Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Malaga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Malaga or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Malaga and Buenos Aires, Argentina. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Malaga or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Malaga
Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.
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 Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalaga €140Buenos Aires, Argentina €9.59
The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, 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 Malaga and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalaga €75Buenos Aires, Argentina €3.86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalaga €150Buenos Aires, Argentina €7.72
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Looking for a hotel in Malaga 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: Malaga Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malaga €31Buenos Aires, Argentina €1.47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
- Airport Transfer: Malaga Airport AGP to Malaga by Luxury Van: $57
- Airport Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
- Arrival Transfer from Malaga airport AGP to Malaga City by Sedan: $46
- Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Business Car: $51
- Departure Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport AGP by Luxury Van: $57
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Malaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $88
- Malaga Airport (Costa del Sol) Private Arrival Transfer: $44
- Malaga Airport (Costa del Sol) Private Departure Transfer: $44
- Malaga Airport to Granada Hotel or Family House in Private Transfer: $189
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€0.12
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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:
- ONE WAY: Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Transfer to/from Buenos Aires City: $18
- Private transfer Vehicle from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City: $20
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $26
- Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
- Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 30 USD: $30
- Private Airport Transfer AEP Jorge New Berry to CAPITAL BA: $30
- Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
- Private Transfer from Jorge Newbery Airport to Downtown Area: $35
- Roundtrip Transfer Private SUV Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $39
- Private Transfer Jorge Newbery Airport to Hotel in Buenos Aires: $40
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $40
- Airport Transfer: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires : $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Malaga 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 dayMalaga €35Buenos Aires, Argentina €3.03
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
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Dinner for 2€30
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Dinner for 2€44
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Breakfast for 2€8.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.
- Horse and Flamenco Show in Malaga with Dinner: $76
- Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
- Andalucia by Sunset - half day tour including dinner and Ronda pickup: $93
- Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147
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€0.03
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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€0.15
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Cake and Coffee€0.49
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Dinner€1.76
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Powerade€0.11
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Lunch€0.78
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Dinner€1.13
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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.
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
- 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $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
- Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending: $49
- La Ventana Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $49
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malaga €31Buenos Aires, Argentina €3.11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:
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Entrance to Castillos€7.10
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Concert€31
Tours and Activities in Malaga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.37
- Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Malaga: $7.09
- Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.89
- Guided tour of Castillo Colomares: $9.83
- Alcazaba Malaga Guided Tour: $11
- Guided tour in Ronda: $13
- Andalucia's City Of Dreams: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ronda: $15
- Essential Malaga City Tour: $16
- City Sightseeing Benalmadena Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $16
- Private Guided Tour to the only coffee farm in Europe: $16
- Tour around the Central Market of Malaga: $16
- 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
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)€0.03
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Movie Ticket€0.02
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Tango Class€0.03
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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:
- Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
- Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
- La Boca Walking Tour: $13
- Bike tour through the La Boca neighborhood. Tango, Football and Art: $15
- Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
- True Crime Buenos Aires: A Walking Tour: $15
- Graffiti Tour: $15
- Walking Tour La Boca: $15
- Under Ground Tours Private Side B of the City: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalaga €22Buenos Aires, Argentina €1.68
Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga
Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
- Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
- Malaga City Wine Tour: $94
- Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: Best of Málaga in one Evening: $104
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€0.62
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:
- Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $30
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of 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
- Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $70
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Malaga 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Malaga or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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 Malaga 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 Malaga has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Malaga or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Malaga is around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentina in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.
Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMalaga 25°C (77°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. The autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Malaga is around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the autumn, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilMalaga 19°C (67°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.
In January, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyMalaga 12°C (54°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Malaga is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberMalaga 16°C (60°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Malaga
| Malaga | Buenos Aires, Argentina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 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.