Should I Visit Montevideo or Punta Arenas for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.

Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Montevideo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Montevideo Prices
Uruguay Prices

Punta Arenas Prices
Chile Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Montevideo $65

Punta Arenas $76

The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $65, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $76. 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

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Montevideo $35

Punta Arenas $31
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Montevideo $70

Punta Arenas $62

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

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Montevideo $6.51

Punta Arenas $1.74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

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

Transfer from Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento: $438
Transfer from Montevideo to Punta del Este: $328
Carrasco Airport MVD to Montevideo Hotels Round Trip Transfer: $274
Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $233
Round trip transfer in private car from-to Montevideo Airport in Punta del Este: $208
Transfer to Punta del Este from Montevideo Airport: $208
Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $184
Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $184
Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $137
Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
Carrasco Airport(MVD) to Montevideo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $114
Transfer in private vehicle from Punta del Este to Montevideo Carrasco Airport: $104

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
Punta Arenas Airport to Puerto Natales Private Transfer: $80
Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) - Departure Transfer: $77
Punta Arenas Airport PUQ to Punta Arenas Arrival Private Transfer: $76
Private Transfer - Punta Arenas Airport(PUQ) to Punta Arenas Port: $70
Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Hotels to Punta Arenas Port: $70
Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $64
Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas Port: $64
Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ): $64
Private Transfer from Punta Arenas hotels to Punta Arenas Port: $63
Punta Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
Oneway Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport to 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

Food Meals for one day

Montevideo $21

Punta Arenas $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

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

Montevideo Private Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $68
The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
Show + Dinner - El Milongon (No Transport): $86
El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore: $93

Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:

Donut

$1.01
Dinner

$25

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Montevideo $18

Punta Arenas $6.23

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

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

Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $60
Private Tour to Tourist Places in Montevideo: $260
Punta del Este, City Tour from Montevideo: $140
Afternoon Tea Experience at Sofitel Montevideo Carrasco & Spa: $29
Afternoon/Night Tour In Montevideo Personalized Boys Groups!!: $75
Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $165
Best Private Tour of Montevideo for cruise-ship passengers: $450
City Tour of Montevideo: $40
City Tour of Montevideo with entry to the Legislative Palace: $57
City Tour to Colonia del Sacramento: In the Footsteps of History: $120
City tour Montevideo: $27
CityTour Adventure and Treasure Hunt in its Historic Jewels: $69

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
Cruises Shore Excursions: Fort Bulnes - cruise ships: $70
Cruises shore Excursions: City Tour Cruises Private: $225
Cruises shore Excursions: City tour Cruises Regular: $65
For Cruise-ship passengers: Magdalena Island (Penguins): $171
Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
Guided Tour of Punta Arenas and Fort Bulnes: $300
King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
Magallanes National Reserve and Punta Arenas City Tour: $165
Magdalena Island Penguin Boat Tour and Marta Island: $160
Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $160

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Montevideo -

Punta Arenas $4.70

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

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

Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $103
The best wine tour: $140
Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $215
Wine Tasting Tour for Cruise Passengers: $450

Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:

Alcohol

$7.09

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Summer Average Temperatures January

Montevideo 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.

Autumn Average Temperatures April

Montevideo 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.

Winter Average Temperatures July

Montevideo 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.

Spring Average Temperatures October

Montevideo 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)

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

Should you visit Montevideo or Punta Arenas?

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

Where Should I go: Montevideo or Punta Arenas?

Montevideo

Punta Arenas

Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Montevideo?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Punta Arenas

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas

Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Punta Arenas?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas

Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Punta Arenas?

When is the best time to visit Montevideo or Punta Arenas?

Should I visit Montevideo or Punta Arenas in the Summer?

Should I visit Montevideo or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?

Should I visit Montevideo or Punta Arenas in the Winter?

Should I visit Montevideo or Punta Arenas in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Montevideo

Related Articles for Montevideo

Related Articles for Punta Arenas

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

Should you visit Montevideo or Punta Arenas?

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

Where Should I go: Montevideo or Punta Arenas?

Montevideo

Punta Arenas

Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Montevideo?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Punta Arenas

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas

Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Punta Arenas?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas

Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Punta Arenas?

When is the best time to visit Montevideo or Punta Arenas?

Should I visit Montevideo or Punta Arenas in the Summer?

Should I visit Montevideo or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?

Should I visit Montevideo or Punta Arenas in the Winter?

Should I visit Montevideo or Punta Arenas in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Montevideo

Related Articles for Montevideo

Related Articles for Punta Arenas

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