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

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tamarindo?

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 Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo?

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.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a small beach town in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast. This town is usually sought out by surfers, fishers, couples, and families. There are delicious restaurants, beautiful beaches, and friendly Tico's and Tica's (local Costa Rican nicknames) everywhere.

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 Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Tamarindo 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
    Tamarindo Prices
    Costa Rica Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $56
    Tamarindo $144

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, while the average daily cost in Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $40
    Tamarindo $50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $80
    Tamarindo $100
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tamarindo

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tamarindo? 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 Tamarindo


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 Tamarindo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.10
    Tamarindo $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City: $17
  • Madero Tango Buenos Aires Show Without Transfers: $24
  • Private Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport (EZE): $27
  • Private Transfer Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to City: $27
  • 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
  • Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
  • Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) Transfer with English Speaking Driver: $34
  • Private Transfer from Jorge Newbery Airport to Downtown Area: $35
  • Port Transfers with English Speaking Driver: $35
  • Private transfer from Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airport: $35
  • Madero Tango Show with Transfer: $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tamarindo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tamarindo:

  • Costa Rica Private LIR Airport Departure transfer : $6.00
  • Guanacaste Airport transfer to Jw Marriott Guanacaste: $130
  • Liberia Airport Private Transfer To Gulf of Papagayo Costa Rica: $125
  • Liberia Airport Private Transfer to Best Western Tamarindo: $100
  • Liberia Airport To Tamarindo Private Transfer: $95
  • Monteverde: Transfer to Tamarindo: $100
  • Playa Grande to Liberia Airport (LIR) Departure Private Transfer: $107
  • Private Round Trip Transfer: From Liberia Airport To Secrets Papagayo: $280
  • Private Transfer From LIR Airport to JW Marriott Guanacaste: $130
  • Private Transfer From LIR Airport to Westin Playa Conchal Resort: $140
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Casa Chameleon At Las Catalinas: $235
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Four Seasons: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tamarindo?

Prices for flights to both Tamarindo 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 $7.60
    Tamarindo $56

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 Tamarindo

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

  • Online Class on Zoom: Cooking Costa Rica Homemade Food: $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $30
    Tamarindo $17

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
  • Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
  • B.A Hidden Wonders Tour Parque Chas and Agronomía Park: $12
  • Private Tour of La Boca and Caminito: $12
  • Private Tour of San Telmo, Old Town: $12
  • La Boca Walking Tour: $13
  • 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $13
  • Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
  • Graffiti Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Tamarindo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tamarindo are as follows:

  • 1 Hour Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal: $30
  • Tamarindo Estuary Tour: $45
  • Night Turtle Nesting Tour from Tamarindo: $46
  • Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tour: $47
  • Morning Moka -Tamarindo's Morning Coffee Tour: $62
  • Zipline Canopy Tour from Guanacaste: $70
  • ATV Tour through the Flamingo Potrero and Brasilito Area: $70
  • Turtle Watching Tour: $70
  • Turtle Watching Night Tours with Expert Naturalist: $75
  • Tamarindo River Boat Tour: $75
  • Kayak and SUP Private Tour: $75
  • Private Wildlife Tour in Avellanas Beach: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.27
    Tamarindo $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: $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 Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tamarindo?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tamarindo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tamarindo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tamarindo. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Tamarindo in the summer. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tamarindo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Tamarindoin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F) 
    Tamarindo 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tamarindo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Tamarindo. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.

In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Tamarindo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Tamarindoin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tamarindo. Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in April than Tamarindoin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to May in Tamarindo is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in Tamarindo is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F) 
    Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tamarindo in the Winter?

Both Tamarindo and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much colder than Tamarindoin January. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 12°C (53°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Tamarindo. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than Tamarindo during winter. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Tamarindoin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F) 
    Tamarindo 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tamarindo in the Spring?

Both Tamarindo and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Tamarindo in the spring. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in April.

In Tamarindo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets less sunshine than Tamarindoin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in October than Tamarindoin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to May is the dry season in Tamarindo. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Tamarindo.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F) 
    Tamarindo 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina Tamarindo
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)