Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Istanbul?
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 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 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires.
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Istanbul Prices
Turkey PricesBuenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $161Buenos Aires, Argentina $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $161, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $59. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $75Buenos Aires, Argentina $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $150Buenos Aires, Argentina $84
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $35Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Metro Cards$4.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Airport Transfer: $63
- Airport Transfer 1 to 6 Passengers: $59
- Airport Transfer Hotel Transfer Istanbul Transfer: $71
- Airport Transfer to Istanbul City with Minivan: $70
- Airport Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST by Luxury Van: $77
- Airport Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul by Business Car: $71
- Airport Transfer: Sabiha Airport SAW to Istanbul by Business Car: $70
- Airport Transfer: Sabiha Airport SAW to Istanbul by Luxury Van: $75
- Arrival Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul by Business Car: $70
- Best Airport Transfer Company Istanbul Meet Transfer: $52
- Best Istanbul Sultanahmet Old City Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $59
- Best of Istanbul City Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Private Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport (AEP): $19
- Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Airport (AEP): $19
- Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City: $20
- Private Aeroparque (AEP) Airport Transfer TO Buenos Aires City: $23
- Tango Show in Catullo Without Transfer: $28
- Private Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport (EZE): $29
- Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
- Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 30 USD: $30
- Local Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
- Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
- Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Port to Ezeiza: $35
- Private Ezeiza (EZE) Airport Transfer to Buenos Aires City: $35
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
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Food Meals for one dayIstanbul $59Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Dinner Cruise Show: $20
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour: $24
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Optional 4 Course Dinner: $25
- Bosphorus Night Cruise: Dinner, Drinks & Hotel Pickup: $29
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show Private Table: $29
- Dinner and Turkish Night Show in Bosphorus Strait: $29
- Budget Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Party: $29
- Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show with Private Table: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Shows and Drinks: $30
- Bosphorus Turkish Night Show and Dinner Cruise with Private Table: $31
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show in Istanbul: $31
- Istanbul Night Life : Bosphorus Dinner Cruise - Unlimited Drinks: $31
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: $28
- Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $35
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $40
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
- BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo: $43
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
- BA: Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo: $49
- Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $39Buenos Aires, Argentina $32
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- Self Guided Walking Tour of Istanbul with Audio Guide: $4.72
- Kadikoy's history, theatres and sweet shops: a self-guided audio tour: $6.31
- Walking Tour in Istanbul with Audio and Written Guide Pera: $8.00
- Istanbul Highlights Self guided scavenger hunt and Walking Tour: $8.24
- Ihlamur Pavilion Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide: $11
- 2-Hour Scenic Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul Throughout the Day: $12
- Bosphorus Night Lights: Guided Cruise With Tea and Cookies: $12
- Enjoy Istanbul’s Bosphorus:2-Hour Daytime, Sunset & Night Cruises: $12
- Bursa and Uludag Tour from Istanbul: $12
- Istanbul's Golden Hour: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise By Boat: $12
- 2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise with Audio Guide: $14
- Istanbul Unfiltered Cihangir, Antiques & Galata Walking Tour: $14
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $6.72
- Buenos Aires Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h30 and 18 reviews: $7.20
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $11
- Recoleta Cemetery Buenos Aires Tour with Audioguide (no ticket): $12
- Palermo Graffiti Tour: $13
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market: $13
- Guided tour of the Mate Museum: $13
- Graffiti Tour: $14
- Small Group Tour of Buenos Aires Historic: $15
- Recoleta Cemetery Tour in English: $16
- Buenos Aires Shopping Tour: $19
- La Boca walking tour Tango neighborhood Football and Art: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $11Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.69
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
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: $35
- Exclusive Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $42
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $60
- Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $65
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $78
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
- Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
- Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown: $97
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.