A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Recife vs. Buenos Aires, Argentina for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Recife or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Recife and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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: Recife or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Recife

One of the largest cities on Brazil's northeast coast, Recife is also the capital of the state of Pernambuco. The city gets its name from the Portuguese word for "reef," as it was built around a landscape of natural reef beaches. Many people visit to enjoy these beaches, experience the culture, and explore the history of this important Brazilian city.

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 Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires.


Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Recife?

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

  • Recife Prices
    Brazil Prices
    Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
    Argentina Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Recife $209
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $56

The average daily cost (per person) in Recife is $209, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56. 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 Recife and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Recife $84
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Recife $168
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $80
Compare Hotels in Recife and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Looking for a hotel in Recife 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.

Hotels in Recife


Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina


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: Recife Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Recife $8.13
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Recife

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Recife:

  • Departure Transfer from Olinda to Recife Airport: $100
  • Private Transfer from Igarassu to Recife (REC) Airport : $111
  • Private Transfer from Olinda to Recife (REC) Airport: $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City: $17
  • Madero Tango Buenos Aires Show Without Transfers: $24
  • Private Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport (EZE): $27
  • Private Transfer Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to City: $27
  • Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 30 USD: $30
  • Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
  • Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
  • Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) Transfer with English Speaking Driver: $34
  • Private Transfer from Jorge Newbery Airport to Downtown Area: $35
  • Port Transfers with English Speaking Driver: $35
  • Private transfer from Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airport: $35
  • Madero Tango Show with Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Recife or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Recife 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
    Recife $117
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.60

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: $25
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Lesson: $31
  • Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $32
  • Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $35
  • Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $38
  • Tango Show and Dinner at: Tango Porteño: $40
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
  • Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $44
  • Dinner at Arte de Mafia, Mafioso Theme Restaurant in Palermo: $44
  • Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
  • El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
  • Exclusive Italian Lunch or Dinner at Puny Pasta and Grill: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Recife $11
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $30

Tours and Activities in Recife

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Recife are as follows:

  • Olinda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.48

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
  • Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
  • B.A Hidden Wonders Tour Parque Chas and Agronomía Park: $12
  • Private Tour of La Boca and Caminito: $12
  • Private Tour of San Telmo, Old Town: $12
  • La Boca Walking Tour: $13
  • 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $13
  • Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
  • Graffiti Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Recife -
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.27

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:

  • Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $37
  • Boutique Wine Tasting: A Unique Experience in Buenos Aires: $45
  • BA: Wine Tasting and Blending Experience in Palermo : $51
  • BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
  • Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
  • Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown : $61
  • Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $63
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Recife Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Recife or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Recife. When comparing the sizes of Recife 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.


When is the best time to visit Recife or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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 Recife or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Recife and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The summer months attract visitors to Recife because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Recife is around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentina in the summer. The daily temperature in Recife averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In Recife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Recife usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during summer. Recife gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the summer. Recife gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Recife usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Recife gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, March to August is the rainy season in Recife.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Recife 26°C (79°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Recife or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Recife as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Recife this time of year.

In the autumn, Recife is a little warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Recife in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 18°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the autumn, Recife often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Recife gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Recife receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Recife usually gets more rain in April than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Recife gets 338 mm (13.3 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Recife 26°C (79°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Recife or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Recife are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Recife for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Recife is generally much warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Daily temperatures in Recife average around 24°C (76°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Recife usually receives more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during winter. Recife gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Recife. In July, Recife usually receives more rain than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Recife gets 388 mm (15.3 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Recife is March to August.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Recife 24°C (76°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Recife or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Recife during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Recife in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Recife is a little warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the spring. The daily temperature in Recife averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Recife. In the spring, Recife often gets more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Recife gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun.

Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Recife usually gets less rain in October than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Recife gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October to December is the dry season in Recife.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Recife 25°C (77°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Recife

Recife Buenos Aires, Argentina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 338 mm (13.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 25°C (78°F) 319 mm (12.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 378 mm (14.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 24°C (76°F) 388 mm (15.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)