Which place is cheaper, Mendoza or Salto?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Salto or Mendoza?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salto or Mendoza, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Salto or Mendoza?
Salto
Salto is in the citrus growing region of Northern Interior Uruguay, on the east bank of the Rio Uruguay. It is closely connected to the neighboring Argentinian city of Concordia that lies across the river on the western bank. Salto is Uruguay's second-largest city and the most northerly crossing point to Argentina. Salto is a very picturesque city that has a relaxing feel the entire year. However, people mostly come here for the nearby hot springs and the recreation area above the enormous Salto Grande hydroelectric dam.
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 Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina.
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Salto Prices
Uruguay PricesMendoza Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalto $85Mendoza $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Salto is $85, while the average daily cost in Mendoza is $59. 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 Salto and Mendoza in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalto $29Mendoza $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalto $58Mendoza $88
Compare Hotels in Salto and Mendoza
Looking for a hotel in Salto 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: Salto Hotel Prices and Mendoza Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salto $21Mendoza $4.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mendoza
Also for Mendoza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- "High Mountain Private Tour - Snow, Aconcagua and Transfer Included": $260
- Departure Private Transfer Valle de Uco to Mendoza Airport MDZ: $114
- Huarpe Winery Experience & Lunch at Lagarde. Private Transfer: $240
- MDZ Airport Private Transfer to Mendoza City Center: $22
- Mendoza Airport (MDZ) Private Transfer to Mendoza City: $18
- Mendoza Airport (MDZ) to Las Leñas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $284
- Mendoza Airport (MDZ) to Mendoza - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $66
- Mendoza Private Airport Transfers: $35
- One-Way Private Transfer from Airport: $25
- Private 1-Way or Round-Trip MDZ Airport Transfer: $42
- Round Trip Private Transfer to the Uco Valley: $313
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MDZ Airport Transfer: $11
Is it cheaper to fly into Salto or Mendoza?
Prices for flights to both Mendoza and Salto 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 daySalto $41Mendoza $6.11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mendoza
For Mendoza, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Mendoza Meals Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $69
- Argentine Hands-On Cooking & Wine Experience in Mendoza: $95
- 3h Cooking Class in Mendoza with 7 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $110
- 4-Hour Argentine Cooking Class at Grazie Mille Winery: $125
- Bar Safari: 4 Best Mendoza’s Bars in 1 night. + Full Dinner: $180
- Horseback Riding at Sunset and Dinner at an Estancia in Mendoza: $185
- Horseback Riding at Sunset and Dinner in Mendoza: $185
- Tango Show with Dinner at Hualta Winery Hotel: $190
- Full-Day Small-Group Mendoza Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $196
- City Tour with Dinner at a Local Restaurant: $200
- Winery & Michelin-Star Dinner Saffron barrels. Private Transport: $260
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salto $17Mendoza $25
Tours and Activities in Mendoza
For Mendoza, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Malbec Experience in Bodega Tierras Altas: $22
- Self-Guided Bike Tour in Luján de Cuyo Wine Region (Mendoza): $23
- City tour with visit to General San Martin Park: $24
- City Tour: $25
- City Tour: $25
- Mendoza Highlights: Half-Day City Tour: $28
- Mendoza City tour with visit to General San Martin Park: $29
- Renacer Winery Experience: $30
- Bike Tour with Winery and Olivicola Tastings: $30
- Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $34
- Wine and Olive Oil Tasting Half-Day Tour: $34
- Half-Day Sightseeing City Tour: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySalto $13Mendoza $6.21
Sample the Local Flavors in Mendoza
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mendoza:
- Mendoza Wine Tasting at Bodega Ciclo Andino with Snacks: $39
- Classic Wine Tasting: $44
- Premium Wine Tasting: $66
- Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $80
- El Enemigo and Casa Vigil Wine Tour: $93
- In Mendoza Wine Tours, Empanadas, and Olive Oil: $99
- Make an Argentine Asado BBQ w/ Local Host & Wine Tasting: $99
- Classic Wine Tour on a Budget. Lunch. Private Driver: $120
- Mendoza Private Wine Tour Paired Lunch and Olive Oil Tasting: $121
- wine tours in wine country mendoza Argentina: $160
- Full Day Wine Tour with 3 Course Lunch: $164
- Bike Tour at Zuccardi: Olive Oil, Wine Tasting & Lunch: $182
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salto and Mendoza, we can see that Salto 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 Salto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salto 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 Salto Expensive? and Is Mendoza Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salto or Mendoza?
Mendoza has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Salto. When comparing the sizes of Salto 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.