Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Reykjavik?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Reykjavik or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reykjavik or Buenos Aires, Argentina, 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: Reykjavik or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
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 Budget Tours to Iceland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayReykjavik $246Buenos Aires, Argentina $10
The average daily cost (per person) in Reykjavik is $246, 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 Reykjavik and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personReykjavik $139Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.07
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomReykjavik $278Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.14
Compare Hotels in Reykjavik and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Looking for a hotel in Reykjavik 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.
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: Reykjavik Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Reykjavik $46Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hveragerdi to Keflavik Airport (KEF) - Deparure Private Transfer: $68
- Airport Transfer (One way) between Keflavik and Reykjavik: $200
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City With Hotel Drop Off: $36
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $29
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport One Way: $28
- Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket Including Transfer: $268
- Blue Lagoon Entry Ticket with Optional Private or Shared Transfer: $163
- Blue Lagoon One Way Transfer: $185
- Blue Lagoon Return Bus Transfer from Reykjavik: $45
- Blue Lagoon with Private Roundtrip Transfer: $476
- Door to Door Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $308
- From Reykjavik Port: Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $1,050
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:
- Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City - ROUND TRIP: $263
- Transfer from EZEIZA or AEP Airport + Private City Tour: $210
- Transfer from Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Cruise Terminal: $80
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires Port: $52
- Transfer between airports (EZE-AEP): $75
- Transfer Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Downtown Hotel: $68
- Transfer Buenos Aires Downtown Hotel transfer to International Airport (EZE): $68
- Transfer Buenos Aires Downtown Hotel to Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal: $44
- Transfer Buenos Aires Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal to Downtown Hotel : $44
- Transfer Airports-City Tours-Connections between airports-Airport Transfers //: $110
- Tango Show La Ventana only show exclusive with transfer: $76
- Tango Porteño Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels In Buenos Aires: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Reykjavik or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Reykjavik 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 dayReykjavik $30Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.19
Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Dinner (Fish Market)$178
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Exclusive dinner with a local family - Visit a Reykjavík home: $98
- Icelandic Food Tour: $124
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $128
- 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $129
- Reykjavik Market & Lunch Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $142
- Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $145
- Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $209
- Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296
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)$0.01
-
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$0.52
-
Dinner$1.85
-
Powerade$0.11
-
Lunch$0.82
-
Dinner$1.19
-
Chocolate$3.07
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.
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
- 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
- Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $40
- Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
- Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending: $49
- La Ventana Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $49
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Reykjavik $72Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Art Museum$11
-
Wine and Spa$29
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Reykjavík: City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Reykjavik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Reykjavik Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.07
- Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
- Explore Reykjavik's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Citywalk Tour - Audioguide in English & German: $11
- Skip the Line: Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
- Geothermal Energy Exhibition Entry Ticket: $18
- Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket: $18
- Was James Bond Icelandic? Ticket with One Hour Lecture: $23
- Private audio guide of the island for self-exploration tour: $27
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$0.57
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2x1: Día de Campo + Tour Nocturno en Buenos Aires: $220
- Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $59
- Premium Buenos Aires by Night Small-Group City Tour: $59
- Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
- Small group Yerba Mate Experience with snacks: $35
- 1-hour Paramotor Experience in Buenos Aires Argentina: $100
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
- 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
- 3-Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisian: $45
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70
- 5hs Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (optional street food): $35
- @argentinahighlights Private City Tour in Buenos Aires: $120
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayReykjavik $28Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.78
Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
-
Beer$8.79
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Gin Distillery tour and tasting: $25
- Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $32
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$0.65
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:
- Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $30
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of 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
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
- Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $70
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Reykjavik and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Reykjavik is in Europe and Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Reykjavik has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Reykjavik or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Reykjavik during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
In the summer, Reykjavik is much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Reykjavik in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Reykjavik gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Reykjavik usually gets less rain in July than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryReykjavik 11°C (52°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In October, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 5°C (41°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during autumn. Reykjavik gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilReykjavik 5°C (41°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. Reykjavik is much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the winter. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around -0°C (32°F) in January, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in July.
In the winter, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Reykjavik gets 27 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun.
Reykjavik usually gets more rain in January than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyReykjavik -0°C (32°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.
Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Reykjavik is much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Reykjavik in April average around 3°C (38°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during spring. Reykjavik gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In April, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberReykjavik 3°C (38°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Reykjavik
| Reykjavik | Buenos Aires, Argentina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.