Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Madrid?
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 Madrid or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Madrid and Buenos Aires, Argentina can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Madrid or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Madrid
Madrid, the capital of Spain, overs visitors countless opportunities to experience Spain's culture, art, cuisine, and nightlife. It is the largest city in Spain, and as such has much to explore. The city is situated on the Iberian Peninsula on the Spanish central Castillian plateau. If you're flying into Spain, you'll likely fly into the Madrid airport as it's one of the largest airports in Europe. Madrid is well connected to the rest of Spain with planes, trains and buses, making it a popular place to visit for many travelers doing a European tour.
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 Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires.
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Madrid Prices
Spain PricesBuenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMadrid €162Buenos Aires, Argentina €50
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €162, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is €50. 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 Madrid and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid €78Buenos Aires, Argentina €35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid €156Buenos Aires, Argentina €70
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Looking for a hotel in Madrid 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: Madrid Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid €18Buenos Aires, Argentina €1.86
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride€26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid- Barajas Airport private transfer, Pick up.: $96
- Arrival Private Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid City by Van: $89
- Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from MAD Airport to Madrid: $67
- Arrival Transfer from Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City by Van: $100
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Private Car: $86
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid MAD Airport to Madrid by Luxury Car: $102
- Arrival Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid by Luxury Van: $97
- Departure Private Transfer Madrid to MAD Airport in a Minibus: $173
- Departure Private Transfer from Madrid to MAD Airport by Van: $86
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Van: $93
- Departure Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Business Car: $87
- Departure Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Luxury Van: $93
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: $293
- Experience Estancia La Candelaria with transfer from Buenos Aires: $280
- Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $260
- Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
- Gaucho Day: Areco Town & Estancia with Private Transfer: $249
- 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
- Buenos Aires Exp. Winery Gamboa Tasting and Lunch and Transfer: $192
- Transfer Airports-Cruise Port: $190
- Private Transfer From EZE Airport To Cap: $188
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Madrid 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 dayMadrid €59Buenos Aires, Argentina €6.71
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee€2.00
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Ice Cream€3.00
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Kebabs (for 2)€16
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Croissant€1.50
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Lunch at Airport (for 2)€16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid
For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Corral de la Moreria Madrid Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner: $58
- Madrid Food Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local: $63
- Zarzuela Opera and Dinner at La Castafiore Restaurant in Madrid: $64
- Madrid Old Town Tour & Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner: $69
- Spanish Tapas Experience and Sangría Showcooking in Madrid: $76
- Chocolate & Churros Cooking Class in Madrid: $76
- Traditional Cooking Class of Sardines with Dish Auction in Madrid: $80
- Madrid Tapas & Wine Tasting Food Tour – Small Group Local Bars: $90
- Madrid Spanish Omelet Cooking Class and Bottomless Wine brunch: $93
- Spanish Cooking Class Paella Tapas and Sangria in Madrid: $99
- Madrid Food Tour in a Neighborhood Market with Churros: $104
- Madrid Local's Tapas Tour Dinner with a side of History: $111
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
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $40
- Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
- BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
- BA: Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $46
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $47
- Tango Dinner-Show at El Aljibe with Optional Classic Bus Transfer: $48
- BA: Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $49
- Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Madrid €33Buenos Aires, Argentina €27
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Madrid Historical Walking Tour: $3.49
- Madrid Walking Tour from Puerta del Sol to Retiro Park: $3.49
- Self-Guided Tours In Madrid With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.49
- Self Guided Walking City Tour in Madrid: $3.49
- Madrid - Medieval to Modern Walking Tour (English): $3.50
- Madrid (Historical Centre) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $5.10
- Madrid Old Town Self Guided Tour with Mobile App: $5.99
- Manzanares River’s Story: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Madrid: $5.99
- Madrid Mystery Quest: Self-Guided Surreal Adventure Game: $6.93
- Let's Tapear! The Madrid Tapas Route Walking Audio Tour: $7.33
- Royal Madrid's Scandal and Secrets: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.99
- Museo Lazaro Galdiano Admission Ticket in Madrid: $8.90
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Único tour sobre la Historia del Tango (sin mitos): $60
- "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 Ultimate Buenos Aires Bar Tour: $34
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $160
- 5 Hour Private Driving and Walking Tour of Buenos Aires: $185
- @argentinahighlights City LGBTQ tour: $150
- A Local's Grill: Hidden Tigre Island Experience - Grill & Wine: $120
- Architectural tour of Buenos Aires: $35
- Argentine Asado by Maru. Private experience in Buenos Aires: $140
- Argentine Football Graffiti of Messi and Maradona Tour: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid €19Buenos Aires, Argentina €8.19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
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Beer€5.00
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)€13
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $12
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Madrid Pub Crawl: Open Bar, Shots & VIP Entry (Shoko & Fitz): $14
- Top Pub Crawl Madrid & Party: $17
- Pub Crawl Madrid by Mad Party Crew: Bars, Shots and Club Entry: $20
- Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $29
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
- Wine Tasting in Madrid Experience: $54
- Hypno Tasting Wine Tasting under Hypnosis in Madrid: $57
- New Year Eve Madrid Pub Crawl: $80
- Spanish Wine Tasting : $90
- Toledo Full Day with Winery Visit, Tapas and Wine Tasting: $92
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
- Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $60
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- 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
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $106
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Madrid and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Madrid is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Madrid 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 Madrid would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Madrid 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 Madrid Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Madrid. When comparing the sizes of Madrid 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.
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.