Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Ho Chi Minh City?
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 Ho Chi Minh City or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Ho Chi Minh City and Buenos Aires, Argentina can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Ho Chi Minh City or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It previously served as the capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). The metropolitan area, including Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Dau Mot, Di An, Bien Hoa, and other surrounding towns, has a population of more than 9 million people and continues to grow.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires.
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Ho Chi Minh City Prices
Vietnam PricesBuenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHo Chi Minh City $87Buenos Aires, Argentina $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Ho Chi Minh City is $87, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56. 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 Ho Chi Minh City and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHo Chi Minh City $48Buenos Aires, Argentina $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHo Chi Minh City $96Buenos Aires, Argentina $80
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City or Buenos Aires, Argentina? 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: Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $15Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.09
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ho Chi Minh City:
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Short Taxi Ride$1.33
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Taxi From Airport$7.60
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Cyclo Ride (One Hour)$1.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City
Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfers (Airport - Ho Chi Minh,Private 16 Seats Car): $52
- CONVENIENT AIRPORT TRANSFER by PRIVATE CAR or SCOOTERS | KissTour: $28
- Comfort Van Transfer From Phong Nha or Dong Hoi to Hue: $15
- From Phu My Port: Ho Chi Minh City Tour and Transfers: $143
- Fusion Resort to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
- Hanoi Private Transfer from Thanh Hoa to Hanoi (HAN) Airport: $170
- Hanoi Private Transfer from Vinh City to Hanoi (HAN) Airport: $277
- Ho Chi Minh ↔ Mui Ne Daily Transfer: Shared & Private: $24
- Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Ho Chi Minh hotels Arrival Transfer: $16
- Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Mui Ne - Arrival Private Transfer: $140
- Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Mui Ne - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $280
- Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Mui Ne - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $233
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Rojo Tango Show with Optional Private Transfers in Buenos Aires: $265
- Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $260
- Gaucho Day: Areco Town & Estancia with Private Transfer: $249
- Private Transfer Aeroparque J. Newbery Airport In Buenos Aires: $245
- Private Transfer Cruise Port In Buenos Aires: $233
- Horseback Riding Experience in Carlos Keen with Transfers: $233
- Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
- Buenos Aires Exp. Winery Gamboa Tasting and Lunch and Transfer: $192
- Transfer Airports-Cruise Port: $190
- Private Transfer From EZE Airport To Cap: $188
- Delta Tigre Day tour from 11:30am with navigation and transfer from your hotel: $183
- Executive Van Transfer: Ezeiza Airport (EZE) – Buenos Aires: $180
Is it cheaper to fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Ho Chi Minh City 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 dayHo Chi Minh City $23Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.55
Typical Food Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:
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Street Food Dinner (for Two)$4.07
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Pizza$4.94
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Sweet Rice$1.14
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Pork Sandwich$0.57
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.45
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Western Lunch (for Two)$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour with Local LGBT Student Guide: $1.88
- Water Puppet Show And Dinner Cruise On Saigon River Private Tour: $1.88
- Mekong With Cai Be Less Tourist - Cooking Class: $14
- Saigon Food Tour & Culture Explore Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour: $15
- 1 hour Egg Coffee Cooking Class with Snack and Local Instructor: $15
- Mekong Delta 4 Islands, TukTuk, Boat, Try Khot Cake Local Cooking: $16
- HCM:Mekong Delta Boat,Khotcake cooking Coconut Village,SmallGroup: $16
- Saigon Sightseeing & Street Food Tour By scooter with Student: $20
- Cu Chi Tunnels & Countryside Cooking Class with Organic Farm: $20
- Ho Chi Minh city Walking Chinatown / HCM city walking food tour: $25
- Saigon Walking Food Tour & Hidden Alleys with Locals: $26
- Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour and Vietnamese Coffee: $27
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.
- Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $35
- Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $37
- Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $38
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $39
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
- BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
- Buenos Aires Family Empanada Cooking Class Kids Take the Lead: $44
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
- Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $47
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $19Buenos Aires, Argentina $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Massage$5.32
Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.
- Highlights & Hidden Gems - Free Walking Tour: $0.64
- Hidden Bunker & Vietnam War - Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour: $0.64
- Ghosts & Legends of Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City Night Walking Tour: $0.64
- Gangster Island: Saigon Street Food, Seafood & Hidden Alleys Tour: $0.64
- Hidden Jungle War Experience – The Untold Side of Saigon: $1.80
- Ho Chi Minh City private walking tours with young local volunteers: $1.81
- Cat Tien National Park Adventure Biking Hiking Nature Day Tour: $1.88
- Ho Chi Minh City Private City Tour with Highlights Hidden Gems: $1.88
- Phu My Port: Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion Tour With Massage: $1.88
- 2-Day Mekong Delta Tour: Can Tho Floating Market, Flower Village: $1.88
- Ho Chi Minh City Highlights Hidden Gems Tour By Heritage Vespa: $1.88
- 3-Day Phu Quy And Mui Ne Adventure: Beaches, Dunes, Island Life: $1.88
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Único tour sobre la Historia del Tango (sin mitos): $60
- "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food): $300
- 1-Hour Catamaran Cruise in the Tiger Delta: $20
- 2 Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisina: $43
- 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires: $30
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $160
- 5 Hour Private Driving and Walking Tour of Buenos Aires: $185
- 5 Stops Walking Tour of Buenos Aires hidden Wineries: $82
- @argentinahighlights City LGBTQ tour: $150
- A Back-Street Beer Brewing Tour of Buenos Aires: $165
- Adventure in Parque de la Costa: $95
- Architectural tour of Buenos Aires: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHo Chi Minh City $7.60Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.22
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Ho Chi Minh City:
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Beer$0.38
Sample the Local Flavors in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Make Your Own Gin Experience and Saigon Baigur Distillery Tour: $29
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:
- Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $45
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Argentine Wine Tasting with Lunch or Charcuterie Pairings: $59
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $69
- BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $78
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
- Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires Private Experience: $92
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
- Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
- Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $129
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Ho Chi Minh City is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ho Chi Minh City is in Asia and Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South 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 Ho Chi Minh City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ho Chi Minh City. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Buenos Aires, Argentina, 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.
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.