Should I Visit Mar del Plata or Mendoza for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Mar del Plata or Mendoza?

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 Mendoza can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Mendoza?

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.

Mendoza

Mendoza is a city in western Argentina and more precisely in the desertic Cuyo region. Mendoza is the center of the Argentinian wine industry and is famed around the world for its vineyards and wine production. Spread across the valley of the Rio Mendoza and in the foothills of the Andean mountain range, Mendoza is also near the Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. The bustling and scenic city of wide, leafy avenues, atmospheric plazas and cosmopolitan cafes spoils visitors with unique natural attractions and historical landmarks. If you can, visit Mendoza during the harvest festival at the end of February. There are many events and festivals in Mendoza and they are usually free. Each has a different theme, and they usually have a stage with singing and dancing and booths that sell food around a plaza. Seventy percent of Argentina's wines are produced here, and Mendoza is especially known for its world-famous malbecs.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina, The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina, The Best Tours for Seniors to Argentina, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Argentina.

Which place is cheaper, Mendoza 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.

Mar del Plata Prices
Argentina Prices

Mendoza Prices
Argentina Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Mar del Plata $9.64

Mendoza $8.14

The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $9.64, while the average daily cost in Mendoza is $8.14. 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 Mendoza in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Mar del Plata $2.63

Mendoza $2.33
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Mar del Plata $5.26

Mendoza $4.66

Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Mendoza

Looking for a hotel in Mar del Plata or Mendoza? 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 Mendoza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Mar del Plata $2.08

Mendoza $1.21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mendoza

Also for Mendoza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Degustación Pulenta Estate+Almuerzo en Ruda. Transfer privado: $290
Achaval Ferrer+Carmelo Patti+Almuerzo Lagarde.Transfer privado: $270
Trapiche Winery + Laur + Antigal Winery Lunch.Transfer included: $270
Vistalba Winery + Susana Balbo Lunch. (Michelin Guide) Transfer inc: $250
Chandon+Lunch Quimera Bistro (Michelin Guide).Private transfer: $250
Winery The Enemy + Argentine Roast with Wine .Transfer included: $230
3 Wineries+Lunch with Unlimited Wine+Transfer included: $230
Argentine BBQ Experience and Winery Visits.Transfer included: $220
Visit to 2 Wineries + Asado Argentino.Transfer inc: $220
Full Day Wine Tour with Lunch and Transfer included.: $220
Wineries + Lunch and Private Transfer , all Inclusive.: $210
Tasting in two wineries + full lunch. Transfer included: $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Mar del Plata or Mendoza?

Prices for flights to both Mendoza 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 $5.50

Mendoza $4.74

Typical Food Prices in Mendoza

For Mendoza, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:

Empanadas

$0.01

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mendoza

For Mendoza, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

Neapolitan Pizza Class with Lunch and Winery Tour: $130
Full-Day Small-Group Mendoza Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $173
Horseback Riding at Sunset and Dinner at an Estancia in Mendoza: $180
Bar Safari: 4 Best Mendoza’s Bars in 1 night. + Full Dinner: $185
Tango Show with Dinner at Hualta Winery Hotel: $190
Horseback Riding at Sunset and Dinner in Mendoza: $200
Empanadas Cooking Class in a local's kitchen: $200
Horseback ride through vineyards followed by gourmet lunch/dinner: $210
Food Tour: $250

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Mar del Plata $1.89

Mendoza $1.73

Tours and Activities in Mendoza

For Mendoza, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

Zipline Adventure: Exploring Potrerillos Valley: $110
1 Day Shared Tour to Aconcagua: $281
Aconcagua Private Full Day Experience : $207
Aconcagua short hike, and high mountain tour with barbecue.: $210
Adrenaline Canopy Tour on the Mendoza River: $172
Adventure & Flavor: Breakfast, Rafting & Asado in Mendoza: $255
Adventure Park - Unforgettable Challenge!: $75
Andes Day Hiking Tour Experience : $185
Andes Day Horseback Riding Tour and BBQ: $220
Andes High Mountain full day Tour: $86
Andes Hiking Experience Full Day: $190
Andes Mountain Tour Circuit Mt Aconcagua: $233

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Mar del Plata $1.48

Mendoza $1.04

Typical Alcohol Prices in Mendoza

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Mendoza:

Beer

$0.01

Sample the Local Flavors in Mendoza

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mendoza:

Classic Wine Tasting: $38
Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $45
Vineyards with Wine Tasting in Mendoza: $53
Premium Wine Tasting: $58
El Enemigo and Casa Vigil Wine Tour: $99
Make an Argentine Asado BBQ w/ Local Host & Wine Tasting: $115
Wine Tour with Lunch and Transport in Mendoza: $130
Wine Tour with Lunch from Mendoza: $157
wine tours in wine country mendoza Argentina: $160
Wine tasting region Uco Valley in Mendoza: $180
Wine tour in Mendoza Uco Valley: $185
Private Uco Valley Tour paired Lunch, Wine Tastings from Mendoza: $190

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mar del Plata and Mendoza, we can see that Mar del Plata is more expensive. And not only is Mendoza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mendoza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mendoza 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 Mar del Plata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mar del Plata than you might in Mendoza.

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 Mendoza Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Mendoza?

Mendoza has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Mar del Plata. When comparing the sizes of Mar del Plata and Mendoza, 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.

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

Should you visit Mar del Plata or Mendoza?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Mendoza?

Mar del Plata

Mendoza

Which place is cheaper, Mendoza or Mar del Plata?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Mendoza

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mendoza

Is it cheaper to fly into Mar del Plata or Mendoza?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Mendoza

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mendoza

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Mendoza

Alcohol

Typical Alcohol Prices in Mendoza

Sample the Local Flavors in Mendoza

Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Mendoza?

Related Articles for Mar del Plata

Related Articles for Mendoza

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

Should you visit Mar del Plata or Mendoza?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Mendoza?

Mar del Plata

Mendoza

Which place is cheaper, Mendoza or Mar del Plata?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Mendoza

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mendoza

Is it cheaper to fly into Mar del Plata or Mendoza?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Mendoza

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mendoza

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Mendoza

Alcohol

Typical Alcohol Prices in Mendoza

Sample the Local Flavors in Mendoza

Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Mendoza?

Related Articles for Mar del Plata

Related Articles for Mendoza

Subscribe to our Newsletter