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

Should you visit Punta del Este or Montevideo?

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 Montevideo, 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 Montevideo?

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.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Montevideo or Punta del Este?

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

Punta del Este Prices
Uruguay Prices

Montevideo Prices
Uruguay Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Punta del Este $106

Montevideo $64

The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $106, while the average daily cost in Montevideo is $64. 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 Montevideo in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Punta del Este $48

Montevideo $35
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Punta del Este $96

Montevideo $70

Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Montevideo

Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este or Montevideo? 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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and Montevideo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Punta del Este $19

Montevideo $6.44

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 Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $271
Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $271
Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $261
Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $261
Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $231
Punta del Este and Piriapolis: Private highlights tour incl. transfer: $150
Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $141
Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $136
Montevideo to Carrasco Airport (MVD) - Departure Private Transfer: $136
Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $84
PDP Airport Private Transfer to Punta del Este City Center: $83
Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60

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: $271
Carrasco Airport(MVD) to Montevideo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $271
Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $261
Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $261
Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $231
Round trip transfer in private car from-to Montevideo Airport in Punta del Este: $208
Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $136
Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Carrasco Airport to Punta del Este: $104
Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $85

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

Prices for flights to both Montevideo 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 $46

Montevideo $20

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

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Punta del Este $9.25

Montevideo $18

Tours and Activities in Punta del Este

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

Art Museums Welcome Tour MSC Oceania Celebrity Cruises: $250
Best private Have It Your Way Tour in Punta Del Este.: $270
Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
City Tour in Punta del Este : Explore the Best with other Travelers: $60
City Tour in Unforgettable Adventure with Treasure Hunt!: $60
Discover why we Love the Colonia Wine Experience: $190
Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
Exclusive Private Tour for cruise passengers in Punta del Este: $220
Full City Tour in Experience a Full Day of Adventures: $110
Full Experience Tasting Menu Viña Edén: $165
Full-day guided tour of Punta del Este: $40
Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33

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
Afternoon/Night Tour In Montevideo Personalized Boys Groups!!: $75
Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
Best Montevideo Shared Tour for Cruise Passengers: $68
Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $165
Best Private Tour of Montevideo for cruise-ship passengers: $450
Best guided walking Tour of Montevideo with a true local: $30
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

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Punta del Este $6.78

Montevideo -

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
Wine Lovers - Fun Wine Tasting outside Punta del Este!: $185

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: $103
Juanico Wine Tour Lunch: $132
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

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta del Este and Montevideo, we can see that Punta del Este 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 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 Montevideo.

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 Montevideo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Montevideo?

Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este and Montevideo, 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 Montevideo?

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 Montevideo in the Summer?

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

Punta del Este is around the same temperature as Montevideo in the summer. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Montevideo fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Montevideo. 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 Montevideo during summer. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Montevideo receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Montevideo. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Summer Average Temperatures January

Punta del Este 23°C (73°F)

Montevideo 24°C (75°F)

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

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

In the autumn, Punta del Este is around the same temperature as Montevideo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Punta del Este in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Montevideo averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Punta del Este often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montevideo. Punta del Este gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montevideo receives 171 hours of full sun.

Montevideo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in April than Montevideo. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Autumn Average Temperatures April

Punta del Este 17°C (63°F)

Montevideo 17°C (63°F)

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

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

In July, Punta del Este is generally around the same temperature as Montevideo. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 10°C (50°F), and Montevideo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Punta del Este usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montevideo during winter. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Montevideo receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Montevideo. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Winter Average Temperatures July

Punta del Este 10°C (50°F)

Montevideo 11°C (52°F)

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

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

Punta del Este is around the same temperature as Montevideo in the spring. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Montevideo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. 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 Montevideo. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montevideo receives 248 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Montevideo. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in October than Montevideo. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Spring Average Temperatures October

Punta del Este 16°C (61°F)

Montevideo 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Montevideo and Punta del Este

	Punta del Este		Montevideo
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	23°C (73°F)	75 mm (3 in)	24°C (75°F)	90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb	22°C (72°F)	85 mm (3.3 in)	23°C (73°F)	80 mm (3.1 in)
Mar	20°C (68°F)	79 mm (3.1 in)	21°C (70°F)	110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr	17°C (63°F)	84 mm (3.3 in)	17°C (63°F)	100 mm (3.9 in)
May	14°C (57°F)	91 mm (3.6 in)	14°C (57°F)	80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun	11°C (52°F)	90 mm (3.5 in)	11°C (52°F)	60 mm (2.4 in)
Jul	10°C (50°F)	90 mm (3.5 in)	11°C (52°F)	70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug	11°C (52°F)	94 mm (3.7 in)	12°C (54°F)	70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep	13°C (55°F)	93 mm (3.7 in)	14°C (57°F)	70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct	16°C (61°F)	85 mm (3.3 in)	17°C (63°F)	100 mm (3.9 in)
Nov	19°C (66°F)	87 mm (3.4 in)	19°C (66°F)	90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec	21°C (70°F)	67 mm (2.6 in)	22°C (72°F)	100 mm (3.9 in)

A Travel Price Comparison for Uruguay Punta del Este vs. Montevideo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Punta del Este or Montevideo?

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

Where Should I go: Punta del Este or Montevideo?

Punta del Este

Montevideo

Which place is cheaper, Montevideo or Punta del Este?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Montevideo

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

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

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Punta del Este

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Montevideo?

When is the best time to visit Punta del Este or Montevideo?

Should I visit Punta del Este or Montevideo in the Summer?

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Montevideo and Punta del Este

Related Articles for Punta del Este

Related Articles for Montevideo

A Travel Price Comparison for Uruguay Punta del Este vs. Montevideo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Punta del Este or Montevideo?

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

Where Should I go: Punta del Este or Montevideo?

Punta del Este

Montevideo

Which place is cheaper, Montevideo or Punta del Este?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Montevideo

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

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

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Punta del Este

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Montevideo?

When is the best time to visit Punta del Este or Montevideo?

Should I visit Punta del Este or Montevideo in the Summer?

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Montevideo and Punta del Este

Related Articles for Punta del Este

Related Articles for Montevideo

Subscribe to our Newsletter