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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg 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: Saint Petersburg or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a beautiful city that sits on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea. Its historical city center is threaded with canals and architecturally impressive buildings, leaving little doubt as to why this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the second largest city in Russia, but perhaps a favorite among travelers. The metropolitan area has a population of over 5 million as well as an impressive culture with fascinating museums, restaurants, and architecture. The city has no shortage of sights and attractions, and many days can be passed while you wander its intricate streets.

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 Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, 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 Saint Petersburg and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.26
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg


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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:


  • Metro Passes
    $1.34

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:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires APT-HTL (EZA): $36
  • Transfer from Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Cruise Terminal: $80
  • Transfer from Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires Port: $51
  • Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal to International Airport (EZE): $80
  • Transfer between airports (EZE-AEP): $75
  • Transfer Buenos Aires Downtown Hotel to Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal: $44
  • Transfer Airports-City Tours-Connections between airports-Airport Transfers //: $110
  • Tango Porteño Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels In Buenos Aires: $70
  • Skip the line Boca Juniors & River Plate Stadium and Museum tour with transfer: $196
  • Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $250
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $40
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private SUV Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $39

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

Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Saint Petersburg 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
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.25
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.61

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)
    $0.02
  • 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
    $0.53
  • Dinner
    $1.88
  • Powerade
    $0.12
  • Lunch
    $0.83
  • Dinner
    $1.21
  • Chocolate
    $3.12

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
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Argentinian grilled pizza class in San Telmo: $40
  • Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $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
  • Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending Experience: $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.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34

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
    $0.58

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • 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
  • 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
  • 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70
  • 5hs Premium Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires: $35
  • @argentinahighlights Private City Tour in Buenos Aires: $96
  • A Back-Street Beer Brewing Tour of Buenos Aires: $123
  • Argentine Flavors Tour By Grupo Summa: $125
  • Argentine Women Bike Tour: $40
  • Arrival by Luxury Van Buenos Aires Cruise Port to Buenos Aires: $58
  • Arrival from Buenos Aires Cruise Port to Buenos Aires by Sedan: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.81

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
    $0.67

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
  • Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
  • Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $56
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
  • Bodega Gamboa Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $80
  • Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
  • Private Asado and Wine Tasting in Argentina: $130


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint Petersburg. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

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

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Saint Petersburg during the summer are popular places to visit.

Saint Petersburg is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. In the summer, Saint Petersburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Saint Petersburg gets 267 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. Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in July than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 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 January
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Petersburg in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during autumn. Saint Petersburg gets 70 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, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 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 April
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In January, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around -8°C (18°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in January than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 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 July
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)

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

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the spring. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 4°C (40°F) in April, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during spring. Saint Petersburg gets 180 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, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 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 October
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Buenos Aires, Argentina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)