Which place is cheaper, Mendoza or Rosario?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRosario $8.57Mendoza $6.97
The average daily cost (per person) in Rosario is $8.57, while the average daily cost in Mendoza is $6.97. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRosario $2.95Mendoza $2.65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRosario $5.90Mendoza $5.30
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rosario $2.52Mendoza $1.38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mendoza
Also for Mendoza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mendoza Tempus Alba Winery + Trapiche + Transfer included: $550
- Visit Trapiche+Lunch El Enemigo (Michelin). Private transfer: $300
- Achaval Ferrer+Almuerzo Lagarde(Guia Michelin).Transfer privado: $280
- Chandon+Lunch Quimera Bistro (Michelin Guide).Private transfer: $260
- Chandon Winery + Enemigo Lunch (Michelin Guide). Transfer included: $260
- Top Winery and Gourmet Experience in Uco Valley.Transfer included: $230
- Vistalba Winery + Susana Balbo Lunch. (Michelin Guide) Transfer inc: $230
- Decero+Almuerzo Susana Balbo (Guia Michelin). Transfer privado: $230
- Atamisque Winery + Lunch at Ruda Cocina. Transfer included: $220
- Private Transfer Vinicolas Valle de Uco: $190
- Tasting in two wineries + full lunch. Transfer included: $160
- Visit 2 Wineries and Lunch with Unlimited Wine.Private Transfer: $160
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
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Food Meals for one dayRosario $3.64Mendoza $3.11
Typical Food Prices in Mendoza
For Mendoza, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Empanadas$0.01
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mendoza
For Mendoza, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bar Safari: 4 Best Mendoza’s Bars in 1 night. + Full Dinner: $93
- Argentinian Cooking class in Grazie Mille Winery in Valle de Uco: $95
- Horseback Riding at Sunset and Dinner at an Estancia in Mendoza: $150
- Horseback Riding at Sunset and Dinner in Mendoza: $160
- Empanadas Cooking Class in a local's kitchen: $200
- Los Toneles Winery+Dinner at Azafran Restaurant (Michelin Star).: $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rosario $2.92Mendoza $1.97
Tours and Activities in Mendoza
For Mendoza, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Charms of Mendoza Private Tour 3 Wineries with Paired Lunch: $300
- Rafting and Adrenaline Canopy Mendoza 2 Adventure Activities: $160
- 3 Wineries Tour Half Day: $36
- A walking tour of the fascinating history of Mendoza wine: $15
- Aconcagua short hike, and high mountain tour with barbecue.: $185
- Admire the majesty of the Cordillera: AltaMontaña Experience: $250
- Adrenaline Canopy Tour on the Mendoza River: $124
- Adventure Park - Unforgettable Challenge!: $75
- Andes Day Hiking Tour Experience : $155
- Andes High Mountain Tour in Mendoza: $121
- Andes High Mountain full day Tour: $77
- Andes Hiking Experience Full Day: $175
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRosario $1.67Mendoza $1.18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Mendoza
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Mendoza:
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Beer$0.01
Sample the Local Flavors in Mendoza
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mendoza:
- Classic Wine Tasting: $22
- Private Wine Tasting in the Vineyards Facing the Andes: $35
- Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $42
- Premium Wine Tasting: $45
- Vineyards with Wine Tasting in Mendoza: $53
- Argentinean Asado with Local Host and Wine Tasting: $99
- Wine Tour with Lunch and Transport in Mendoza: $100
- Full Day Wine Tour with 3 Course Lunch: $107
- Private Maipu Valley Wine Tour from Mendoza: $159
- wine tours in wine country mendoza Argentina: $160
- Private Wine Tour, Tastings and Lunch with Pairings: $180
- All Day, Small Group, Luxury Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch: $180
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rosario and Mendoza, we can see that Rosario is more expensive. And not only is Mendoza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mendoza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mendoza 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 Rosario would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rosario than you might in Mendoza.
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.
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.