A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisbon vs. Buenos Aires, Argentina for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lisbon or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Lisbon 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: Lisbon or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Lisbon

Portugal's capital city of Lisbon continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination. The cultural scene has come to life in recent years and the city itself is stunningly beautiful. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of hills that create a dramatic and scenic layout. The city has many white-bleached limestone buildings, narrow alleyways, and a laidback charm that appeals to visitors.

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 in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Lisbon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €131, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is €9.59. 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 Lisbon and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisbon 58
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 3.86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisbon 116
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 7.72
Compare Hotels in Lisbon and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Looking for a hotel in Lisbon 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.

Hotels in Lisbon


Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina


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: Lisbon Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisbon 24
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 1.47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lisbon

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:


  • Taxi Ride
    6.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon

Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Private Transfer to Cascais | Sintra | Estoril: $29
  • Airport Private Transfer to Costa da Caparica | Almada | Aroeira: $33
  • Airport Transfer - Lisbon: $60
  • Airport Transfer: Lisbon Airport LIS to Lisbon in Luxury Van: $95
  • Airport Transfer: Lisbon to Lisbon Airport LIS in Luxury Van: $95
  • Arrábida Snorkeling Adventure with Transfer from Lisbon: $87
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Lisbon airport LIS to Lisbon City by Luxury Van: $48
  • Arrival Transfer: Lisbon Airport LIS to Lisbon in Business Car: $65
  • Cascais transfer: Private Transfer to/from Cascais or Lisbon: $59
  • Departure Private Transfer by Business Car from Lisbon to Lisbon airport LIS: $37
  • Exclusive Luxury Transfers to/from Lisbon Airport: $16
  • Fátima Private Transfer:To/From the Lisbon Airport: $203

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
    0.12
  • 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:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires APT-HTL (EZA): $36
  • Transfers from or to the airport In Argentina Your Best Choice: $83
  • Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City - ROUND TRIP: $261
  • Transfer from Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Cruise Terminal: $80
  • Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal to International Airport (EZE): $80
  • Transfer between airports (EZE-AEP): $70
  • Transfer Buenos Aires Downtown Hotel transfer to International Airport (EZE): $68
  • Tango Show in Aljibe - No transfers: $75
  • Tango Show La Ventana only show exclusive with transfer: $76
  • Tango Porteño Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels In Buenos Aires: $70
  • Soccer Match in Buenos Aires with Transfers and Local Guide: $160
  • Small Group Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $169

Is it cheaper to fly into Lisbon or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Lisbon 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 day
    Lisbon 42
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 3.03
Typical Food Prices in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Soirée Rivage - Sunset cruise with dinner and Party: $25
  • Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon with Set Lunch or Dinner : $28
  • Tapas Food Tour: $37
  • Fado Show and Portuguese Dinner: $48
  • Lisbon Food Tour: $53
  • Alfama Tour and Live Fado with Traditional Dinner: $53
  • 2-Hour Pastel de Nata Cooking Class: $53
  • Legendary Beer Dinner: $53
  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Lisbon: $54
  • No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Lisbon with many Tastings: $62
  • Original Morning Food Tour: $63
  • Lisbon Tipsy Food Tour with Drinks and Food inlcuded: $69

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
    0.02
  • Cup of Coffee
    0.01
  • Empandas
    0.02
  • Espresso
    0.01
  • Dinner (Pizza)
    0.01
  • Ice Cream
    0.01
  • Breakfast at Airport
    0.03
  • Dinner (Sandwiches)
    0.01
  • Sweets
    0.01
  • Hot Dog
    0.01
  • Breakfast (Take-Away)
    0.01
  • Lunch for 2
    0.15
  • Cake and Coffee
    0.49
  • Dinner
    1.76
  • Powerade
    0.11
  • Lunch
    0.78
  • Dinner
    1.13
  • Chocolate
    2.91

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.

  • 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
  • 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
  • Argentinian grilled pizza class in San Telmo: $40
  • Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $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 Private Transfers (with optional dinner): $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lisbon 24
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 3.11

Tours and Activities in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • See Lisbon Through the Eyes of a Local - Free Walking Tour: $1.07
  • Belém Unveiled: A Free Tour Through the Age of Discoveries: $1.28
  • Bairro Alto + Downtown Walking Tour: $3.25
  • Alfama Tour in Lisbon Old Town: $3.25
  • Alfama Walking Tour Lisbon: $3.25
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour in the Marvels of Lisbon : $4.79
  • Tower of Saint George’s Castle Church Ticket & Drink: $5.33
  • Lisbon Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $5.33
  • Lisbon Cathedral Entry Ticket: $5.33
  • Lisbon Walking Tour: $5.33
  • Príncipe Real to Downtown A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Lisbon Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.53

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)
    0.03
  • Movie Ticket
    0.02
  • Tango Class
    0.03
  • Bar entrance
    0.54

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $59
  • Private Full Day City Tour by Iconic Buenos Aires: $290
  • Small group Yerba Mate Experience with snacks: $35
  • 1-hour Paramotor Experience in Buenos Aires Argentina: $100
  • 100% Gaucho Experience in a Traditional Estancia: $239
  • 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
  • 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
  • 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
  • 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70
  • 5hs Premium Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires: $55
  • @argentinahighlights Private City Tour in Buenos Aires: $120
  • A Back-Street Beer Brewing Tour of Buenos Aires: $123

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisbon 18
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 1.68

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:

  • Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks and VIP Club Entry: $18
  • 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $20
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar and VIP Club Entry: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar, Shots, & VIP Club Entry: $21
  • Lisbon Wild Pub Crawl : $22
  • Private Bar Crawl in Lisbon: $22
  • Beer Tasting in a Classic Brewery: $27
  • Pub Crawl Lisbon: $27
  • Wine Tasting at Quinta das Murgas: $38
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
  • Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Drinks: $42
  • Portuguese Wine Tasting and Cheese Lunch: $52

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
    0.62

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
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
  • Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
  • Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
  • Private Asado and Wine Tasting in Argentina: $130


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lisbon 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 Lisbon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisbon 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 Lisbon Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Lisbon or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Lisbon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the summer, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun.

Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Lisbon 23°C (73°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Buenos Aires, Argentina during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Lisbon 19°C (66°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. The winter months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Lisbon is around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisbon in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 12°C (53°F)in July.

In the winter, Lisbon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun.

Lisbon receives a lot of rain in the winter. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Lisbon 12°C (53°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Lisbon or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year.

In April, Lisbon is generally cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Buenos Aires, Argentina during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In April, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Lisbon 16°C (60°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Lisbon

Lisbon Buenos Aires, Argentina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)