Which place is cheaper, La Paz or San Carlos de Bariloche?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit San Carlos de Bariloche or La Paz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for San Carlos de Bariloche and La Paz. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: San Carlos de Bariloche or La Paz?
San Carlos de Bariloche
Set in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Argentina, San Carlos de Bariloche is the biggest city in the Lake District. Bariloche is popular for skiing and snowboarding in the winter and trekking, swimming, fishing and horseback riding in the summertime.
No matter the time of year, there is something for everyone in Bariloche. Skiing season begins from June to October while fishing season is from November to April. Summer is from December to March, but visiting during low seasons (Spring in October to December and Autumn in late-April to mid-June) also has its benefits when it comes to saving cash and avoiding crowds.
Check out our ultimate guide to Hiking in Patagonia.
La Paz
La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, has a breathtaking setting. The city is the highest national capital in the world, with an altitude ranging from about 4,058 m (13,313 ft) above sea level in El Alto, where the airport is located, to 3,100 m (10,170 ft) in the lower residential area. The dynamic and chaotic city was built in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River. La Paz is now a fusion of architectural styles, cultures and beliefs, welcoming everyday new boutique hotels, modern shops, delicious restaurants and reinventing standing establishments. However, generally speaking, Bolivia remains more a backpacker hit than a mainstream tourist destination.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Argentina, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Argentina, The Best Luxury Tours to Bolivia, and The Best Budget Tours to Bolivia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Carlos de Bariloche $7.40La Paz $44
The average daily cost (per person) in San Carlos de Bariloche is $7.40, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $44. 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 San Carlos de Bariloche and La Paz in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Carlos de Bariloche $2.68La Paz $16
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Carlos de Bariloche $5.36La Paz $32
Compare Hotels in San Carlos de Bariloche and La Paz
Looking for a hotel in San Carlos de Bariloche or La Paz? 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: San Carlos de Bariloche Hotel Prices and La Paz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Carlos de Bariloche $2.28La Paz $9.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Carlos de Bariloche
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Carlos de Bariloche:
- Visit to Piedras Blancas Bariloche with transfers: $52
- Transfers to and from San Martín de los Andes: $295
- Transfers in Bariloche: $22
- Transfer from the Airport to Bariloche: $26
- Shared Transfer One Way - Bariloche Airport to Hotel or v.v.: $26
- Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel to Bariloche Airport: $26
- Private transfer Bariloche Airpot- Hotels: $13
- Private Transfer from Tom Wesley to Bariloche (BRC) Airport: $54
- Private Transfer from Puerto Pañuelo to Bariloche (BRC) Airport: $73
- Private Transfer from Playa Bonita to Bariloche (BRC) Airport: $46
- Private Transfer from Pampa Linda to Bariloche (BRC) Airport: $181
- Private Transfer from Lago Moreno to Bariloche (BRC) Airport: $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in La Paz
Some typical examples of transportation costs in La Paz are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$0.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Also for La Paz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Airport to Hotels Service 24/7: $21
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from La Paz City - La Paz Airport (LPB): $21
- Airport Transfer In_ Day: $25
- Airport Transfer Out_night: $25
- Bus Station Transfer Out_night : $25
- One-Way Private Transfer from La Paz Hotels to Airport : $27
- Transfer in Private Minivan from La Paz Airport (LPB) - La Paz City: $27
- Private Transfer La Paz Airport LPB to La Paz City by MiniVan/Bus: $28
- Private transfer 24/7 El Alto Airport - Hotels La Paz: $28
- Airport to City Center Hotel Private Transfer: $29
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle La Paz Airport (LPB) - La Paz City: $43
- Airport Transfer In_night: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into San Carlos de Bariloche or La Paz?
Prices for flights to both La Paz and San Carlos de Bariloche 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 daySan Carlos de Bariloche $2.78La Paz $17
Typical Food Prices in San Carlos de Bariloche
Some typical examples of dining costs in San Carlos de Bariloche are as follows:
-
Pastries$0.01
-
Empanadas$0.03
Typical Food Prices in La Paz
For La Paz, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Fruit$0.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz
For La Paz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- La Paz Food Tour + Cable Car Cultural City tour: $45
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Carlos de Bariloche $3.05La Paz $16
Tours and Activities in San Carlos de Bariloche
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Carlos de Bariloche are as follows:
- 4-Hour Guided Tour of the Small Circuit: $60
- Bariloche Horseback Riding & Traditional Argentine Barbecue Tour: $197
- Bariloche San Martin de los Andes and Seven Lakes Road Tour: $130
- Bariloche: 4-Hour Cerro Catedral Base Tour: $15
- Bariloche: Blest Port and Cantaros Waterfall Tour : $170
- Bariloche: Full-Day El Bolsón and Puelo Lake Tour: $42
- Bariloche: Half Day Small Circuit Tour - Mt Campanario and Llao Llao Peninsula: $28
- Bariloche: Private Enchanted Valley Tour with Lunch: $495
- Classic Bariloche: Half-Day Sightseeing Excursion: $26
- From Bariloche: Half-Day Circuito Chico Sightseeing Tour: $38
- From Bariloche: Victoria Island & the Arrayanes Forest Tour: $128
- From Rio Manso Rafting Tour: $185
Tours and Activities in La Paz
For La Paz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Walking city tour La Paz: $2.66
- La Paz Half-Day Walking Tour: $3.00
- City Walking Tour in La Paz: $8.00
- Be a Local - La Paz Walking Tour: $8.00
- La Paz Walking City tour plus Cable cars: $10
- City Highlights Walking Tour with Cable Car Ride: $10
- City Tour plus Cable Car La Paz: $10
- Private Sunset Tour in La Paz: $10
- Live Virtual City Tour - La Paz : $10
- Titicaca Lake - Bus Ticket - From La Paz City - Ow: $12
- Gastronomic Tour Vivencial Tour de las Caseras: $13
- Private Cable Car City Tour: $18
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Carlos de Bariloche $1.83La Paz $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in San Carlos de Bariloche
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in San Carlos de Bariloche from other travelers:
-
Beer$0.01
Sample the Local Flavors in La Paz
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in La Paz:
- Cultural Pub Crawl La Paz Nightlife Tour : $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Carlos de Bariloche and La Paz, we can see that La Paz is more expensive. And not only is San Carlos de Bariloche much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Carlos de Bariloche would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Carlos de Bariloche 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 La Paz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Paz than you might in San Carlos de Bariloche.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Carlos de Bariloche Expensive? and Is La Paz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Carlos de Bariloche or La Paz?
La Paz has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of San Carlos de Bariloche. When comparing the sizes of San Carlos de Bariloche and La Paz, 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.