Which place is cheaper, Punta del Este or Mar del Plata?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Mar del Plata or Punta del Este?
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 Punta del Este can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Punta del Este?
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.
Punta del Este
Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Argentina, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMar del Plata $8.78Punta del Este $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $8.78, while the average daily cost in Punta del Este is $98. 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 Punta del Este in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMar del Plata $3.15Punta del Este $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMar del Plata $6.30Punta del Este $110
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Punta del Este
Looking for a hotel in Mar del Plata or Punta del Este? 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 Punta del Este Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mar del Plata $2.50Punta del Este $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
- Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $54
- Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Mar del Plata or Punta del Este?
Prices for flights to both Punta del Este 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 $3.81Punta del Este $31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mar del Plata $2.27Punta del Este $11
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
- City Tour Punta del Este: $95
- Colonia Wine Experience for Food & Wine Lovers: $180
- East Coast of Uruguay – Private Multi Day Tour: $2,600
- From Cabo Polonio - Full Day Private Tour: $1,000
- Full Day Private Shore Tour Montevideo from Punta Del Este Port: $290
- Full Experience Tasting Menu Viña Edén: $157
- Gourmet Food & Wine Experience from Punta del Este: $205
- Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
- Half Day City Tour in Punta del Este: $47
- Half Day Tour in Piriapolis from Punta del Este: $170
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMar del Plata $1.78Punta del Este $7.70
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:
- Wine Tasting: $42
- Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $157
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mar del Plata and Punta del Este, we can see that Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Punta del Este?
Mar del Plata has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Mar del Plata and Punta del Este, 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 Punta del Este?
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 Punta del Este in the Summer?
Both Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 20°C (69°F), and Punta del Este fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Punta del Este. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mar del Plata. Mar del Plata usually receives less sunshine than Punta del Este during summer. Mar del Plata gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Punta del Este receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Mar del Plata usually receives more rain than Punta del Este. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Punta del Este receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryMar del Plata 20°C (69°F)Punta del Este 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Punta del Este in the Autumn?
Both Punta del Este and Mar del Plata during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Mar del Plata is cooler than Punta del Este in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Punta del Este fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in April than Punta del Este. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Punta del Este receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilMar del Plata 15°C (59°F)Punta del Este 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Punta del Este in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mar del Plata and Punta del Este.
In the winter, Mar del Plata is cooler than Punta del Este. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mar del Plata in July average around 9°C (47°F), and Punta del Este averages at about 10°C (50°F).
In July, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Punta del Este. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Punta del Este receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyMar del Plata 9°C (47°F)Punta del Este 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Mar del Plata or Punta del Este in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as Punta del Este.
In October, Mar del Plata is generally cooler than Punta del Este. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 13°C (56°F), and Punta del Este fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Punta del Este. In the spring, Mar del Plata often gets less sunshine than Punta del Este. Mar del Plata gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta del Este receives 248 hours of full sun.
Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in October than Punta del Este. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Punta del Este receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberMar del Plata 13°C (56°F)Punta del Este 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Punta del Este and Mar del Plata
| Mar del Plata | Punta del Este | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (69°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 9°C (48°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (47°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (49°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 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.