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

Should you visit Mar del Plata or Montevideo?

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

Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Montevideo?

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.

Montevideo

As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.

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


Which place is cheaper, Montevideo 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 Montevideo is $63. 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 Montevideo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mar del Plata $3.23
    Montevideo $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mar del Plata $6.46
    Montevideo $78
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Montevideo

Looking for a hotel in Mar del Plata or Montevideo? 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 Montevideo


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 Montevideo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.56
    Montevideo $7.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer Montevideo Airport to Montevideo City in Minibus: $217
  • Departure Private Transfer Montevideo to Montevideo Airport MVD in a Minibus: $217
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Punta del Este to Montevideo Carrasco Airport: $192
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Carrasco Airport to Punta del Este: $192
  • Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
  • Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $100
  • Carrasco Airport MVD to Montevideo Hotels Round Trip Transfer: $100
  • Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $87
  • TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $73
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $73
  • Departure Private Transfer Montevideo to Montevideo Airport MVD in Business Car: $69

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

Prices for flights to both Montevideo 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
    Montevideo $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

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

  • The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
  • El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango & Folklore in Montevideo: $98
  • Montevideo private city tour with dinner included and tango show: $200

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.33
    Montevideo $20

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.

  • Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
  • Punta del Este, City Tour from Montevideo: $140
  • Afternoon/Night Tour In Montevideo Personalized Boys Groups!!: $75
  • Best City Tour for Cruisers: $160
  • Best City Tour, convenience, security and value in a personalized tour: $160
  • Best Private & Personalized Tour of Montevideo: $185
  • Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $165
  • Best Private Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $225
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $100
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers : $100
  • Castillo Viejo Winery Tour, Tasting of High-end Wine CataMayor: $50
  • City Tour de Montevideo con ingreso al Palacio Legislativo: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mar del Plata $1.82
    Montevideo -

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

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

  • Guided tour of Castillo Viejo Winery and Wine tasting and Lunch: $30
  • Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Juanico Wine Tour Lunch: $132
  • The best wine tour: $140
  • Montevideo Wine Tour with Tasting and Lunch: $178
  • Exclusive Cruise Wine Tour curated for a small group: $180
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Private Wine Tours by Wine Explorers Uruguay: $205
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mar del Plata and Montevideo, we can see that Montevideo 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 Montevideo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montevideo 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 Montevideo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Montevideo?

Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Mar del Plata. When comparing the sizes of Mar del Plata and Montevideo, 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 Montevideo?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Montevideo in the Summer?

Both Montevideo and Mar del Plata are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In January, Mar del Plata is generally cooler than Montevideo. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 20°C (69°F), and Montevideo fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Montevideo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mar del Plata. Mar del Plata usually receives less sunshine than Montevideo during summer. Mar del Plata gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Montevideo receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Mar del Plata usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montevideo. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Mar del Plata 20°C (69°F) 
    Montevideo 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Montevideo in the Autumn?

Both Montevideo and Mar del Plata during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Mar del Plata is cooler than Montevideo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Montevideo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Montevideo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in April than Montevideo. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Mar del Plata 15°C (59°F) 
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Montevideo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mar del Plata and Montevideo.

In the winter, Mar del Plata is cooler than Montevideo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mar del Plata in July average around 9°C (47°F), and Montevideo averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In July, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Montevideo. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Mar del Plata 9°C (47°F) 
    Montevideo 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Montevideo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as Montevideo.

In October, Mar del Plata is generally cooler than Montevideo. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 13°C (56°F), and Montevideo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. In the spring, Mar del Plata often gets less sunshine than Montevideo. Mar del Plata gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montevideo receives 248 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Montevideo. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in October than Montevideo. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Mar del Plata 13°C (56°F) 
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Montevideo and Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata Montevideo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (69°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 9°C (48°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 9°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 9°C (49°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)