Dinner
    $1.93
  • Powerade
    $0.12
  • Lunch
    $0.86
  • Dinner
    $1.25
  • Chocolate
    $3.20

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.

  • Argentinean Empanadas cooking (Virtual Live experience): $12
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
  • Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
  • 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $37
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $37
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Argentine Empanadas Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
  • Argentinian grilled pizza class in boutique hotel in Palermo: $40
  • Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $42
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $44

Typical Food Prices in Santiago

Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:


  • Empanada
    $1.88
  • Hamburger
    $2.49
  • Dinner
    $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.

  • Sunset Winery Tour with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $50
  • Sunset at Alyan Family Wines Winery with Dinner: $97
  • Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
  • Traditional Chilean Show with Dinner and Private Transportation in Santiago: $107
  • Santiago City Sightseeing Small-Group Tour by Night Including Dinner: $109
  • Bali Hai Dinner & Show Including Transport: $115
  • Small-Group Tour: Night City Tour with Santa Lucia Hill and Dinner Show: $116
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $117
  • Sunset Alyan + 6 wines + savory board + rustic dinner + dessert: $119
  • Small-Group Night City Tour: San Cristobal Hill and Dinner Show: $120
  • San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
  • Private Tour: Santiago at Night with Dinner and Show: $131

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.43
    Santiago $47
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
    $0.59

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Guided Walking Tour of Palermo Soho: $5.00
  • Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Urban Legends and Myths Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery: $6.00
  • Introduction to Argentina (Virtual Live Experience): $6.67
  • Tour in the Boca Neighborhood: $8.00
  • History of Tango (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
  • A day with an Argentinean Football Fan (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
  • The Life of Pope Francis in Argentina (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
  • Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Recoleta Cemetery Tour in English : $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
  • Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10

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
  • Official Tour of Santiago Cathedral: $9.00
  • Santiago Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $9.00
  • Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino Admission Ticket: $15
  • Undurraga Sibaris Tour Ticket: $22
  • "Tour Tradicional" Viña Cousiño Macul Oficial español: $23
  • Cousiño Macul Official Winery Tour with Tasting: $23
  • Skip the Line: Concha y Toro Traditional Tour Ticket: $25
  • Walking tour through Santiago: $26
  • From Valle Nevado and Farellones Small Group Tour: $29
  • Small-Group Tour to Valle Nevado and Farellones from Santiago: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.85
    Santiago $8.37
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
    $0.68

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 and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $38
  • 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
  • Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $48
  • Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
  • Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $65
  • Half-Day Nightlife Experience in Buenos Aires: Palermo Bar Crawl: $74

Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago

Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Premium Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Spanish official: $37
  • Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $44
  • Concha y Toro Ticket and Tour with Wine Tasting: $44
  • Undurraga Wine tour: $63
  • Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $65
  • Half Day Trip to Concha y Toro Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $65
  • Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $68
  • Private Tour: Santa Rita Vineyard with Wine Tastings: $72
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Santiago de Chile: $77
  • 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Buenos 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Buenos 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Buenos 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Buenos 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)