A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mar del Plata vs. La Paz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mar del Plata or La Paz?

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 La Paz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or La Paz?

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.

La Paz

La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a population of about 215,000 people and is a significant commercial center for the region. The city has a good economy and a high standard of living when compared to much of Mexico. Much of the economy is focused on eco-tourism and there are many protected marine environments in the area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, La Paz 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 $8.78, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $118. 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 La Paz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mar del Plata $3.15
    La Paz $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mar del Plata $6.30
    La Paz $104
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and La Paz

Looking for a hotel in Mar del Plata or La Paz? 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 La Paz


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 La Paz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.50
    La Paz $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
  • Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $240
  • La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
  • La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
  • Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Mar del Plata or La Paz?

Prices for flights to both La Paz 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 $3.81
    La Paz $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.

  • 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.27
    La Paz $13

Tours and Activities in La Paz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:

  • 1 Day Espiritu Santo Island Wonders, Sea Lions and Paddleboard Adventure : $249
  • 3 Hour La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Experience: $244
  • Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $131
  • Balandra & San Rafaelito: Sightseeing & Snorkelling: $135
  • Balandra Beach and City Tour: $128
  • Balandra Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $135
  • Can-Am X3 Turbo Adventure: Cabo Desert Trails & Beach Ride: $291
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
  • Cruise Date Delight! Swim with Sea Lions! Apr-02: $186
  • Espíritu Santo Island snorkel and sightseeing tour on Small Group: $167
  • Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170
  • Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $145

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mar del Plata $1.78
    La Paz $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mar del Plata and La Paz, we can see that La Paz is more expensive. And not only is Mar del Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mar del Plata is in South America and La Paz is in North 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 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 La Paz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Paz 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 La Paz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or La Paz?

Mar del Plata has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of Mar del Plata and La Paz, 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 La Paz?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Mar del Plata is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but La Paz has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Mar del Plata or La Paz in the Summer?

Both La Paz and Mar del Plata during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to La Paz in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mar del Plata is cooler than La Paz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mar del Plata in January average around 20°C (69°F), and La Paz averages at about 30°C (86°F)in July.

In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mar del Plata. In the summer, Mar del Plata often gets less sunshine than La Pazin July. Mar del Plata gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 287 hours of full sun.

Mar del Plata usually gets more rain in January than La Pazin July. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Mar del Plata 20°C (69°F) 
    La Paz 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or La Paz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mar del Plata and La Paz. Furthermore, most visitors come to La Paz for the shopping scene during these months.

In April, Mar del Plata is generally much colder than La Pazin October. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 15°C (59°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In April, Mar del Plata usually receives more rain than La Pazin October. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Mar del Plata 15°C (59°F) 
    La Paz 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or La Paz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as La Paz. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to La Paz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Mar del Plata is much colder than La Paz in the winter. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 9°C (47°F) in July, and La Paz fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in January.

Mar del Plata usually gets more rain in July than La Pazin January. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Mar del Plata 9°C (47°F) 
    La Paz 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or La Paz in the Spring?

Both La Paz and Mar del Plata are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches are the main draw to La Paz this time of year.

In the spring, Mar del Plata is much colder than La Paz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mar del Plata in October average around 13°C (56°F), and La Paz averages at about 23°C (73°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in La Paz. Mar del Plata usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during spring. Mar del Plata gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 292 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Mar del Plata usually receives more rain than La Pazin April. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Mar del Plata 13°C (56°F) 
    La Paz 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for La Paz and Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata La Paz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (69°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jun 9°C (48°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jul 9°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 9°C (49°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 75 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)