Which place is cheaper, Ushuaia or Montevideo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Montevideo or Ushuaia?
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 Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia?
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.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia is a city on the Tierra del Fuego island of Argentina on the Beagle Strait. The city is considered to be one of the southernmost cities in the world and is often used as a base for cruises to Antarctica. Ushuaia's close proximity to Antarctica and their amazing hiking trails have made it a popular tourist destination over the past few decades.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best 3-Week Tours in Argentina, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires.
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Montevideo Prices
Uruguay PricesUshuaia Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontevideo $70Ushuaia $0.00
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $70, while the average daily cost in Ushuaia is $0.00. 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 Ushuaia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontevideo $38Ushuaia -
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $76Ushuaia $0.00
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Ushuaia
Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or Ushuaia? 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 Ushuaia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montevideo $7.06Ushuaia -
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
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $275
- Roundtrip Transfer Montevideo Airport (MVD) - Punta del Este: $210
- Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
- Transfer to Punta del Este from Montevideo / Punta to Montevideo: $112
- TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $90
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $86
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $86
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $85
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $81
- Transfer from the Hotel in Montevideo to Montevideo airport: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ushuaia
Also for Ushuaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Antarctic Experience W/Snowmobile Ride & Transfer: $242
- National Park, Train and Navigation. Airport transfer included: $204
- Ushuaia:Trekking Glaciar & Ice Caves W/Lunch and Transfer: $176
- Private Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $160
- Complete Husky Experience + Buoy Park with Transfer: $124
- Ushuaia Guided Visit to the National Park with Transfer: $120
- Navigation to Beagle Channel and Sea Lions Island with Transfers: $116
- Escondido and Fagnano Lakes with transfer: $112
- Transfer Ushuaia Airport - Hotel in Ushuaia - Ushuaia Airport : $67
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia Cruise Port: $62
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Cruise Port to Ushuaia Airport(USH): $62
- Husky Trekking with Transfer: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Ushuaia?
Prices for flights to both Ushuaia 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 $22Ushuaia -
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Show + Dinner - El Milongon (No Transport): $93
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $98
- Montevideo Private Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $107
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore: $108
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ushuaia
For Ushuaia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Adventure and Snow Moto + Buffet Lunch or Pizza Rodizio + Transfer: $96
- Beaver Sighting with Dinner off Lake Fagnano: $170
- Ushuaia City Tour: Vespertine Tour with Dinner: $189
- Snowmobile + Snowshoeing + Huskies + Skiing + Lunch or Pizza Buffet: $195
- Tierra del Fuego National Park PM - with Dinner included: $210
- Discovering Lakes Escondido and Fagnano with sunset dinner: $210
- Puerto Almanza and Punta Paraná Tour with Dinner: $210
- Tierra del Fuego National Park: vespertine tour with dinner: $210
- Snow and Fire with Dinner in Firepit, Sledge Ride and Snowmobile: $250
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montevideo $20Ushuaia -
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $60
- Punta del Este, City Tour from Montevideo: $140
- Afternoon Tea Experience at Sofitel Montevideo Carrasco & Spa: $29
- Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
- Best City Shared Tour for Cruisers: $65
- Best Private Tour of Montevideo for cruise-ship passengers: $450
- Bodega Santa Rosa: Famiglia Passadore Tour Tasting with Lunch: $86
- Bouza Winery Full Experience (Tasting and Lunch): $180
- City Tour of Montevideo: $40
- City Tour, the best option for small groups: $120
- City tour Montevideo: $27
- Colonia & Montevideo from Buenos Aires - Private 2 Day Tour: $1,560
Tours and Activities in Ushuaia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ushuaia.
- 3-Hour Tour Sailing through the Beagle Channel: $105
- 4×4 Off Road Tour to Escondido and Khami Lakes: $200
- 4W4 Adventure in Lagos Full Day with Roast : $170
- 4WD Off-Road Lakes Adventure in Tierra del Fuego: $167
- 4x4 Adventure at Lago Fagnano from Ushuaia: $236
- 4x4 Lake Fagnano Adventure from Ushuaia: $218
- 5-Hour National Park + City tour - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $205
- 5.5-Hour Nat Park w/ Hiking *Shore Excursion* USHUAIA (Shared tour for cruises): $150
- 5hrs of Trekking Experience in Martial Glacier: $115
- Adventure in the Lakes Fueguinos quadricycles and Patagonian lamb: $238
- Adventure through Lagos 4X4 in Ushuaia: $162
- Albino's Eye Glacier Full-Day Trekking Tour from Ushuaia: $286
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontevideo -Ushuaia -
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: $116
- The best wine tour: $140
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $225
- Montevideo Wine Tour with Tasting and Lunch: $226
- Wine Tasting Tour for Cruise Passengers: $450
Sample the Local Flavors in Ushuaia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ushuaia:
- Photo tour and Wine Tasting in Ushuaia City: $115
- City tour and Wine tasting: $115
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montevideo and Ushuaia, we can see that Montevideo is more expensive. And not only is Ushuaia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ushuaia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ushuaia 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 Montevideo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montevideo than you might in Ushuaia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montevideo Expensive? and Is Ushuaia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Ushuaia?
Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ushuaia. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and Ushuaia, 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 Ushuaia?
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 Ushuaia in the Summer?
Both Ushuaia and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, Montevideo is much warmer than Ushuaia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montevideo in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Ushuaia averages at about 10°C (50°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually receives more sunshine than Ushuaia during summer. Montevideo gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Ushuaia receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Ushuaia. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryMontevideo 24°C (75°F)Ushuaia 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Ushuaia in the Autumn?
Both Ushuaia and Montevideo during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In April, Montevideo is generally much warmer than Ushuaia. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 17°C (63°F), and Ushuaia fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In the autumn, Montevideo often gets more sunshine than Ushuaia. Montevideo gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ushuaia receives 74 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually gets more rain in April than Ushuaia. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Ushuaia in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and Ushuaia.
The weather in Ushuaia can be very cold. Montevideo is much warmer than Ushuaia in the winter. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Ushuaia fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Montevideo usually receives more sunshine than Ushuaia during winter. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Ushuaia receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Ushuaia. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ushuaia 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)Ushuaia 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Montevideo or Ushuaia in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as Ushuaia.
In the spring, Montevideo is much warmer than Ushuaia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montevideo in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Ushuaia averages at about 6°C (43°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 Ushuaia. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ushuaia receives 156 hours of full sun.
Montevideo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Montevideo usually gets more rain in October than Ushuaia. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ushuaia receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberMontevideo 17°C (63°F)Ushuaia 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Ushuaia and Montevideo
| Montevideo | Ushuaia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.