Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Mar del Plata?
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 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.
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Mar del Plata Prices
Argentina PricesBuenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMar del Plata $78Buenos Aires, Argentina $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $78, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $77. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMar del Plata $59Buenos Aires, Argentina $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMar del Plata $118Buenos Aires, Argentina $110
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mar del Plata $4.25Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- 2-Days Buenos Aires Express - Accommodation + Roundtrip transfer + City tour : $300
- Small Group Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $292
- Soccer Match in Buenos Aires with Transfers and Local Guide: $252
- Private Transfer Aeroparque J. Newbery Airport In Buenos Aires: $245
- Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $215
- LOCAL AIRPORT TRANSFER (AEP) ROUND TRIP with english speaking driver: $200
- Buenos Aires Exp. Winery Gamboa Tasting and Lunch and Transfer: $190
- One Way transfer from Jorge Newbery Airport to Ezeiza Airport : $179
- Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires - Round -Trip Transfer: $176
- Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE in Luxury Car: $172
- Private Transfer: Round trip transfer from/to EZE International Airport: $170
- Airport Transfer: $170
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
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Food Meals for one dayMar del Plata $9.38Buenos Aires, Argentina $10
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.
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- BA: Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $39
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $42
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $46
- El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $50
- Tango Show at La Ventana Tango with optional Dinner: $55
- BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $56
- BA: Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $57
- Michelangelo Tango Show with Optional Dinner and Transfers: $58
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Semi Private Transfer: $59
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mar del Plata $29Buenos Aires, Argentina $42
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 walking tour in Small Groups: $28
- Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with E-BIKE: $65
- Football Matchday In Argentina (Ticket+Transport+Guide): $130
- Premium Buenos Aires by Night Small-Group City Tour: $59
- Private Full Day City Tour by Iconic Buenos Aires: $300
- Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
- "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food) : $300
- 100% Gaucho Experience in a Traditional Estancia: $258
- 2 Hours Private Tour in Buenos Aires: $126
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $160
- 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMar del Plata $11Buenos Aires, Argentina $13
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:
- Exclusive Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $42
- Boutique Wine Tasting: A Unique Experience in Buenos Aires: $45
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $55
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- San Telmo Walking Tour and Wine Tasting for small groups: $69
- Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $78
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $86
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $91
- Bodega Gamboa Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $91
- Bodega Gamboa Premium Wine Tasting with Lunch: $92
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $99
When comparing the travel costs between Mar del Plata and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Mar del Plata is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryMar 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilMar 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyMar 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberMar 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) |
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.