A Travel Price Comparison for Argentina Mar del Plata vs. Buenos Aires, Argentina for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mar del 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 Mar del Plata and Buenos Aires, Argentina can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata is found only 404 km southeast of the city of Buenos Aires, on the Atlantic coast. Today Mar Del Plata is Argentina‘s most well known beach resort. It has successfully married the two worlds of beach and city into a fun, cosmopolitan urban center with the presence of highly developed tourist infrastructure. Founded in 1874, Mar del Plata was at first mainly an industrial and commercial center before becoming a vacation destination for Argentinians. For a peaceful trip and intimate oceanfront promenades, avoid visiting Mar del Plata during summer time, as the gorgeous arced coastline will be crawling with visitors. But the city is more than just beaches. It also offers some culture, lively nightlife, and great food.

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 Luxury Tours to Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Argentina, The Best Tours for Seniors to Argentina, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Mar del Plata?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $9.01, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $11. 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 Mar del Plata and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mar del Plata $3.23
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mar del Plata $6.46
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.48
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Looking for a hotel in Mar del 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.

Hotels in Mar del Plata


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: Mar del Plata Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.56
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.62

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
    $0.14
  • Local Bus
    $0.00
  • Metro Ride
    $0.00
  • Taxi to airport
    $0.04
  • Taxi
    $0.10

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: $299
  • Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City - ROUND TRIP: $266
  • Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $260
  • Rojo Tango Show: Skip the Line Ticket including Private Transfer: $260
  • Rojo Tango Show with private transfers in Buenos Aires: $259
  • Ministro Pistarini Airport to Colón Roundtrip Transfer: $255
  • Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
  • Ministro Pistarini Airport to Gualeguaychú Round Trip Transfer: $244
  • Rojo Tango Show Ticket with Private Transfers From Port & Hotels in Buenos Aires: $229
  • Buenos Aires: Temaiken Biopark including Transfers: $227
  • Transfer from EZEIZA or AEP Airport + Private City Tour: $200
  • LOCAL AIRPORT TRANSFER (AEP) ROUND TRIP with english speaking driver: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Mar del Plata or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Mar del 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mar del Plata $3.91
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.33

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
    $0.03
  • Cup of Coffee
    $0.01
  • Empandas
    $0.02
  • Espresso
    $0.01
  • Dinner (Pizza)
    $0.02
  • Ice Cream
    $0.01
  • Breakfast at Airport
    $0.04
  • Dinner (Sandwiches)
    $0.01
  • Sweets
    $0.01
  • Hot Dog
    $0.01
  • Breakfast (Take-Away)
    $0.01
  • Lunch for 2
    $0.17
  • Cake and Coffee
    $0.54
  • Dinner
    $1.93
  • Powerade
    $0.12
  • Lunch
    $0.86
  • Dinner
    $1.25
  • Chocolate
    $3.20

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.

  • Argentinean Empanadas cooking (Virtual Live experience): $12
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
  • Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
  • 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $37
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $37
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Argentine Empanadas Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
  • Argentinian grilled pizza class in boutique hotel in Palermo: $40
  • Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $42
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.33
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.43

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)
    $0.04
  • Movie Ticket
    $0.02
  • Tango Class
    $0.03
  • Bar entrance
    $0.59

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
  • Premium Buenos Aires by Night Small-Group City Tour: $80
  • Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
  • Small group Yerba Mate Experience with snacks: $35
  • 100% Gaucho Experience in a Traditional Estancia: $244
  • 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
  • 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $10
  • 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
  • 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: $46
  • 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mar del Plata $1.82
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.85

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
    $0.68

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 and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $38
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
  • Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
  • Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
  • Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $48
  • 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
  • Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $65
  • Half-Day Nightlife Experience in Buenos Aires: Palermo Bar Crawl: $74


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mar del Plata and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Buenos Aires, Argentina is more expensive. And not only is Mar del Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mar del Plata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mar del 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 Mar del Plata.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mar del Plata Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Mar del Plata. When comparing the sizes of Mar del 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 Mar del 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 Mar del Plata or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina.

In the summer, Mar del Plata is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mar del Plata in January average around 20°C (69°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mar del Plata this time of the year. In the summer, Mar del Plata often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Mar del Plata gets 221 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. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in January than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Mar del Plata 20°C (69°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Mar del Plata are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In April, Mar del Plata is generally cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 15°C (59°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In April, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Mar del Plata 15°C (59°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Mar del Plata during the winter are popular places to visit.

Mar del Plata is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the winter. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 9°C (47°F) in July, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in July than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Mar del Plata 9°C (47°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mar del Plata and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

In the spring, Mar del Plata is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mar del Plata in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. Mar del Plata usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during spring. Mar del Plata gets 175 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. In October, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Mar del Plata 13°C (56°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata Buenos Aires, Argentina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (69°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 9°C (48°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 9°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 9°C (49°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)