Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Montevideo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montevideo or Punta Arenas?
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 Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas?
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.
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
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 Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontevideo $63Punta Arenas $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $63, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas 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 Montevideo and Punta Arenas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontevideo $39Punta Arenas $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $78Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Punta Arenas
Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or Punta Arenas? 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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montevideo $7.32Punta Arenas $1.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
- Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
- TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
- 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
- Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
- Transfer from Carrasco International Aiport to Montevideo: $45
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $29
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $29
- Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo City: $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $64
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Punta Arenas?
Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas 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
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Food Meals for one dayMontevideo $13Punta Arenas $21
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
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montevideo $21Punta Arenas $6.44
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
- Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
- 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 : $110
- Best custom Montevideo Private Tour in Electric SUV! (BMW Option): $120
- City Tour de Montevideo con ingreso al Palacio Legislativo: $65
- City Tour of Montevideo: $40
- City Tour, the best option for small groups: $160
- Discover Mix of Sightseeing & City Attractions!: $140
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $138
- Magallanes Forest and Club Andino Tour from Punta Arenas: $290
- Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
- Mountain Bike Adventure in Punta Arenas: $192
- Pali Aike Full-Day Adventure from Punta Arenas: $300
- Private City Cruise Tour: $225
- Private Half Day Punta Arenas City Tour From the Hotel only: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontevideo -Punta Arenas $4.86
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
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.34
When comparing the travel costs between Montevideo and Punta Arenas, we can see that Punta Arenas is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montevideo Expensive? and Is Punta Arenas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Punta Arenas?
Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and Punta Arenas, 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 Montevideo or Punta Arenas?
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 Montevideo or Punta Arenas in the Summer?
Both Punta Arenas and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
Montevideo is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the summer. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite sunny in Punta Arenas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during summer. Montevideo gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 208 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryMontevideo 24°C (75°F)Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?
Both Punta Arenas and Montevideo during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In the autumn, Montevideo is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montevideo in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 7°C (44°F).
In the autumn, Montevideo often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenas. Montevideo gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 119 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually gets more rain in April than Punta Arenas. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Punta Arenas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and Punta Arenas.
The weather in Punta Arenas can be very cold. In July, Montevideo is generally much warmer than Punta Arenas. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 11°C (52°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).
Montevideo usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during winter. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Punta Arenas. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyMontevideo 11°C (52°F)Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Punta Arenas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as Punta Arenas.
Montevideo is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the spring. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montevideo this time of the year. In the spring, Montevideo often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenas. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 183 hours of full sun.
Montevideo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Montevideo usually gets more rain in October than Punta Arenas. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Montevideo
| Montevideo | Punta Arenas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 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.