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

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Washington?

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 Washington 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 Washington?

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.

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Washington 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 $10, while the average daily cost in Washington is $198. 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 Washington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.13
    Washington $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.26
    Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Washington

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


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 Washington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58
    Washington $47
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
    $0.13
  • Local Bus
    $0.00
  • Metro Ride
    $0.00
  • Taxi to airport
    $0.03
  • Taxi
    $0.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $260
  • Rojo Tango Show with private transfers in Buenos Aires: $259
  • Ministro Pistarini Airport to Colón Roundtrip Transfer: $249
  • Ministro Pistarini Airport to Gualeguaychú Round Trip Transfer: $239
  • Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $219
  • Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
  • LOCAL AIRPORT TRANSFER (AEP) ROUND TRIP with english speaking driver: $200
  • Skip the line Boca Juniors & River Plate Stadium and Museum tour with transfer: $196
  • Private Transfer: Round trip transfer from/to EZE International Airport: $190
  • Private Transfer Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) In Buenos Aires: $185
  • Private Tour of Buenos Aires + Transfer Out to Ezeiza Airport: $180
  • Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE in Luxury Car: $159

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer: National Airport DCA to Washington in Business Car: $141
  • Arrival Private Transfer: National Airport DCA to Washington in Luxury SUV: $170
  • Arrival Transfer Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC by Sedan: $106
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury Van: $188
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Business Car: $128
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury SUV: $157
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Van: $157
  • Departure Private Transfer: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury Car: $185
  • Luxury Airport Transfer DCA to/from Washington DC: $120
  • Private Airport Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Van: $157
  • Private Departure Transfer to Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
  • Private Departure Transfer to Washington Dulles Airport IAD: $144

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

Prices for flights to both Washington 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 $3.25
    Washington $38
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
    $0.16
  • Cake and Coffee
    $0.53
  • Dinner
    $1.88
  • Powerade
    $0.12
  • Lunch
    $0.83
  • Dinner
    $1.21
  • Chocolate
    $3.12

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.

  • Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $37
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $43
  • Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
  • Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $47
  • Skip the Line Ticket for Tango Porteño Show with Dinner : $53
  • Tango Porteño Show with Private Transfers (with optional dinner): $54
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $54
  • Aljibe Earlier Tango Show Skip the Line Ticket W/Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $55
  • Argentine Cooking Experience in Palermo: $55
  • Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $57

Typical Food Prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Little Ethiopia Food Tour: $67
  • Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Small-Group Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Washington DC: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $78
  • Dupont Circle Food Tour: $80
  • Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $97
  • Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
  • Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
  • Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
  • Washington DC:Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $140
  • Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
  • Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise: $144

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34
    Washington $24
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
    $0.58

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $59
  • Private Full Day City Tour by Iconic Buenos Aires: $290
  • Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
  • 100% Gaucho Experience in a Traditional Estancia: $239
  • 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
  • 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $10
  • 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
  • 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
  • 3-Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisian: $45
  • 5hs Premium Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires: $55
  • 8 Hours Guided Bike Tour in Delta El Tigre: $140
  • 8-Hour Tour of the South Bank of the Río de la Plata: $200

Tours and Activities in Washington

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.

  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Washington: $5.45
  • Washington, DC: Lincoln Assassination Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Scandals & Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • The Kennedy Homes of Georgetown: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • DC's Presidents, Pubs, and Parties: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Washington DC: National Mall Self Guided App Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Lincoln Memorial to the Cap Hill D.C. Smart Phone App/GPS Tour: $6.75
  • Washington DC Outdoor Escape Game Tour: FBI vs. Bank Robbers: $7.09
  • The National Mall: Walking In App Audio Tour (ENG): $9.00
  • Washington, DC: National Air and Space Museum Audio Tour: $9.00
  • D.C: White House Museum & President's Park Audio Tour (EN): $9.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.81
    Washington $19
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
    $0.67

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 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
  • Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $60
  • Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $65
  • Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $70
  • Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $35
  • Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
  • DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
  • Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Washington?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Washington, 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 Washington?

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 Washington has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

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

Both Washington and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally around the same temperature as Washingtonin July. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 25°C (77°F), and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Washingtonin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 278 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 January than Washingtonin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F) 
    Washington 79°F (26°C)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Washington. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is a little warmer than Washington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C)in October.

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Washington during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Washingtonin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F) 
    Washington 60°F (15°C)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Washington. Additionally, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

It's quite cold in Washington in the winter. In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Washington averages at about 35°F (1°C)in January.

In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Washingtonin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun.

Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Washingtonin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F) 
    Washington 35°F (1°C)

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

Both Washington and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally a little warmer than Washingtonin April. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (64°F), and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Washington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Washington during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Washingtonin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F) 
    Washington 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Washington and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina Washington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)