A Travel Price Comparison for Argentina Rosario vs. Mendoza for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Rosario or Mendoza?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Rosario and Mendoza can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Rosario or Mendoza?

Rosario

Rosario is the third largest city in Argentina. Located at the Parana river and known for its rich architectural heritage and beautiful riverside scenery, Rosario is the birthplace of the Argentinian flag as well as two of the nation's most famous icons, Che Guevara and Lionel Messi. Rosario is still an important river port but has done a great job of regenerating its center, which now has a vibrant cultural and night life. The abandoned buildings of the long riverbank have been converted into galleries, restaurants, skateparks and river beaches, which buzz with life in summer. Dynamic and confident without being showy, culturally rich and the best urban location to cool off in the boiling summers, Rosario is easily overlooked but not to be missed.

Mendoza

Mendoza is a city in western Argentina and more precisely in the desertic Cuyo region. Mendoza is the center of the Argentinian wine industry and is famed around the world for its vineyards and wine production. Spread across the valley of the Rio Mendoza and in the foothills of the Andean mountain range, Mendoza is also near the Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. The bustling and scenic city of wide, leafy avenues, atmospheric plazas and cosmopolitan cafes spoils visitors with unique natural attractions and historical landmarks. If you can, visit Mendoza during the harvest festival at the end of February. There are many events and festivals in Mendoza and they are usually free. Each has a different theme, and they usually have a stage with singing and dancing and booths that sell food around a plaza. Seventy percent of Argentina's wines are produced here, and Mendoza is especially known for its world-famous malbecs.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina, The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Mendoza or Rosario?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Rosario is $77, while the average daily cost in Mendoza is $70. 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 Rosario and Mendoza in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rosario $59
    Mendoza $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rosario $118
    Mendoza $106
Compare Hotels in Rosario and Mendoza

Looking for a hotel in Rosario or Mendoza? 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 Rosario


Hotels in Mendoza


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: Rosario Hotel Prices and Mendoza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rosario $3.93
    Mendoza $5.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mendoza

Also for Mendoza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Round Trip Private Transfer to the Uco Valley: $566
  • Winery Salentein + Gourmet Lunch in Ruda.Transfer included: $260
  • Private Transfer Vinicolas Valle de Uco: $250
  • Classic Wine Tour with Winery Roast. Private Transfer.: $220
  • Visit Winery + Gin Distillery + Lunch with Private Transfer.: $200
  • Private Transfer to Bodegas de Luján de Cuyo and Maipú Full Day: $200
  • Argentine BBQ Experience and Winery Visits.Transfer included: $195
  • Transfer Bodegas Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu: $150
  • Las Leñas to Mendoza Int Airport (MDZ)-Departure Private Transfer: $141
  • Mendoza Int Airport (MDZ) to Las Leñas - Arrival Private Transfer: $141
  • Luján de Cuyo/ Maipú Wineries. Full Day. Transfer.: $140
  • Departure Private Transfer Valle de Uco to Mendoza Airport MDZ : $103

Is it cheaper to fly into Rosario or Mendoza?

Prices for flights to both Mendoza and Rosario 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
    Rosario $8.24
    Mendoza $7.31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mendoza

For Mendoza, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Casa Vigil (the enemy) + Dinner + Guided tour: $140
  • Traditional lunch with pairing, private cooking class and show: $150
  • Neapolitan Pizza Class with Lunch and Winery Tour: $175
  • Horseback Riding at Sunset and Dinner in Mendoza: $185
  • Tango Show with Dinner at Hualta Winery Hotel: $190
  • Bar Safari 4 Best Mendoza’s Bars in 1 Night with Full Dinner: $192
  • City Tour with Dinner at a Local Restaurant: $200
  • Empanadas Cooking Class in a local's kitchen: $200
  • Bar Safari: 4 Best Mendoza’s Bars in 1 night. + Full Dinner: $209
  • Argentine Cooking Class at Susana Balbo Winery: $462

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rosario $33
    Mendoza $29

Tours and Activities in Rosario

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rosario.

  • Newell's Old Boys Football Match and Messi Tour: $130

Tours and Activities in Mendoza

For Mendoza, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Rafting and Adrenaline Canopy Mendoza 2 Adventure Activities: $210
  • Zipline Adventure: Exploring Potrerillos Valley: $124
  • 2 Winery Tour in Valle de Uco with Lunch Included: $185
  • Aconcagua Classic Tour 1 Day - Shared : $110
  • Aconcagua Private Full Day Experience : $225
  • Adrenaline Canopy Tour on the Mendoza River: $119
  • Adventure & Flavor: Breakfast, Rafting & Asado in Mendoza: $245
  • Adventure Park - Unforgettable Challenge!: $39
  • Adventure and Trekking Day in Vallecitos Cordon del Plata: $150
  • Andes Day Hiking Tour Experience : $190
  • Andes High Mountain Tour in Mendoza: $129
  • Andes High Mountain full day Tour: $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rosario $9.43
    Mendoza $7.43

Sample the Local Flavors in Mendoza

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mendoza:

  • Vineyards with Wine Tasting in Mendoza: $41
  • Classic Wine Tasting: $44
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $45
  • Premium Wine Tasting: $66
  • Make an Argentine Asado BBQ w/ Local Host & Wine Tasting: $89
  • El Enemigo and Casa Vigil Wine Tour: $109
  • Mendoza Private Wine Tour Paired Lunch and Olive Oil Tasting: $110
  • Wine Tour with Lunch and Transport in Mendoza: $130
  • wine tours in wine country mendoza Argentina: $160
  • Full Day Wine Tour with 3 Course Lunch: $164
  • Classic Wine Tour with Lunch Experience Top.: $165
  • Classic Wine Tour on a Budget. Lunch. Private Driver: $170


When comparing the travel costs between Rosario and Mendoza, we can see that Rosario is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Rosario or Mendoza?

Rosario has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Mendoza. When comparing the sizes of Rosario and Mendoza, 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.