Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Istanbul or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Buenos Aires, Argentina, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Istanbul or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
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 Budget Tours to Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $126Buenos Aires, Argentina $10
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10. 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 Istanbul and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $47Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.13
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $94Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.26
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul 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: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $55Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Ferry$0.09
-
Local Bus$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Airport Transfer by Private Minivan + Meet & Greet Service: $85
- Istanbul Cruise Port(Galataport) Private Transfer Service: $35
- Private Airport Transfer in Istanbul: $109
- Saw Sabiha Gokcen Airport Transfers for Old City & Taksim Hotels: $54
- 1-Way Private Transfer to/from Sabiha Gokcen Airport: $74
- Airport - Otel Transfer and City Tours: $20
- Airport Istanbul Private Transfer IST or SAW Airport : $34
- Airport Transfer: $58
- Arrival Private Transfer IST or SAW Airport to Istambul, Levent or Taksim by Bus: $65
- Arrival Private Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul in Business Car: $54
- Best VIP Istanbul Luxury Transfer: $65
- Bursa Uludağ Mountain Tour From Istanbul w/Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $35
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:
- ONE WAY: Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Transfer to/from Buenos Aires City: $18
- Private One-way Ezeiza Airport Transfer To/From Buenos Aires: $20
- Private transfer Vehicle from Buenos Aires city to Ezeiza Airport: $20
- Airport Transfer: Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) to Buenos Aires: $25
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $25
- Buenos aires Shared EZE Airport Transfer: $30
- 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
- Private Airport Transfer AEP Jorge New Berry to CAPITAL BA: $30
- Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport Transfer with English speaking driver: $34
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires APT-HTL (EZA): $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Istanbul 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 dayIstanbul $31Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.25
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Juice$0.06
-
Turkish Delight$0.02
-
Dessert$0.26
-
Pastries$0.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show from Istanbul: $16
- Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour With Turkish Night Show: $21
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $21
- Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show: $25
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $26
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $28
- 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29
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
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $37
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
- Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50
- Skip the Line Ticket for Tango Porteño Show with Dinner : $53
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $54
- Argentine Cooking Experience in Palermo: $55
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Semi Private Transfer: $59
- Dinner or Lunch on Grill Revire By Grupo Summa: $60
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $79Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Bosphurus Boat (for 2)$0.62
-
Yerebatan Cistern for Two$0.62
-
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two$0.31
-
Hagia Sofia entrance$0.93
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
- Hagia Sophia Exclusive Digital Audio Guided Tour: $5.32
- City Tour with Audio Guide in your smartphone: $5.32
- Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.32
- Istanbul Sites: Peel back the layers of Turkish history a self-guided audio tour: $5.40
- Self Guided City Audio Tour of Istanbul: $5.44
- Kadikoy's history, theatres and sweet shops: a self-guided audio tour: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.38
- Istanbul Outdoor Escape Game: The Royal Adventure: $7.06
- Istanbul in a day: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.77
- Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- App self-guided tours Istanbul with multilingual audioguide: $9.58
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:
- Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
- Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
- Historical Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery: $15
- Walking Tour La Boca: $15
- True Crime Buenos Aires: A Walking Tour: $15
- Graffiti Tour: $15
- Recoleta Cemetery Experience - Immersive Tour with Death: $16
- Under Ground Tours Private Side B of the City: $20
- Skip the Line: Boca Juniors Museum and Tour: THE VIP BOMBONERA: $22
- Half Day Walking Tour Discovering Palermo Soho & Graffiti in Buenos Aires: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $15Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.81
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl Big Nightout . Rooftop parties,party Bus & Nightlife: $22
- Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
- Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $45
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $84
- 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $245
- Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
- Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $840
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 and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $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
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
- Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
- Wine Tour to Colonia Del Sacramento Uruguay: $147
- Bodega Gamboa Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $169
- Customizable Private City Tour of Buenos Aires + Wine Tasting: $229
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul 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 Istanbul Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Istanbul. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
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 Istanbul has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Istanbul or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
In the summer, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.
Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Istanbul is generally cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the autumn, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Istanbul is much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in July.
Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Istanbul during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Istanbul is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Buenos Aires, Argentina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.