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

Should you visit Montevideo or Buzios?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montevideo and Buzios can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Montevideo or Buzios?

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.

Buzios

Initially a fishing village, Armação dos Buzios is a small beach resort town about three hours from Rio de Janeiro by bus. Buzios is a common weekend getaway destination for Cariocas. With 23 beaches, visitors from all over come to swim, snorkel, surf and enjoy sun and sand.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Foz Do Iguacu.


Which place is cheaper, Buzios or Montevideo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $65, while the average daily cost in Buzios is $79. 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 Montevideo and Buzios in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montevideo $41
    Buzios $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montevideo $82
    Buzios $76
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Buzios

Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or Buzios? 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 Montevideo


Hotels in Buzios


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: Montevideo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montevideo $7.52
    Buzios $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

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

  • 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: $99
  • Carrasco Airport MVD to Montevideo Hotels Round Trip Transfer: $99
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $73
  • Departure Private Transfer Montevideo to Montevideo Airport MVD in Business Car: $69
  • Arrival Private Transfer Montevideo Airport to Montevideo City in Business Car: $69
  • Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $50
  • Departure Private Transfer Montevideo to Montevideo Airport MVD in Sedan Car: $46
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
  • Transfer from Carrasco International Aiport to Montevideo: $45
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buzios

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

  • Departure Private Transfer Arraial do Cabo to GIG or SDU Airport by Sedan Car: $241
  • Departure Transfer from Buzios or to Rio Airports by Minivan: $219
  • Private transfer from Buzios to the GIG Airport : $195
  • Private transfer Buzios in Rio to the SDU Airport : $195
  • Private Transfer from GIG Airport to City Buzios in Rio : $170
  • Private transfer Minivan from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 6 pax to Buzios: $115
  • Executive private transfer from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 4 pax to Buzios: $111
  • Executive private transfer from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 3 pax to Buzios: $101
  • Private Transfer Buzios to Rio de Janeiro: $91
  • Private Transfer from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro: $91
  • Tour in Buzios City Tour, Lunch and Transfer: $60
  • Arraial do Cabo Shared Transfer to Rio de Janeiro: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Buzios?

Prices for flights to both Buzios and Montevideo 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
    Montevideo $14
    Buzios $24

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.
    Montevideo $21
    Buzios $27

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

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

  • Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
  • Best Private & Personalized Tour of Montevideo: $200
  • Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $165
  • Best Private Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $250
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $110
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers : $100
  • Castillo Viejo Winery Tour "Sommelier's Selection" Tasting: $50
  • City Tour de Montevideo con ingreso al Palacio Legislativo: $65
  • City Tour de Montevideo para cruceristas: $60
  • City Tour por Montevideo: $40
  • Culinary Experience Making Alfajores in Montevideo: $70
  • Discover Mix of Sightseeing & City Attractions!: $140

Tours and Activities in Buzios

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

  •  Trolley Tour Through the City Buzios: $29
  • 3-hour Small Group Buzios Peninsula Open Air Trolley Tour: $33
  • Búzios Full day: Boat and Trolley Tour with Lunch from Arraial do Cabo: $128
  • Búzios Full day: Boat and Trolley Tour with Lunch from Búzios: $99
  • Búzios Full day: Boat and Trolley Tour with Lunch from Cabo Frio: $116
  • Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo: $24
  • Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo from Buzios with Lunch: $60
  • Buggy Ride in Buzios by Buziana Tour: $16
  • Buggy Tour in Arraial do Cabo by Arraial Trips (For 2 People): $57
  • Cabo Frio Full-Day Tour From Buzios with Lunch: $68
  • Catamaran Boat Tour in Búzios: $24
  • Diving Experience In Buzios: $109

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montevideo -
    Buzios $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

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

  • Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Juanico Wine Tour Lunch: $132
  • The best wine tour: $140
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montevideo Expensive? and Is Buzios Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Buzios?

Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Buzios. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and Buzios, 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.