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 Jungle Trekking Tours in Brazil, The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Recife is $166, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10. 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 $88
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Recife $176
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.26
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 $8.47
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Recife

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Recife:

  • Departure Transfer from Olinda to Recife Airport: $100
  • Instituto Ricardo Brennand with transfers from Recife: $41
  • Private Transfer from Igarassu to Recife (REC) Airport : $101
  • Private Transfer from Olinda to Recife (REC) Airport: $46
  • Private Transfer from Recife to Carneiros Beach: $114
  • Private Transfer from Recife to Olinda: $46
  • Private Transfer from Recife to Serrambi Beach: $101
  • Private Transfer from Recife to Tamandare Beach: $114
  • Recife Boat Tour with Transfers: $72
  • Airport to Maragogi Hotels Private Transfer: $85
  • Airport to Porto de Galinhas Transfer: $65
  • Shared Transfer from Recife to Cabo de Santo Agostinho: $33

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Taxi from Airport
    $0.13
  • Local Bus
    $0.00
  • Metro Ride
    $0.00
  • Taxi to airport
    $0.03
  • Taxi
    $0.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • ONE WAY: Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Transfer to/from Buenos Aires City: $18
  • Private One-way Ezeiza Airport Transfer To/From Buenos Aires: $20
  • Private transfer Vehicle from Buenos Aires city to Ezeiza Airport: $20
  • Airport Transfer: Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) to Buenos Aires: $25
  • Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $25
  • Buenos aires Shared EZE Airport Transfer: $30
  • 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
  • Private Airport Transfer AEP Jorge New Berry to CAPITAL BA: $30
  • Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport Transfer with English speaking driver: $34
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires APT-HTL (EZA): $36

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 $70
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.25

Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:


  • Lunch
    $0.03
  • Cup of Coffee
    $0.01
  • Empandas
    $0.02
  • Espresso
    $0.01
  • Dinner (Pizza)
    $0.02
  • Ice Cream
    $0.01
  • Breakfast at Airport
    $0.04
  • Dinner (Sandwiches)
    $0.01
  • Sweets
    $0.01
  • Hot Dog
    $0.01
  • Breakfast (Take-Away)
    $0.01
  • Lunch for 2
    $0.16
  • Cake and Coffee
    $0.53
  • Dinner
    $1.88
  • Powerade
    $0.12
  • Lunch
    $0.83
  • Dinner
    $1.21
  • Chocolate
    $3.12

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.

  • Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $37
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
  • Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
  • Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50
  • Skip the Line Ticket for Tango Porteño Show with Dinner : $53
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $54
  • Argentine Cooking Experience in Palermo: $55
  • Early Tango Dinner Show with Semi Private Transfer: $59
  • Dinner or Lunch on Grill Revire By Grupo Summa: $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Recife $11
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34

Tours and Activities in Recife

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

  • Recife (Historic Centre) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $7.66
  • Olinda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.83
  • City Tour Recife & Olinda: $27
  • Colonial North Coast beaches - Full-Day Tour: $35
  • Olinda City Tour and Instituto Ricardo Brennand: $94
  • City Tour Recife with Catamaran included: $150

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:


  • Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)
    $0.04
  • Movie Ticket
    $0.02
  • Tango Class
    $0.03
  • Bar entrance
    $0.58

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
  • Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
  • Historical Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery: $15
  • Walking Tour La Boca: $15
  • True Crime Buenos Aires: A Walking Tour: $15
  • Graffiti Tour: $15
  • Recoleta Cemetery Experience - Immersive Tour with Death: $16
  • Under Ground Tours Private Side B of the City: $20
  • Skip the Line: Boca Juniors Museum and Tour: THE VIP BOMBONERA: $22
  • Half Day Walking Tour Discovering Palermo Soho & Graffiti in Buenos Aires: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Recife -
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.81

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:


  • Beer
    $0.01
  • Beer (0.66L)
    $0.02
  • Cocktail
    $0.03
  • Alcohol
    $0.67

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:

  • Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $42
  • Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
  • Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
  • Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
  • Wine Tour to Colonia Del Sacramento Uruguay: $147
  • Bodega Gamboa Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $169
  • Customizable Private City Tour of Buenos Aires + Wine Tasting: $229


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.

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.


  • 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.

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.

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.


  • 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.

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.


  • 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)