Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Tokyo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $157Buenos Aires, Argentina $10
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $157, 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 Tokyo and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $76Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.13
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $152Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.26
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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $17Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Tokyo to Narita Airport: $225
- Airport Transfer between Narita and Tokyo or Disney or Yokohama: $224
- Airport transfer between Haneda and Tokyo or Disney or Yokohama: $124
- Arrival Private Transfer: Haneda Airport HND to Tokyo in Sedan: $277
- Departure Private Transfer Tokyo to Haneda Airport (HND): $185
- Departure Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND in Sedan: $277
- Departure Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by van: $76
- From Haneda Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Tokyo City: $91
- Fuji-Q Highland 1-Day Pass with Private Transfer: $239
- Hakuba: Private transfer from/to Tokyo/HND by minibus max 9: $834
- Haneda Airport (HND) Private Transfer to Central Tokyo: $99
- Haneda Airport (HND) Private Transfer to/from Central Tokyo: $112
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
-
Taxi from Airport$0.13
-
Local Bus$0.00
-
Metro Ride$0.00
-
Taxi to airport$0.03
-
Taxi$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City - ROUND TRIP: $261
- Rojo Tango Show with private transfers in Buenos Aires: $259
- Rojo Tango Show: Skip the Line Ticket including Private Transfer: $250
- Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $250
- Ministro Pistarini Airport to Colón Roundtrip Transfer: $250
- Ministro Pistarini Airport to Gualeguaychú Round Trip Transfer: $239
- Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
- LOCAL AIRPORT TRANSFER (AEP) ROUND TRIP with english speaking driver: $200
- Skip the line Boca Juniors & River Plate Stadium and Museum tour with transfer: $196
- Private Transfer: Round trip transfer from/to EZE International Airport: $190
- Private Transfer Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) In Buenos Aires: $185
- Private Tour of Buenos Aires + Transfer Out to Ezeiza Airport: $180
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
-
Food Meals for one dayTokyo $37Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.25
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
-
Late Night Noodles$5.22
-
Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.22
-
Meal at Airport$6.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $23
- Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $26
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $33
- 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $36
- Private Sushi Roll Cooking Class in Japan: $38
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $39
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $40
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji: $54
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $60
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $60
- Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $66
- Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class: $68
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
-
Lunch$0.03
-
Cup of Coffee$0.01
-
Empandas$0.02
-
Espresso$0.01
-
Dinner (Pizza)$0.02
-
Ice Cream$0.01
-
Breakfast at Airport$0.04
-
Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
-
Sweets$0.01
-
Hot Dog$0.01
-
Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
-
Lunch for 2$0.16
-
Cake and Coffee$0.53
-
Dinner$1.88
-
Powerade$0.12
-
Lunch$0.83
-
Dinner$1.21
-
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.
- 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
- Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $37
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
- Argentinian grilled pizza class in San Telmo: $40
- Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $40
- Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50
- Skip the Line Ticket for Tango Porteño Show with Dinner : $53
- Tango Porteño Show with Private Transfers (with optional dinner): $54
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tokyo $68Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Japan: Zen and Tea Ceremony Audio Guided Tour: $3.23
- Samurai and Bushido Audio Guided Tour: $4.66
- 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Subway Ticket: $5.17
- Asakusa（Tokyo）: Smartphone Audio Guide Tour: $6.47
- Audio Guide Tour: Deeper Experience of Shinjuku Sightseeing: $6.47
- Local Food and Bar Tour in Ginza: $6.47
- Ueno Park Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide: $6.47
- Tokyo Local Bar Hopping Tour in Shibuya: $6.47
- Akihabara (Tokyo): English Audio Guide Tour: $6.47
- Harajuku: Audio Guide Tour of Takeshita Street: $6.47
- Shibuya Sightseeing with an Audio Guide: $6.47
- Ueno: Self-Guided Tour of Ameyoko and Hidden Gems: $6.47
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:
-
Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.04
-
Movie Ticket$0.02
-
Tango Class$0.03
-
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:
- Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $59
- Private Full Day City Tour by Iconic Buenos Aires: $290
- Small group Yerba Mate Experience with snacks: $35
- 1-hour Paramotor Experience in Buenos Aires Argentina: $100
- 100% Gaucho Experience in a Traditional Estancia: $239
- 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
- 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70
- 5hs Premium Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires: $55
- @argentinahighlights Private City Tour in Buenos Aires: $120
- A Back-Street Beer Brewing Tour of Buenos Aires: $123
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTokyo $33Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.81
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
-
Sake$3.91
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: $25
- Low-cost local pub & bar crawling: $30
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
- TOKYO | Temple, Shrine, Sake Bar Crawling: $62
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $84
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $91
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $103
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $106
- 【Harajuku】Night Pub Crawl with Local Japanese: $125
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $165
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
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:
-
Beer$0.01
-
Beer (0.66L)$0.02
-
Cocktail$0.03
-
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 and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $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
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
- 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 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.