Which place is cheaper, Montevideo or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, and The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $98Montevideo $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, while the average daily cost in Montevideo is $63. 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 personPunta del Este $55Montevideo $39
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $110Montevideo $78
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 $22Montevideo $7.32
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: $54
- 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: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
- Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
- TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
- 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
- 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
- Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $29
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $29
- Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo City: $21
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 dayPunta del Este $31Montevideo $13
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Punta del Este $11Montevideo $21
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
- City Tour Punta del Este: $95
- 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: $289
- 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
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
- Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
- 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 custom Montevideo Private Tour in Electric SUV! (BMW Option): $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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPunta del Este $7.70Montevideo -
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 : $157
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
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 JanuaryPunta 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 AprilPunta 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 JulyPunta 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 OctoberPunta 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) |
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.