Which place is cheaper, Tulum 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 Tulum?
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 Tulum 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 Tulum?
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.
Tulum
When you think of ancient ruins you probably picture dusty archaeological digs surrounded by sand and professors in khaki shorts. What if I told you there is a way to see ancient ruins and visit a tropical beach? That's exactly what you find in Tulum, Mexico.
Built near the end of Mayan era, the ruins of Tulum served as a port before the arrival of the Spanish. It may have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, given that these ruins face the sunrise. Because of Tulum's access to both land and sea routes, this spot was an important hub for the trade industry. It may have had another claim to fame, too. According to some murals and other works around the site, it seems this spot was an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending God. Today, the area is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico with daily tour buses dropping off visitors.
This area is usually packed with people looking to get a glimpse of the seaside ruins. To avoid crowds and capture the best view of the day, try to arrive as early as possible.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesTulum Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $56Tulum $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, while the average daily cost in Tulum 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 Tulum in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $40Tulum $59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $80Tulum $118
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tulum
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tulum? 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: Tulum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.07Tulum $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Buenos Aires: AEP Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $13
- Private Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport (AEP): $15
- Private Aeroparque (AEP) Airport Transfer TO Buenos Aires City: $18
- Tango Show in Catullo Without Transfer: $22
- Private Airport Transfer from Buenos Aires to Aeroparque AEP: $25
- Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Port to Ezeiza: $28
- 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 Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
- Premium Buenos Aires City Tour with Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) to Buenos Aires: $32
- Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) Transfer with English Speaking Driver: $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Airport Transfer One Way - Cancun / Tulum - Private or Luxury: $140
- Cancun Airport Private Transfer to/from Conrad Tulum: $103
- Economy Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport – Safe: $151
- Luxury Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $250
- Luxury one way transfer to Tulum from Tulum airport: $220
- One Way Private Transfer Tulum Zone - Cancun Int Airport: $170
- Private One Way Transfer To or From Tulum Airport: $180
- Private Roundtrip Transfer from Tulum Airport to Tulum Hotels: $270
- Private Transfer From Tulum to Cancun With a 2 Hour Stop: $208
- Private Transfer From Tulum to Chetumal With a 2 Hour Stop: $295
- Private Transfer From Tulum to Mahahual With a 2 Hour Stop: $267
- Private Transfer Tulum Airport to Tulum: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tulum?
Prices for flights to both Tulum 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 $7.49Tulum $58
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.
- Argentine Cooking, Wine & Beef Tasting at Argentine Experience: $30
- Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $37
- Tango Porteño Show or Dinner Show with Barra Libre Buenos Aires: $37
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $39
- Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
- Buenos Aires Family Empanada Cooking Class Kids Take the Lead: $44
- Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- BA: Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $46
- El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $47
Typical Food Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Lunch$2.96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.
- Salsa Class,Mezcalita Workshop & Mexican Dinner: $89
- Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $95
- Mexican Cooking class experience in Tulum: $142
- Temazcal Mayan Ritual Tour and Cenote Swim with Yucatecan Dinner: $149
- Private Authentic Mayan Cooking Class with Tulum Hotel Transfers: $280
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more): $299
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $30Tulum $31
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina: $6.72
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $6.72
- Buenos Aires Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h30 and 18 reviews: $6.81
- Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
- Discover Buenos Aires: A Self-Guided Tour: $8.30
- Two to Tango: A San Telmo Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
- The Women Behind Puerto Madero’s Streets: A Self Guided Tour: $9.99
- Small Group Buenos Aires Walking Tour: $10
- Recoleta Cemetery Buenos Aires Tour with Audioguide (no ticket): $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $11
- Private Tour of San Telmo, Old Town: $12
- Private Tour of La Boca and Caminito: $12
Tours and Activities in Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- Coba Ruins Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $9.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Return Home: $11
- Self Guided Audio Walking Tour of Tulum: $15
- Yaxmuul Cenote Park: Guided Tour with Mayan Ceremony: $23
- Entrance tickets to swim in 4 Cenotes in Casa Tortuga Park: $27
- Tulum Cenote Tour 5 Cenotes and Awaken Your Senses: $29
- Adrenaline Tulúm Tour: ATV, Zipline, and Cenote Adventure: $30
- Cancun: ATV Jungle Adventure, Cenote and Tulum Ruins Tour: $32
- Experience at Cenote Zemway in Tulum: $33
- Tulum Snorkeling: with 2 reef points, 2 hours tour: $36
- Experience Mayan Snorkeling and Swimming in Lagoon / Cenote in Tulum: $38
- Guided Day Tour to Chichén Itzá, Cenote Swim and Valladolid: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.13Tulum $25
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:
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Wine Tasting and Local Specialties in Buenos Aires: $58
- Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $65
- Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $65
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $69
- Empanadas & Argentine wine tour: $74
- BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $78
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
- Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
- Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown: $97
- Private Walking Tour & Argentine wine Tasting: $103
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tulum, we can see that Tulum 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 Tulum is in North 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 Tulum would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tulum 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 Tulum Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tulum?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 1560 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tulum, 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 Tulum?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Tulum has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tulum in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tulum. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.
In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally cooler than Tulumin July. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 25°C (77°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Tulum during summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
Tulum 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 Tulumin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)Tulum 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tulum in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Tulum. Also, many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Tulum in the autumn. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. 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 around the same amount of sunshine as Tulumin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 216 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tulum. Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in April than Tulumin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tulum in the Winter?
Both Tulum and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Tulum. Typically, the winter temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Tulum averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in Tulum. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during winter. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 213 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Tulumin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)Tulum 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tulum in the Spring?
Both Tulum and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much colder than Tulumin April. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (64°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Tulum, 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 Tulumin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 273 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 Tulumin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Tulum and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Tulum | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.