Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tokyo?
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 Tokyo or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tokyo or Buenos Aires, Argentina? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Tokyo or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires.
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Tokyo Prices
Japan PricesBuenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $176Buenos Aires, Argentina $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $176, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Tokyo and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $74Buenos Aires, Argentina $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $148Buenos Aires, Argentina $84
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $17Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- (HND) Haneda Airport Private Transfer to Central Tokyo: $96
- Accessible Haneda Airport Transfer with English-speaking Driver: $160
- Airport Shuttle Arrival Transfer : from Haneda Airport to Tokyo City: $61
- Airport Transfer: Haneda Airport and Tokyo 23 wards: $135
- Arrival Private Transfer: Haneda Airport HND to Tokyo in Sedan: $288
- Center Tokyo Private One Way Transfer To Haneda Airport: $109
- Center Tokyo Private One Way Transfer To Narita Airport (License): $135
- Departure Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND in Sedan: $287
- Departure Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by van: $180
- Departure Transfer: Tokyo to Narita Airport NRT by Sedan Car: $252
- Disney/Universal Studio/Harry Potter Warner Bros Transfer One way: $124
- Guided Glassblowing Workshop with Train Transfer: $269
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- 8hr Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $298
- Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $260
- Rojo Tango Show: Skip the Line Ticket including Private Transfer: $260
- Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
- Private Transfer Aeroparque J. Newbery Airport In Buenos Aires: $245
- Private Transfer Cruise Port In Buenos Aires: $233
- Executive Van Transfer: Ezeiza Airport (EZE) – Buenos Aires: $210
- Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
- Transfer Airports-Cruise Port: $190
- Private Transfer From EZE Airport To Cap: $188
- Madero Tango Show Including Private Transfers From Port & Hotels In Buenos Aires: $179
- Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $166
Is it cheaper to fly into Tokyo or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tokyo 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 dayTokyo $62Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.95
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.02
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.02
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Meal at Airport$6.55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market: Traditional Culture & Street Food Tour: $19
- Tokyo : Vintage, Music & Food Tour in Shimokitazawa with a Local: $22
- Shibuya 7-Dishes vegetarian dinner at a Japanese izakaya: $29
- Asakusa: Senso-ji Sightseeing & Street Food Tour with Photos: $29
- Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour: $32
- For First Time Visitor：Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $32
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $39
- Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
- Tokyo Shinjuku Night Food Tour: $45
- Private Yanaka District Walking & Food Tour: $45
- Japanese Sushi Cooking Class: $48
- Weekend Japanese Cooking Demonstration with a Tokyo Mom, Toshiko: $49
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: $28
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $41
- Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
- BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
- Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $44
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner and Transfers: $47
- El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
- Skip-the-Line El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with optional Dinner & Transfers: $48
- Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tokyo $66Buenos Aires, Argentina $32
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Imperial Palace or Edo Castle Time Trip Learning Walking Tour: $3.21
- Experience Japan’s Beloved Morning Exercise – Radio Taiso”!: $5.14
- Mount Fuji & Hakone Private Van Tour with Pick-Up: $5.47
- Tokyo Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Mt Fuji/Lake Kawaguchi 1 day 18/45 seater customize Private Tour: $6.42
- Tsukiji Market Early Morning Tour: $6.42
- Cross Roppongi Karaoke Nightclub Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
- Tokyo Walking Tour 2h15 and 19 audio reviews: $6.83
- Tokyo Fuji Art Museum Admission Ticket + Special Exhibition (when being held): $7.70
- TOKYO Audio Guide Tour in The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace: $7.70
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Tokyo: $8.31
- Hidden Yanaka & Nezu: Authentic Old Tokyo Escape – Walking Tour: $9.63
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Único tour sobre la Historia del Tango (sin mitos): $60
- "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food): $300
- 2 Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisina: $43
- 3 Hours Ultimate Buenos Aires Bar Tour: $34
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $160
- @argentinahighlights City LGBTQ tour: $150
- A Local's Grill: Hidden Tigre Island Experience - Grill & Wine: $120
- Adventure in Parque de la Costa: $95
- Architectural tour of Buenos Aires: $35
- Argentina Polo Experience by La Guapeada Polo: $267
- Argentine Asado by Maru. Private experience in Buenos Aires: $140
- Argentine Football Graffiti of Messi and Maradona Tour: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTokyo $32Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.69
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.77
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
- 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $35
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Nightlife Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $46
- Shibuya Local Bar Crawl– Food & Drinks Included: $80
- Tokyo Sake Terroir Journey – Guided by Sake Brewery Professional: $90
- Mt. Fuji & Hakushu Distillery Whisky Museum Bus Tour from Tokyo: $90
- Shibuya Bar Crawl Tour -3 Drinks & Local Foods-: $103
- Shinjuku Bar Crawl Tour -3 Drinks & Local foods-: $103
- Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and jump into historic town: $109
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo: $122
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $132
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:
- Exclusive Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $42
- 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
- Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $60
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $65
- Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $70
- BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $78
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tokyo and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Tokyo. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Tokyo or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tokyo usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryTokyo 26°C (78°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Tokyo is around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilTokyo 18°C (64°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tokyo during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Tokyo is much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 12°C (53°F)in July.
In the winter, Tokyo often gets more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun.
Tokyo usually gets less rain in January than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyTokyo 5°C (42°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
In April, Tokyo is generally cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun in the spring.
Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberTokyo 14°C (58°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tokyo
| Tokyo | Buenos Aires, Argentina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.