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

Should you visit Riga or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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

Should I visit Riga or Buenos Aires, Argentina? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Riga or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Riga

Riga is the vibrant capital city of Latvia. It continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination in part because it is the base for the airline Air Baltic. This affordable airline offers discount flights around Europe and most of these flights pass through Riga with a forced overnight layover. This encourages travelers to visit this fascinating city for at least a night or two.

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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €104, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is €9.60. 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 Riga and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Riga 53
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 3.86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Riga 106
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 7.72
Compare Hotels in Riga and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Looking for a hotel in Riga 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 Riga


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

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Riga 15
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 1.47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:

  • From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $152
  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn: $347
  • From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $466
  • From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $433
  • From Transfer to Tallinn with Turaida Museum Reserve: $233
  • From Vilnius: One-Way Private Transfer to Riga: $185
  • Paintball Adventure: Expert Guide & Transfers Included!: $81
  • Private Transfer from Hotel to Riga Airport with English speaking driver: $54
  • Private Transfer from Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga Cruise Port: $27
  • Private Transfer from Riga Airport to Riga City: $72
  • Private Transfer from Riga City Center to Riga Airport RIX: $32
  • Private Transfer from Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $70

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
    0.12
  • 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 Private AEP Airport Transfer to Buenos Aires: $15
  • ONE WAY: Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Transfer to/from Buenos Aires City: $18
  • Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $20
  • Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 20 USD: $20
  • Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $20
  • Private Airport Transfer AEP Jorge New Berry to CAPITAL BA: $27
  • Port Transfers with English speaking guide: $30
  • Private Transfer from Aeroparque to Capital Federal: $33
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires APT-HTL (EZA): $36
  • Airport Transfer: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires : $37
  • Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) Transfer with English speaking driver: $37
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires HTL-APT (EZE): $37

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

Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Riga 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
    Riga 33
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 3.03
Typical Food Prices in Riga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Riga are as follows:


  • Fast Food Lunch
    5.77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Riga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Riga.

  • Central Market Latvian Food Tour: $42
  • Medieval Guided Tour & Three-Course Dinner Experience: $98

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
    0.02
  • Cup of Coffee
    0.01
  • Empandas
    0.02
  • Espresso
    0.01
  • Dinner (Pizza)
    0.01
  • Ice Cream
    0.01
  • Breakfast at Airport
    0.03
  • Dinner (Sandwiches)
    0.01
  • Sweets
    0.01
  • Hot Dog
    0.01
  • Breakfast (Take-Away)
    0.01
  • Lunch for 2
    0.15
  • Cake and Coffee
    0.50
  • Dinner
    1.76
  • Powerade
    0.11
  • Lunch
    0.78
  • Dinner
    1.13
  • Chocolate
    2.91

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
  • Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $37
  • Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Argentine Empanadas Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
  • Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $44
  • Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
  • Private Walking Tour & Argentinian pizzas Tasting: $50
  • Skip the Line Ticket for Tango Porteño Show with Dinner : $53
  • Tango Porteño Show with Private Transfers (with optional dinner): $54
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $54
  • Aljibe Earlier Tango Show Skip the Line Ticket W/Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Riga 21
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 3.12

Tours and Activities in Riga

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $7.06
  • Riga Old Town Legends Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $7.39
  • Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $7.60
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.58
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Riga Nightlife Ticket: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Riga:Cruises: $16
  • Old Town Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Canal Boat Sightseeing Tour: $16

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)
    0.03
  • Movie Ticket
    0.02
  • Tango Class
    0.03
  • Bar entrance
    0.54

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Guided Walking Tour of Palermo Soho: $5.00
  • Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Urban Legends and Myths Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery: $6.00
  • Introduction to Argentina (Virtual Live Experience): $6.67
  • Tour in the Boca Neighborhood: $8.00
  • History of Tango (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
  • The Life of Pope Francis in Argentina (Virtual Live Experience): $8.00
  • Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Recoleta Cemetery Tour in English : $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
  • Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Riga 20
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 1.69

Sample the Local Flavors in Riga

Also in Riga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Old town pub & bar crawl, hidden gems, and local party: $25
  • Pub Crawl in Riga: $33
  • Riga Pub Crawl Nightlife Experience: $35
  • Riga's Old Town Beer Bike Tour & Guided Pub Crawl: $38
  • Riga Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $54
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $54
  • Riga Beer Killer Bar Crawl: $55
  • Riga Brewery Tour: $71
  • Riga Wine Tasting Session: $104
  • Riga Pub Crawl & Party Bus Tour: $531
  • Yacht Tour with Medieval Banquet and Wine Tasting: $3,371

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
    0.62

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 of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $65
  • Private Walking Tour & Argentine wine Tasting: $78
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
  • Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
  • Half-Day Nightlife Experience in Buenos Aires: Palermo Bar Crawl: $110
  • Bodega Gamboa Premium Wine Tasting with Lunch: $165
  • Wine Tour to Colonia Del Sacramento Uruguay: $168


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Riga is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Riga 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 Riga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Riga 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 Riga Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Riga or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Riga 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 Riga 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 Riga has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Riga or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Many visitors come to Riga in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Riga is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the summer. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Riga usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Riga 17°C (63°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Riga as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Most visitors come to Riga for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Riga is much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Riga in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Riga usually gets less rain in October than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Riga 7°C (45°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)

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

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Riga because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Riga can be very cold. In January, Riga is generally much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Daily temperatures in Riga average around -5°C (23°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In January, Riga usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Riga -5°C (23°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)

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

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Riga during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Riga this time of year.

Riga is much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the spring. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Riga usually gets less rain in April than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Riga 5°C (42°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Riga

Riga Buenos Aires, Argentina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)