A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Punta del Este vs. Cordoba for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Punta del Este or Cordoba?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este or Cordoba, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Punta del Este or Cordoba?

Punta del Este

Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.

Cordoba

Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Cordoba or Punta del Este?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, while the average daily cost in Cordoba is $8.40. 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 Punta del Este and Cordoba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Punta del Este $55
    Cordoba $3.05
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Punta del Este $110
    Cordoba $6.10
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Cordoba

Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este or Cordoba? 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.

Hotels in Punta del Este


Hotels in Cordoba


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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and Cordoba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Punta del Este $22
    Cordoba $2.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este

Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
  • Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
  • Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
  • Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $55
  • Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
  • Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $30

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

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

  • Transfer in private minivan from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Cordoba?

Prices for flights to both Cordoba and Punta del Este 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
    Punta del Este $31
    Cordoba $3.83

Typical Food Prices in Cordoba

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


  • Empanadas
    $0.01
  • Sandwich
    $0.00
  • Ice Cream
    $0.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Punta del Este $11
    Cordoba $1.88

Tours and Activities in Punta del Este

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.

  • Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
  • Colonia Wine Experience for Food & Wine Lovers: $180
  • Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
  • East Coast of Uruguay – Private Multi Day Tour: $2,600
  • From Cabo Polonio - Full Day Private Tour: $1,000
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour Montevideo from Punta Del Este Port: $292
  • Full Experience Tasting Menu Viña Edén: $157
  • Gourmet Food & Wine Experience from Punta del Este: $205
  • Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
  • Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
  • Half Day Tour in Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio: $170
  • La Vista 360 ticket de admisión: $11

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

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

  • Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $48
  • Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
  • Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
  • Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
  • Cordoba City Tour: $50
  • Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $60
  • Cordoba Cumbrecita Tour with Spanish Speaking Guide: $88
  • Cordoba Jesuit Legacy Tour: $87
  • Cumbrecita Tour: $88
  • El Inicio WineTour x 2 Pax (History and Wines): $85
  • Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
  • Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Punta del Este $7.70
    Cordoba $1.48

Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:

  • Wine Tasting: $42
  • Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $158

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:

  • Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $120
  • Wine Tour Privado - Colonia Caroya: $130
  • Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Cordoba, we can see that Punta del Este is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 del Este would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta del Este than you might in Cordoba.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Cordoba Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Cordoba?

Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este and Cordoba, 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 Punta del Este or Cordoba?

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 Punta del Este or Cordoba in the Summer?

Both Cordoba and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In the summer, Punta del Este is much warmer than Cordoba. Typically, the summer temperatures in Punta del Este in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Cordoba averages at about 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Cordoba. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Punta del Este. Punta del Este usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cordoba during summer. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 277 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Cordoba. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Punta del Este 23°C (73°F) 
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Cordoba in the Autumn?

Both Cordoba and Punta del Este during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In April, Punta del Este is generally around the same temperature as Cordoba. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 17°C (63°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Punta del Este often gets less sunshine than Cordoba. Punta del Este gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 196 hours of full sun.

Punta del Este usually gets more rain in April than Cordoba. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Punta del Este 17°C (63°F) 
    Cordoba 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Cordoba in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Cordoba.

Punta del Este is much colder than Cordoba in the winter. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 10°C (50°F) in July, and Cordoba fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Punta del Este usually receives less sunshine than Cordoba during winter. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 189 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Cordoba. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Punta del Este 10°C (50°F) 
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Cordoba in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Cordoba.

In the spring, Punta del Este is cooler than Cordoba. Typically, the spring temperatures in Punta del Este in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Cordoba averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cordoba. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Punta del Este this time of the year. In the spring, Punta del Este often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cordoba. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 243 hours of full sun.

Punta del Este usually gets more rain in October than Cordoba. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Punta del Este 16°C (61°F) 
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Cordoba and Punta del Este

Punta del Este Cordoba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in) 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 10°C (50°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)