Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Seoul?
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 Seoul or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
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 Seoul and Buenos Aires, Argentina can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Seoul or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Seoul
With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires.
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Seoul Prices
South Korea PricesBuenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySeoul $128Buenos Aires, Argentina $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $128, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56. 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 Seoul and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSeoul $54Buenos Aires, Argentina $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSeoul $108Buenos Aires, Argentina $80
Compare Hotels in Seoul and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Looking for a hotel in Seoul 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.
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: Seoul Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Seoul $15Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card$3.58
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Short Taxi Ride$5.01
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Metro Ride$0.97
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Seoul City Pass Plus$7.16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- From Round-Trip Transfer to Dae Jang Geum Park: $50
- Incheon Airport (ICN) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $68
- Incheon Airport transfer directly to Seoul city: $113
- Incheon International Airport (ICN): Private Seoul Transfer: $95
- Premium Seoul Airport Transfer: Affordable & Convenience: $105
- Private Airport Transfer * Incheon Airport <-> Seoul (1-5 people): $99
- Private Airport Transfer - Incheon Airport ⇔ Seoul (Up to 7 or 11 people): $130
- Private Airport Transfer : Gimpo airport to/from Seoul (1~7pax): $89
- Private Airport Transfer : Incheon to/from Seoul (up to 7 pax): $98
- Private Airport Transfer From Incheon Airport To Seoul(up to 12): $190
- Private Airport Transfer Gimpo Intl Airport (GMP) to Seoul City: $83
- Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-12 pax): $167
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City: $17
- Madero Tango Buenos Aires Show Without Transfers: $24
- Private Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport (EZE): $27
- Private Transfer Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to City: $27
- Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 30 USD: $30
- Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
- Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
- Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) Transfer with English Speaking Driver: $34
- Private Transfer from Jorge Newbery Airport to Downtown Area: $35
- Port Transfers with English Speaking Driver: $35
- Private transfer from Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airport: $35
- Madero Tango Show with Transfer: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Seoul or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Seoul 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 daySeoul $51Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.60
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
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Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.30
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Waffle$0.72
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Dippin' Dots$1.43
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Chicken Fried Rice$3.94
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Chicken Stick$1.43
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Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.36
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Lunch Buffet$4.30
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Donut$0.72
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Mushroom Burger$3.72
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Green Tea Ice Cream$2.36
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Udon & Sushi$5.01
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Fresh Burger$3.44
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Soba Noodles Lunch$3.22
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Bibimbap Lunch$3.58
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Fried Rice$3.94
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Vietnamese Dinner$6.80
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Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.80
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Donut$1.79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Guided Street Food Tour at Namdaemun Market: $45
- Seoul Night Run for Local-Favorite Korean BBQ Dinner: $50
- [Wine & K-BBQ] A Perfect Pairing Dinner in Sinchon: $51
- Wine & K-BBQ: A Perfect Pairing Dinner: $53
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $53
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
- Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $64
- Namdaemun Market Food Tour: $65
- Seoul by Night: Palaces, Market & Street Food Tour (Vegan Option): $65
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $67
- Cooking Class in Seoul with Korean Grandma: $68
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.
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $25
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Lesson: $31
- Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $32
- Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $35
- Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $38
- Tango Show and Dinner at: Tango Porteño: $40
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
- Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $44
- Dinner at Arte de Mafia, Mafioso Theme Restaurant in Palermo: $44
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
- Exclusive Italian Lunch or Dinner at Puny Pasta and Grill: $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Seoul $26Buenos Aires, Argentina $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
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Palace Tickets$5.73
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Movie Ticket$5.73
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Kimchi Museum$2.15
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- K-Culture Adventure in Seoul Self-Guided Walking Tour : $3.58
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
- Seoul Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.10
- Alternative A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Gwanghwamun Tour l 120 Minutes to Understand South Korea: $10
- [Seoul] Football Faentasium Admission Ticket (내국인 불가): $10
- Gwanghwamun Tour about Korean Society and Local Mindset: $11
- Street Hustle Adventure in Seoul: $11
- SPAREX Jjimjilbang Sauna Dongmyo branch Admission Ticket(내국인불가): $11
- Skip the Line: Figure Museum W Ticket (내국인 불가): $11
- Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Insa-dong(내국인불가): $12
- Seoul Job Experience Theme Park Ticket for Kid (내국인 불가): $13
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $5.34
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
- Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
- B.A Hidden Wonders Tour Parque Chas and Agronomía Park: $12
- Private Tour of La Boca and Caminito: $12
- Private Tour of San Telmo, Old Town: $12
- La Boca Walking Tour: $13
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $13
- Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
- Graffiti Tour: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySeoul $12Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.27
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl and Drag Show with Local Drag Queen: $28
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $42
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $46
- Soju Tasting at Distillery: $51
- Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $57
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $59
- Korean Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $60
- Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $67
- Itaewon Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $73
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $78
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:
- Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $37
- Boutique Wine Tasting: A Unique Experience in Buenos Aires: $45
- BA: Wine Tasting and Blending Experience in Palermo : $51
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
- Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown : $61
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $63
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seoul is in Asia 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul 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 Seoul Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Seoul or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Seoul. When comparing the sizes of Seoul 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 Seoul 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 Seoul has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Seoul or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Seoul is around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentina in the summer. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during summer. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.
Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the summer. Seoul gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Seoul usually receives more rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySeoul 26°C (78°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Many visitors come to Seoul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In the autumn, Seoul is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seoul in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. In the autumn, Seoul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Seoul usually gets less rain in October than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSeoul 15°C (59°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Seoul can be very cold during winter. In January, Seoul is generally much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around -3°C (27°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during winter. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Seoul usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySeoul -3°C (27°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Seoul during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Seoul because of the activities around the city.
Seoul is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the spring. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Seoul. In the spring, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Seoul usually gets less rain in April than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSeoul 13°C (55°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Seoul
| Seoul | Buenos Aires, Argentina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
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.