Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Koh Samui?
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 Koh Samui or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Buenos Aires, Argentina? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Koh Samui or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Koh Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesBuenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $77Buenos Aires, Argentina $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $77, 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 Koh Samui and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $26Buenos Aires, Argentina $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $52Buenos Aires, Argentina $84
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui 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: Koh Samui Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $19Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.30
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Gas for Scooter$1.23
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Airport Taxi$14
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$13
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ferry Transfers between Ko Pha-ngan and Koh Tao: $21
- Ferry Transfers between Koh Samui and Koh Tao: $26
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $49
- Full Moon Party in Speedboat Transfer From Samui: $60
- Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Round Trip Private Transfer: $35
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $18
- Koh Pha Ngan to Phuket Scenic Catamaran and Bus Transfer: $61
- Koh Phangan to Krabi Hassle Free Catamaran and Bus Transfer: $52
- Koh Phangan to Krabi Transfer by Catamaran and Bus: $56
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $12
- Koh Samui Airport Transfers: One Price, Anywhere on the Island: $41
- Koh Samui Beginner Friendly Jungle Treetop Zipline with Transfers: $64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- 8hr Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $296
- Gaucho Day: Estancia with Private Transfer: $264
- Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $260
- Rojo Tango Show: Skip the Line Ticket including Private Transfer: $260
- Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
- 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
- Executive Van Transfer: Ezeiza Airport (EZE) – Buenos Aires: $210
- Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
- Personalized Airport Transfers in Buenos Aires: $200
- Transfer Airports-Cruise Port: $190
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Koh Samui 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 dayKoh Samui $38Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.95
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.60
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Koh Samui Local Market Hin Ta Hin Yai and Beach Dinner: $36
- Samui Suppers Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Coconut Corners Samui Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $78
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $78
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui: $79
- Thai Cooking Class | Farm to Table: $82
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Transfer: $85
- Thai Cooking Class from Koh Samui with Local Market: $86
- Sunset Dinner Cruise Koh Samui The Red Baron: $110
- Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $112
- Koh Samui Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise with Return Transfer (SHA Plus): $120
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.Koh Samui $12Buenos Aires, Argentina $32
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Coconut Soap Making Demo and Experience Koh Samui Class@13:30 pm.: $2.34
- Kanchanaburi Mallika City Thai Cultural Tour Experience: $7.04
- Sky Bicycle Jungle Adventure Tour from Koh Samui: $14
- Paris Follies Cabaret Evening Entertainment Ticket from Koh Samui: $20
- Create Your Own Crystal Aroma Oil Ritual Experience: $20
- Samui: Double Seater Karting: Share the Driving Experience: $22
- Koh Samui Half Day Island Guided Tour: $23
- Koh Samui Chaweng Beach Nightlife Walking Tour: $24
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour by Minivan: $25
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island: $25
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $28
- Angthong National Marine Park by Highsea Tour (Official): $30
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food): $300
- 2 Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisina: $43
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market: $13
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $160
- 5 Hour Private Driving and Walking Tour of Buenos Aires: $185
- 5hs Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (Optional Street Food): $54
- @argentinahighlights City LGBTQ tour: $150
- Adventure in Parque de la Costa: $95
- Argentina Polo Experience by La Guapeada Polo: $267
- Argentine Asado by Maru. Private experience in Buenos Aires: $140
- Argentine Football Graffiti of Messi and Maradona Tour: $120
- Argentine Women Bike Tour: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.21Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.69
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 Koh Samui and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Koh Samui is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Samui experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Koh Samui or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Koh Samui is generally around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in July than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
Koh Samui is a little warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February. The rainy season in Koh Samui is October to December.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Koh Samui during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Koh Samui is much warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samui in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 12°C (53°F)in July.
Koh Samui usually gets less rain in January than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year. December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.
In April, Koh Samui is generally a little warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Buenos Aires, Argentina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.