Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or La Plata?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit La Plata 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 La Plata and Buenos Aires, Argentina can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: La Plata or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
La Plata
Just over an hour from Buenos Aires, the bustling university city of La Plata is notable for being South America's first planned city. Indeed, also known as the City of Diagonal, La Plata's intricate grid system includes diagonal streets that run through it, contributing to easy navigation but confusing intersections.La Plata is the Capital of the Province of Buenos Aires, the main Argentine state, so you will find lots of elaborate government buildings alongside leafy green plazas in this laid back as well as active city. La Plata is a happening university town with a population of over 700,000. You can walk the width of it in under an hour, stopping at trendy craft beer bars, local music joints, and great restaurants along the way. Also, football is a religion in Argentina and if you're looking for some local atmosphere, La Plata is the place to go! Two of Argentina's biggest football teams, Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata and Estudiantes de La Plata challenge each other each year. If you are around during that special day for the city, you will witness thousands of fans wearing the relevant colours heading off to watch the match and parade by calle 7.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina, and The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLa Plata $8.17Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.74
The average daily cost (per person) in La Plata is $8.17, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $9.74. 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 La Plata and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLa Plata $3.29Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLa Plata $6.58Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.84
Compare Hotels in La Plata and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Looking for a hotel in La Plata 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: La Plata Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.La Plata $2.34Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Taxi from Airport$0.13
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Local Bus$0.00
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Metro Ride$0.00
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Taxi to airport$0.03
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Taxi$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $298
- Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
- Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $250
- Rojo Tango Show Ticket with Private Transfers From Port & Hotels in Buenos Aires: $229
- Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
- Soccer Match in Buenos Aires with Transfers and Local Guide: $201
- Private Transfer from AEP Airport to EZE Airport or Viceversa: $187
- Private Transfer Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) In Buenos Aires: $185
- Small Group Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $172
- Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE in Luxury Van: $143
- Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $143
- Departure Private Transfers from Buenos Aires to Airport AEP in Luxury Van: $143
Is it cheaper to fly into La Plata or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and La Plata 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 dayLa Plata $3.20Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.08
Typical Food Prices in La Plata
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to La Plata:
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Ice Cream$0.01
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Lunch$0.02
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Cup of Coffee$0.01
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Empandas$0.02
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Espresso$0.01
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Dinner (Pizza)$0.01
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Ice Cream$0.01
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Breakfast at Airport$0.04
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Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
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Sweets$0.01
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Hot Dog$0.01
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Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
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Lunch for 2$0.16
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Cake and Coffee$0.50
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Dinner$1.78
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Powerade$0.11
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Lunch$0.79
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Dinner$1.15
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Chocolate$2.95
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.
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $39
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $42
- La Ventana Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $46
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $46
- Tango Show and Dinner at: Tango Porteño: $54
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $54
- Mansion Tango Show And Dinner: $55
- El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $55
- Private Walking Tour & Argentinian pizzas Tasting: $58
- Tango Show @ El Querandi with Optional Dinner: $59
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Semi Private Transfer: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.La Plata $2.05Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.16
Typical Entertainment Prices in La Plata
For La Plata, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Sciencias Naturales Museum Entrance Fee$0.01
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:
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Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.04
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Movie Ticket$0.02
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Tango Class$0.03
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Bar entrance$0.55
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2x1: Día de Campo + Tour Nocturno en Buenos Aires: $220
- Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $47
- 3-Hour Bike Tour Getting to Know the Best of Buenos Aires: $35
- 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
- 3-Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisian: $45
- 5hs Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (optional street food): $35
- 8 Hours Guided Bike Tour in Delta El Tigre: $140
- A Back-Street Beer Brewing Tour of Buenos Aires: $137
- Argentina Motorcycle tour Paseo Costanera Buenos Aires: $40
- Argentine Football Graffiti of Messi and Maradona Tour: $85
- Arrival by Luxury Van Buenos Aires Cruise Port to Buenos Aires: $58
- BA Bike Tour: Elegance & Inequality Unveiled (Max. 6 People): $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLa Plata $1.14Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.71
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:
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Beer$0.01
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Beer (0.66L)$0.02
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Cocktail$0.03
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Alcohol$0.63
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 and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $40
- Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $42
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $48
- BA: Wine tour with 5 tastings stops in the heart of Palermo: $49
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $55
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Bodega Gamboa Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $85
- Bodega Gamboa Premium Wine Tasting with Lunch: $85
- Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Plata and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Buenos Aires, Argentina is more expensive. And not only is La Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Plata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Plata 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Buenos Aires, Argentina than you might in La Plata.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Plata Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, La Plata or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of La Plata. When comparing the sizes of La Plata 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 La Plata or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit La Plata or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to La Plata as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina.
La Plata is around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentina in the summer. The daily temperature in La Plata averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the summer, La Plata often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina. La Plata gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. La Plata usually gets less rain in January than Buenos Aires, Argentina. La Plata gets 86 mm (3.4 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 JanuaryLa Plata 25°C (77°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit La Plata or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and La Plata are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In the autumn, La Plata is around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Plata in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 18°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. La Plata usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during autumn. La Plata gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In April, La Plata usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentina. La Plata gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilLa Plata 18°C (65°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit La Plata or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and La Plata during the winter are popular places to visit.
In July, La Plata is generally around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Daily temperatures in La Plata average around 12°C (53°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the winter, La Plata often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina. La Plata gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun.
La Plata usually gets less rain in July than Buenos Aires, Argentina. La Plata gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyLa Plata 12°C (53°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit La Plata or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Plata and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
La Plata is around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentina in the spring. The daily temperature in La Plata averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. La Plata usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during spring. La Plata gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun in the spring.
Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the spring. La Plata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, La Plata usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentina. La Plata gets 100 mm (3.9 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 OctoberLa Plata 18°C (64°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and La Plata
| La Plata | Buenos Aires, Argentina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 96 mm (3.8 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.