Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Puerto Iguazu?
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 Puerto Iguazu or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Puerto Iguazu or Buenos Aires, Argentina? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Puerto Iguazu or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Puerto Iguazu
Puerto Iguazu is located in the northeastern part of Argentina at the border with Paraguay and Brazil. It is a tourist city and travel destination because of its close proximity to Iguazu Falls, which is only 18 kilometers away. Much of the city's infrastructure has grown to maintain the tourist crowds that come to see the falls. The town itself has a population of slightly over 80,000.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Argentina, The Best Eco Tours in Argentina, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Argentina, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina.
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Puerto Iguazu Prices
Argentina PricesBuenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPuerto Iguazu $8.91Buenos Aires, Argentina $11
The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Iguazu is $8.91, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Puerto Iguazu and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPuerto Iguazu $2.79Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPuerto Iguazu $5.58Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.08
Compare Hotels in Puerto Iguazu and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Looking for a hotel in Puerto Iguazu or Buenos Aires, Argentina? 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: Puerto Iguazu Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Puerto Iguazu $2.15Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Iguazu
Also for Puerto Iguazu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Iguazú Falls Brazil & Argentina 3-Day In-Out Transfers: $77
- Iguazu Airport Private Transfer: $18
- Iguazu Falls Argentina Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Hotels: $25
- Private Transfer from Puerto Iguazu Airport to Foz do Iguaçu: $68
- Private Transfer to or from Puerto Iguazu Airport IGR: $30
- Private Transfer to or from Puerto Iguazu Airport IGR: $35
- Puerto Iguazú Combo: Iguazu Falls 2 Day Tours + transfers: $110
- Puerto Iguazu Airport (IGR) Private Transfer to Puerto Iguazu: $27
- Puerto Iguazu Airport Shuttle Transfer: $15
- One-Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $8.00
- One-Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $11
- Transfer In + Transfer Out IGR Airport Puerto Iguazú Hotels Selva de Iryapu: $145
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Taxi from Airport$0.11
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Local Bus$0.00
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Metro Ride$0.00
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Taxi to airport$0.03
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Taxi$0.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires HTL-APT (EZE): $109
- Transfers from or to the airport In Argentina Your Best Choice: $110
- Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City - ROUND TRIP: $129
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Port to Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE): $201
- Transfer from Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Cruise Terminal: $105
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires Port: $201
- Transfer Buenos Aires Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal to Downtown Hotel : $52
- Transfer Airports-City Tours-Connections between airports-Airport Transfers //: $140
- Tango Show in Tango Porteño - no transfers - : $78
- Small Group Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $167
- Roundtrip Private Airport Transfer Buenos Aires (EZE) to City: $31
- Rojo Tango Show: Skip the Line Ticket including Private Transfer: $215
Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto Iguazu or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Puerto Iguazu 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 dayPuerto Iguazu $4.46Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Puerto Iguazu
For Puerto Iguazu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Puerto Iguazú: Madero Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $34
- Argentine Experience: Immersive Dinner & Wine Pairing in Iguazú: $60
- Iguazu Falls: The Argentine Experience Interactive Dinner: $69
- From Foz do Iguaçu: Madero Tango with dinner: $95
- Rafain Steakhouse Dinner & Show: $117
- Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse from Puerto Iguazú Hotels Private Tour: $120
- Dinner Show Rafain Steakhouse Gran Meliá Hotel Exclusive - Private Tour: $120
- Foz do Iguaçu: Argentinean Cooking Class: $130
- Dinner Tango Show in Iguazú Falls - no transfers -: $145
- Experience Guamini Mision Dinner and Tango Show Gran Meliá Iguazú Exclusive: $145
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Lunch$0.02
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Cup of Coffee$0.01
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Empandas$0.02
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Espresso$0.01
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Dinner (Pizza)$0.01
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Ice Cream$0.01
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Breakfast at Airport$0.03
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Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
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Sweets$0.01
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Hot Dog$0.01
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Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
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Lunch for 2$0.14
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Cake and Coffee$0.45
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Dinner$1.61
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Powerade$0.10
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Lunch$0.71
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Dinner$1.04
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Chocolate$2.67
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $30
- 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Class: $35
- BA: Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- Argentine Empanadas Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
- Madero Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $44
- BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $45
- Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $45
- BA: Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo: $49
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo: $49
- Tango Show and Dinner at: Tango Porteño: $54
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $54
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Puerto Iguazu $2.30Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.86
Tours and Activities in Puerto Iguazu
For Puerto Iguazu, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Iguazu Falls Argentinian Side Full-Day Tour: $18
- Hito Tres Fronters and La Aripuca City Tour: $27
- Argentine Falls Full-Day Guided Tour One of the 7 Wonders of the World: $29
- Argentinian Iguazu Falls Full Day Tour: $29
- Ciudad del Este Shopping Tour: $34
- From Foz do Iguaçu: Iguazu Cruise Expedition: $35
- Iguazu Falls: one-day tour on the Argentine side: $40
- From Foz do Iguaçu: Tour to Argentinian Falls: $42
- Iguazu Falls Brazilian Side Tour: $43
- Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $44
- From San Ignacio Ruins and Wanda Mines Tour: $46
- Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls Tour from Puerto Iguazu: $47
Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.03
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Movie Ticket$0.01
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Tango Class$0.02
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Bar entrance$0.50
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with E-BIKE: $65
- 2 Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisina : $43
- 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
- 3-Hour Bike Tour Getting to Know the Best of Buenos Aires: $35
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70
- 5 Hour Private Driving and Walking Tour of Buenos Aires: $175
- 5-Hour Private Tour in Buenos Aires : $180
- 5hs Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (optional street food): $38
- @argentinahighlights Full-day Tour in Buenos Aires with Local: $210
- Architectural tour of Buenos Aires with local artists: $40
- Architecture, Art and Design Hunting Day - TourAngel BA: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPuerto Iguazu $1.11Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.55
Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:
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Beer$0.01
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Beer (0.66L)$0.02
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Cocktail$0.03
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Alcohol$0.57
Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $30
- Exclusive Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $42
- Boutique Wine Tasting: A Unique Experience in Buenos Aires: $45
- BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $49
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $55
- BA: Wine Tasting and Blending Experience in Palermo : $55
- Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
- Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown : $61
- Premium Wine Tasting Experience at Fierro Hotel in Palermo: $61
- Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $65
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Puerto Iguazu and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Buenos Aires, Argentina is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Iguazu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Puerto Iguazu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Iguazu 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Buenos Aires, Argentina than you might in Puerto Iguazu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Puerto Iguazu Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Puerto Iguazu or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 410 times larger than the population of Puerto Iguazu. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Iguazu and Buenos Aires, Argentina, 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.
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.