Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Shanghai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shanghai or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
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 Shanghai and Buenos Aires, Argentina. 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: Shanghai or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest and most modern city in China. With a population of over 23 million, it is the economic and financial hub of the country. It also continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in China with regular changes to the city's layout and skyline. It is not uncommon for buildings to be torn down, rebuilt and then torn down and rebuilt again. The city also has skyscrapers that rank among the tallest in the world. It has an ever changing downtown and street scape. In Shanghai, the general mantra remains "out with the old, in with the new".
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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $115Buenos Aires, Argentina $10
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $115, 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 Shanghai and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $81Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $162Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.26
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai 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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shanghai $3.87Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
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Taxi Ride$3.59
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Two Subway Tickets$0.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to City Center : $30
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Pudong Airport : $43
- Tongli and Xitang Self-Guided Tour from Shanghai by Private Transfer: $114
- 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai and Private Transfer Package: $245
- Arrival Private Transfer: Pudong Airport PVG to Shanghai in Business Car : $112
- Arrival Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Hotel: $79
- Departure Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Hotel to Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $79
- Flexible Hours of Private Shanghai Layover or Transfer Tour: $129
- Guangzhou Airport Transfer by 5 seat standard car: $53
- Hongqiao Airport (SHA) to Shanghai Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $72
- Hotel in Shanghai to Shanghai Wusongkou Cruise Port Private Transfer: $36
- Nanxun Ancient Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Shanghai: $123
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Taxi from Airport$0.13
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Local Bus$0.00
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Metro Ride$0.00
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Taxi to airport$0.03
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Taxi$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- ONE WAY: Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Transfer to/from Buenos Aires City: $18
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $26
- Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
- Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
- Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 30 USD: $30
- Private Airport Transfer AEP Jorge New Berry to CAPITAL BA: $30
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires APT-HTL (EZA): $36
- Roundtrip Transfer Private SUV Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $39
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $40
- Private Transfer from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) to Buenos Aires: $40
- Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $44
- Transfer Buenos Aires Downtown Hotel to Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal: $44
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Shanghai 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 dayShanghai $21Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.25
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.38
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$20
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.19
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Cantelope$1.66
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Dumplings and Soup$2.07
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Duck Dinner$4.15
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Pastries$2.90
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Barbeque Dinner$8.85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum In Shanghai: $67
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $69
- 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings: $70
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Late night food tour in Shanghai's French Concession: $85
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
- 4-Hour Food Tour in Qibao Water Town from Shanghai by Subway: $95
- Shanghai Hot pot dinner foodie tour with guide and one way private transfer: $113
- Private Authentic Chinese Cooking Class in Shanghai with a Lovely Local: $116
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Lunch$0.03
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Cup of Coffee$0.01
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Empandas$0.02
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Espresso$0.01
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Dinner (Pizza)$0.02
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Ice Cream$0.01
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Breakfast at Airport$0.04
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Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
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Sweets$0.01
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Hot Dog$0.01
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Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
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Lunch for 2$0.16
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Cake and Coffee$0.53
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Dinner$1.88
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Powerade$0.12
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Lunch$0.83
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Dinner$1.21
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $8.44Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
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30 Minute River Cruise for Two$28
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Zoo for Two$14
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket and Optional Attractions: $14
- Shanghai Yu Garden Tour：Harmony & Spirituality in Garden Art: $20
- Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour: $29
- Like a Local Customized Guided Tour: $35
- Shanghai Downtown Hotel to Baoshan Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Greet service: $38
- Fudan University Student Guide Tour: $42
- Shanghai Tower Tickets Booking: $43
- 4-Hour Nightlife Adventure & Tasting Bike Tour: $45
- Oriental Pearl Tower Tickets Booking: $47
- 4-Hour Sunset Bike Tour in Shanghai: $49
- Small Group 2.5-Hour Walking Tour - Spots Hiding Behind the Shanghai Bund: $51
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:
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Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.04
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Movie Ticket$0.02
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Tango Class$0.03
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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:
- Palermo Soho for curious people Walking Tour: $5.00
- Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
- Historical Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery: $15
- True Crime Buenos Aires: A Walking Tour: $15
- Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
- Graffiti Tour: $15
- Walking Tour La Boca: $15
- Recoleta Cemetery Experience - Immersive Tour with the Death: $16
- Under Ground Tours Private Side B of the City: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.36Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.81
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Shanghai Pub Crawl: unique bar-hopping tour 2024: $20
- Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
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:
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Beer$0.01
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Beer (0.66L)$0.02
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Cocktail$0.03
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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 Shanghai and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shanghai 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai 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 Shanghai Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Buenos Aires, Argentina. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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 Shanghai has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Shanghai or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Shanghai is a little warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°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. In Shanghai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during summer. Shanghai gets 232 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. Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Shanghai gets 128 mm (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 JanuaryShanghai 28°C (83°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. The autumn months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°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. In the autumn, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Shanghai gets 162 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. Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 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 AprilShanghai 19°C (65°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. In January, Shanghai is generally much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Buenos Aires, Argentina during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 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 JulyShanghai 4°C (39°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Shanghai during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Shanghai is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°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. In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Shanghai gets 153 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets less rain in April than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 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 OctoberShanghai 15°C (58°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Buenos Aires, Argentina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.