Which place is cheaper, Montevideo or La Plata?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit La Plata or Montevideo?
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 Montevideo can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: La Plata or Montevideo?
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.
Montevideo
As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLa Plata $8.62Montevideo $63
The average daily cost (per person) in La Plata is $8.62, while the average daily cost in Montevideo is $63. 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 Montevideo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLa Plata $3.47Montevideo $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLa Plata $6.94Montevideo $78
Compare Hotels in La Plata and Montevideo
Looking for a hotel in La Plata or Montevideo? 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 Montevideo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.La Plata $2.47Montevideo $7.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
- Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
- TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
- 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
- Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
- Transfer from Carrasco International Aiport to Montevideo: $45
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $29
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $29
- Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo City: $21
Is it cheaper to fly into La Plata or Montevideo?
Prices for flights to both Montevideo 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 $3.37Montevideo $13
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango & Folklore in Montevideo: $98
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.La Plata $2.16Montevideo $21
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
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
- Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
- Best Private & Personalized Tour of Montevideo: $200
- Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $165
- Best Private Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $250
- Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $110
- Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers : $110
- Best custom Montevideo Private Tour in Electric SUV! (BMW Option): $120
- City Tour de Montevideo con ingreso al Palacio Legislativo: $65
- City Tour of Montevideo: $40
- City Tour, the best option for small groups: $160
- Discover Mix of Sightseeing & City Attractions!: $140
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLa Plata $1.20Montevideo -
Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:
- Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Plata and Montevideo, we can see that Montevideo 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 Montevideo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montevideo 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 Montevideo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, La Plata or Montevideo?
Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of La Plata. When comparing the sizes of La Plata and Montevideo, 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 Montevideo?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit La Plata or Montevideo in the Summer?
Both Montevideo and La Plata are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, La Plata is around the same temperature as Montevideo. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Plata in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Montevideo averages at about 24°C (75°F).
It's quite sunny in Montevideo. La Plata usually receives less sunshine than Montevideo during summer. La Plata gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Montevideo receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, La Plata usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montevideo. La Plata gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryLa Plata 25°C (77°F)Montevideo 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit La Plata or Montevideo in the Autumn?
Both Montevideo and La Plata during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In April, La Plata is generally around the same temperature as Montevideo. Daily temperatures in La Plata average around 18°C (65°F), and Montevideo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In the autumn, La Plata often gets less sunshine than Montevideo. La Plata gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montevideo receives 171 hours of full sun.
Montevideo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. La Plata usually gets less rain in April than Montevideo. La Plata gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilLa Plata 18°C (65°F)Montevideo 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit La Plata or Montevideo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both La Plata and Montevideo.
La Plata is around the same temperature as Montevideo in the winter. The daily temperature in La Plata averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Montevideo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
La Plata usually receives less sunshine than Montevideo during winter. La Plata gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Montevideo receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, La Plata usually receives less rain than Montevideo. La Plata gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyLa Plata 12°C (53°F)Montevideo 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit La Plata or Montevideo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to La Plata as well as Montevideo.
In the spring, La Plata is around the same temperature as Montevideo. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Plata in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Montevideo averages at about 17°C (63°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. In the spring, La Plata often gets less sunshine than Montevideo. La Plata gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montevideo receives 248 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Montevideo. La Plata receives a lot of rain in the spring. La Plata usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Montevideo. La Plata gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberLa Plata 18°C (64°F)Montevideo 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Montevideo and La Plata
| La Plata | Montevideo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.