Which place is cheaper, Ushuaia or Montevideo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Wildlife Tours to Argentina, and The Best Eco Tours in Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontevideo $63Ushuaia $11
The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $63, while the average daily cost in Ushuaia is $11. 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 $39Ushuaia $5.64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontevideo $78Ushuaia $11
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 $7.32Ushuaia -
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
- Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
- Carrasco Airport MVD to Montevideo Hotels Round Trip Transfer: $98
- Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $85
- TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
- Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
- 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
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ushuaia
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ushuaia are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$0.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ushuaia
Also for Ushuaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport and Hotel Transfer in Ushuaia: $139
- Private Embarkation Debarkation Transfer: $129
- Private Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $120
- Escondido and Fagnano Lakes with transfer: $97
- Transfer from/to the airport: $89
- Ushuaia Airport (USH) to Ushuaia - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $63
- Private Transfer Airport-Port or Port-Airport (Ushuaia): $55
- Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia city - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $46
- Shared Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $37
- Transfer Ushuaia Airport - Hotel in Ushuaia - Ushuaia Airport : $35
- Ushuaia to Ushuaia Airport (USH) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia Cruise Port: $28
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 $13Ushuaia $2.18
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 Ushuaia
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ushuaia:
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Lunch for Two$0.06
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montevideo $21Ushuaia $13
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 : $110
- Best Tailor made Montevideo Private Tour in Electric SUV!: $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
- From Cabo Polonio - Full Day Private Tour: $950
Tours and Activities in Ushuaia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ushuaia.
- 2-day tour: Tierra del Fuego National Park + Fagnano and Escondido Lakes: $115
- 2-day tour:Tierra del Fuego NP + Beagle Channel Navigation + Fagnano & Escondido: $190
- 3-Hour Navigation Tour in the Beagle Channel with Isla de Lobos: $145
- 3-Hour Tour Sailing through the Beagle Channel: $105
- 4×4 Off Road Tour to Escondido and Khami Lakes: $230
- 4-Hour National Park - USHUAIA (Shared tour): $75
- 4WD Off-Road Lakes Adventure in Tierra del Fuego: $156
- 5.5-Hour Nat Park w/ Hiking *Shore Excursion* USHUAIA (Shared tour for cruises): $115
- 5.5-Hour National park w/ hiking Shore excursion - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $280
- 5hrs of Trekking Experience in Martial Glacier: $95
- 7-Hour Lakes Escondido & Fagnano - USHUAIA (Shared tour): $105
- Adventure 360º in Quads with Lunch: $160
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:
- 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 Ushuaia
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ushuaia are as follows:
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Wine$0.05
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Beer$0.01
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.