Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Melbourne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Melbourne or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Melbourne or Buenos Aires, Argentina? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Melbourne or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Melbourne
Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, after Sydney. It is also the capital city of the state of Victoria, in southeastern Australia. Melbourne is arguably the best city to experience culture and the arts in Australia. There is a friendly rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney over livability and popularity and Melbourne is definitely the city to visit for its parks, shopping, restaurants, galleries and theaters. Like Sydney, it is situated on the water, at the head of Port Phillip Bay. It's a beautiful city, and although it lacks the major sights that you'll find in Sydney such as the Sydney Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, you will never find yourself lacking for entertainment. It is also a wonderful base for exploring many of the nearby highlights, including Grampians National Park, The Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island where you can view the penguin parade.
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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMelbourne $179Buenos Aires, Argentina $10
The average daily cost (per person) in Melbourne is $179, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10. 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 Melbourne and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMelbourne $120Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.07
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMelbourne $240Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.14
Compare Hotels in Melbourne and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Looking for a hotel in Melbourne 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: Melbourne Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Melbourne $20Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melbourne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:
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Airport Bus$11
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Tram Ride$2.51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne
Also for Melbourne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Luxury Airport Transfers & Best Limo Service in Melbourne: $88
- Melbourne Airport Arrival Or Departure Luxury Car Transfers : $109
- Arrival Transfer Melbourne Airport MEL to Melbourne in Sedan: $115
- Arrival Transfer from Melbourne Airport MEL to Melbourne in Van: $163
- Avalon Airport Transfers: $165
- Ballarat - Melbourne Airport Transfers: $179
- Departure Transfer Melbourne to Melbourne Airport MEL in Sedan: $115
- Departure Transfer from Melbourne to Melbourne Airport MEL in Van: $163
- From Melbourne Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Melbourne: $79
- From Lake Mountain Ski Resort Tour with Transfers: $958
- GoBlu-EV: 100% Electric Cabs for Airport & City Transfer in MEL: $33
- MEL Airport: Minibus Private Transfer to Melbourne CBD: $208
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Taxi from Airport$0.13
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Local Bus$0.00
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Metro Ride$0.00
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Taxi to airport$0.03
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Taxi$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City - ROUND TRIP: $263
- Transfer from EZEIZA or AEP Airport + Private City Tour: $210
- Transfer from Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Cruise Terminal: $80
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires Port: $52
- Transfer between airports (EZE-AEP): $75
- Transfer Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Downtown Hotel: $68
- Transfer Buenos Aires Downtown Hotel transfer to International Airport (EZE): $68
- Transfer Buenos Aires Downtown Hotel to Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal: $44
- Transfer Buenos Aires Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal to Downtown Hotel : $44
- Transfer Airports-City Tours-Connections between airports-Airport Transfers //: $110
- Tango Show La Ventana only show exclusive with transfer: $76
- Tango Porteño Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels In Buenos Aires: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Melbourne or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Melbourne 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 dayMelbourne $31Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.19
Typical Food Prices in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Coffee$2.64
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Pizza$4.62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Queen Victoria Market: 'Flavours of Australia' Food Tour: $52
- Eynesbury Homestead Dinner and Ghost Tour: $53
- Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner: $79
- Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner: $79
- Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour: $86
- Pizza Making Party: $89
- Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink: $98
- Secret Food Tour: $109
- Chinese Cooking Class Master: $118
- Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise: $122
- Street Food of Asia Cooking Class: $130
- Choose Your Asian Cuisine Cooking Masterclass: $130
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Lunch$0.03
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Cup of Coffee$0.01
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Empandas$0.02
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Espresso$0.01
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Dinner (Pizza)$0.01
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Ice Cream$0.01
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Breakfast at Airport$0.04
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Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
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Sweets$0.01
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Hot Dog$0.01
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Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
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Lunch for 2$0.16
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Cake and Coffee$0.52
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Dinner$1.85
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Powerade$0.11
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Lunch$0.82
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Dinner$1.19
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Chocolate$3.07
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.
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
- 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
- Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $40
- Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
- Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending: $49
- La Ventana Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $49
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Melbourne $28Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.28
Tours and Activities in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Melbourne:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $3.23
- Melbourne Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $3.28
- Escape Game and Tour: $6.46
- Marvellous A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Melbourne Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- MoPA Children's Museum Admission Ticket: $9.25
- Melbourne Museum Entry Ticket: $9.91
- Melbourne Gardens Explorer Minibus Tour: $9.91
- Scienceworks Entry Ticket: $9.91
- Immigration Museum Entry Ticket: $9.91
- Questo Self-guided Haunted Melbourne Walking Tour: $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.04
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Movie Ticket$0.02
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Tango Class$0.03
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Bar entrance$0.57
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2x1: Día de Campo + Tour Nocturno en Buenos Aires: $220
- Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $59
- Premium Buenos Aires by Night Small-Group City Tour: $59
- Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
- Small group Yerba Mate Experience with snacks: $35
- 1-hour Paramotor Experience in Buenos Aires Argentina: $100
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
- 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
- 3-Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisian: $45
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70
- 5hs Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (optional street food): $35
- @argentinahighlights Private City Tour in Buenos Aires: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMelbourne $17Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.78
Typical Alcohol Prices in Melbourne
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:
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Bottle of Wine$5.12
Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne
Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Melbourne Pub Crawl: $17
- Weekly Bar Crawl: 5 Free shots, Club Entry: $19
- Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $26
- Melbourne Halloween Bar Crawl: $33
- Laid back,Small-Group Yarra Valley Wine Tour :Wine,Gin,Cider+more: $86
- Yarra Valley Day Trip with Local Wine Tastings from Melbourne: $102
- Yarra Valley Wine Tour inc lunch with a glass of wine, tastings and chocolate: $116
- Yarra Valley Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $129
- Southern Gippsland boutique Wine Tour with Tapas from Melbourne : $139
- Wine Tour Yarra Valley, Vic - inc. 2 course lunch + glass of wine: $165
- Mornington Peninsula Premium Tour with Wine Tasting at Yabby Lake : $172
- Yarra Valley Premium Tour Lunch and Sparkling Wine Tasting at Domaine Chandon: $178
Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:
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Beer$0.01
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Beer (0.66L)$0.02
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Cocktail$0.03
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Alcohol$0.65
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:
- Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $30
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $42
- Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
- Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
- Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $70
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melbourne and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Melbourne is in Pacific and Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Melbourne Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Melbourne. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Melbourne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Melbourne is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the summer. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Melbourne. In the summer, Melbourne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Melbourne usually gets less rain in January than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 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 JanuaryMelbourne 20°C (68°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Melbourne or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Melbourne is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Melbourne in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 18°C (65°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. Melbourne usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during autumn. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 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 AprilMelbourne 15°C (60°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Melbourne or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. The winter months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Melbourne is generally cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 9°C (49°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the winter, Melbourne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun.
Melbourne usually gets less rain in July than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 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 JulyMelbourne 9°C (49°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Melbourne or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.
Melbourne is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the spring. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. Melbourne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Buenos Aires, Argentina during spring. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In October, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 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 OctoberMelbourne 14°C (57°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Melbourne
| Melbourne | Buenos Aires, Argentina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (65°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 13°C (55°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (49°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 10°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (53°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.