Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Riga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires.
-
Riga Prices
Latvia PricesBuenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRiga €122Buenos Aires, Argentina €48
The average daily cost (per person) in Riga is €122, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is €48. 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 personRiga €52Buenos Aires, Argentina €34
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRiga €104Buenos Aires, Argentina €68
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.
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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Riga €9.63Buenos Aires, Argentina €1.79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Riga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Riga:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga City by Minibus: $124
- Departure Private Transfer Riga City to Riga Airport RIX by Minibus: $124
- Departure Transfer from Riga to Riga Airport RIX by Car or Van: $72
- From Cesis and Sigulda Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $161
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Pärnu City Tour: $680
- From Private Transfer to Tallinn with Sightseeing: $494
- From Private Transfer to Vilnius with Sightseeing: $448
- Private Transfer Riga International Airport RIX to Jurmala City: $51
- Private Transfer from Riga Cruise Port to Riga Airport (RIX): $59
- Private Transfer from Riga International Airport RIX to Riga City: $38
- Private transfer from Riga Airport RIX to Riga city by Car or Van: $72
- Riga Airport (RIX) to Riga City - Private Transfer.: $74
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Buenos Aires: AEP Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $13
- Private Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport (AEP): $15
- Private Airport Transfer from Buenos Aires to Aeroparque AEP: $25
- Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Airport (EZE): $26
- Private Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport (EZE): $26
- Buenos Aires: EZE Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $27
- Tango Show in Catullo Without Transfer: $27
- Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Port to Ezeiza: $28
- Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
- Local Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
- Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Buenos Aires Airport (AEP): $30
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 dayRiga €57Buenos Aires, Argentina €6.46
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.
- Riga Central Market Food Tour with Guide & Tastings ENG, DE: $26
- Central Market Latvian Food Tour with 20 taste samples: $52
- Khinkali and Pelmeni Cooking Master Class: $69
- Latvian Cooking Class in a Local Home: $114
- Riga Medieval Dinner: $128
- Traditional Latvian Dinner with Private Folk Show: $248
- Pizza Making Master Class in Riga: $249
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.
- Argentine Cooking, Wine & Beef Tasting at Argentine Experience: $30
- Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $35
- Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $37
- Tango Porteño Show or Dinner Show with Barra Libre Buenos Aires: $38
- Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
- Buenos Aires Family Empanada Cooking Class Kids Take the Lead: $44
- Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $44
- Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- Tango Dinner-Show at El Aljibe with Optional Classic Bus Transfer: $48
- Dinner at Arte de Mafia, Mafioso Theme Restaurant in Palermo: $48
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Riga €14Buenos Aires, Argentina €26
Tours and Activities in Riga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Riga are as follows:
- Historic Canal Boat Tour with Audio Guide: $8.29
- Panorama Riga Observation Deck Ticket: $9.22
- Historic Canal Boat Tour with Audio Guide: $10
- Audio Tour of Riga Old Town: $12
- Old Town Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $12
- Old Town E-Bus Tour with Audio Guide: $12
- Entrance Ticket - House of the Black Heads: $12
- Old Riga E-Bus Tour with Audio Guide, 45 min: $12
- Riga Panoramic River Tour by MISISIPI Boat: $12
- Old Riga Walking Tour: Stories and Legends ENG/DE/ESP: $12
- Top Panorama Cruise With Bar,WiFi and audioguide: $13
- Admission Ticket to Live Silver Museum: $13
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self Guided Walking Tour of Buenos Aires with Audio Guide: $5.92
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina: $6.72
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $6.72
- Buenos Aires Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h30 and 18 reviews: $6.83
- Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
- Discover Buenos Aires: A Self-Guided Tour: $8.28
- The Women Behind Puerto Madero’s Streets: A Self Guided Tour: $9.99
- Small Group Buenos Aires Walking Tour: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $11
- Recoleta Cemetery Buenos Aires Tour with Audioguide (no ticket): $12
- Private Tour of La Boca and Caminito: $12
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market: $13
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayRiga €20Buenos Aires, Argentina €7.89
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: $29
- Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $29
- Brewery Tour with Beer and Riga Balsam Tasting: $32
- Combo Brewery Tour + Canal Boat tour: $39
- 2 in 1 - Old Town Walking Tour & Pub Crawl: $40
- Private - Riga Pub Crawl: $40
- Riga 2 in 1 Tour: Art Nouveau Tour & Pub Crawl: $45
- Riga Evening Adventure: Pub Crawl & Games Night: $50
- Game Night & Pub Crawl: $51
- Authentic Latvian Brewery Beer Tasting & Riga Highlight Tour: $51
- Latvian Brewery Visit & 5 Beer tasting: $52
- Pub Crawl for 50+ with Folk Clubs & Authentic Bars: $52
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: $45
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $54
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $65
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $69
- Empanadas & Argentine wine tour: $74
- Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires Private Experience: $92
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
- Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
- Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown: $97
- Private Walking Tour & Argentine wine Tasting: $103
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 JanuaryRiga 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 AprilRiga 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 JulyRiga -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 OctoberRiga 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) |
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.