A Travel Price Comparison for Argentina San Carlos de Bariloche vs. Rosario for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Carlos de Bariloche or Rosario?

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 Rosario. 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 Rosario?

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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Argentina, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Argentina, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Camping Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Rosario or San Carlos de Bariloche?

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

  • San Carlos de Bariloche Prices
    Argentina Prices
    Rosario Prices
    Argentina Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    San Carlos de Bariloche $121
    Rosario $87

The average daily cost (per person) in San Carlos de Bariloche is $121, while the average daily cost in Rosario is $87. 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 Rosario in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Carlos de Bariloche $99
    Rosario $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Carlos de Bariloche $198
    Rosario $132
Compare Hotels in San Carlos de Bariloche and Rosario

Looking for a hotel in San Carlos de Bariloche or Rosario? 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 San Carlos de Bariloche


Hotels in Rosario


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 Rosario Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Carlos de Bariloche $3.89
    Rosario $4.41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Carlos de Bariloche

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Carlos de Bariloche:

  • Bariloche Airport BRC to Cerro Catedral RoundTrip Transfer: $192
  • Bariloche Airport Round Trip PrivateTransfer: $150
  • Private Transfer Bariloche Airport to Bariloche or Villa La Angostura by minibus: $149
  • BARILOCHE: PRIVATE TRANSFER FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTER: $145
  • Private Transfer from Bariloche (BRC) Airport to Ruca Malen: $134
  • Private Transfer from Bariloche (BRC) Airport to Villa La Angostura: $134
  • Private Transfer Bariloche or Villa La Angostura to Bariloche Airport BRC by van: $124
  • Private Transfer from Bariloche (BRC) Airport to Confluencia Traful: $107
  • Private Transfer from Bariloche (BRC) Airport to Camping los Rápidos: $89
  • Bariloche Airport Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • Private Transfer from Villa Mascardi to Bariloche (BRC) Airport: $72
  • Private Transfer from Hotel Llao Llao to Bariloche (BRC) Airport: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into San Carlos de Bariloche or Rosario?

Prices for flights to both Rosario 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 day
    San Carlos de Bariloche $8.57
    Rosario $9.25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Carlos de Bariloche $46
    Rosario $37

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:

  • 2-Days Experience Bariloche with Airfare from Buenos Aires: $1,690
  • 4-Hour Guided Tour of the Small Circuit: $60
  • Bariloche Horseback Riding & Traditional Argentine Barbecue Tour: $193
  • Bariloche: Beer Tour through 3 breweries: $181
  • Bariloche: Cerro Tronador and Ventisquero Negro Glacier Tour: $77
  • Bariloche: Cerro Tronador and Ventisquero Negro Tour: $113
  • Bariloche: Full-Day El Bolsón and Puelo Lake Tour: $78
  • Bariloche: German Immigration and History Walking Tour: $39
  • Bariloche: Guided tour of the Grand Circuit (Villa La Angostura and Villa Traful): $94
  • Bariloche: Lavender Farm Guided Tour with Tea Service: $130
  • Bariloche: Mt Tronador and Hanging Glaciers Full-Day Tour: $120
  • Bariloche: Piedras Blancas tour, cable car and sled ride: $168

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: $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Carlos de Bariloche $12
    Rosario $11

Sample the Local Flavors in San Carlos de Bariloche

Also in San Carlos de Bariloche, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bariloche: Patagonian Experience wine tasting: $80
  • Patagonian WineHouse in Bariloche: Cheese and Wine Tasting: $86
  • Bariloche: Wine Tasting Winehouse Experience: $100


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Carlos de Bariloche and Rosario, we can see that San Carlos de Bariloche is more expensive. And not only is Rosario much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rosario would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rosario 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 San Carlos de Bariloche would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Carlos de Bariloche than you might in Rosario.

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 Rosario Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, San Carlos de Bariloche or Rosario?

Rosario has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Carlos de Bariloche. When comparing the sizes of San Carlos de Bariloche and Rosario, 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.