Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Ushuaia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ushuaia or Punta Arenas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ushuaia or Punta Arenas? 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: Ushuaia or Punta Arenas?
Ushuaia
Ushuaia is a city on the Tierra del Fuego island of Argentina on the Beagle Strait. The city is considered to be one of the southernmost cities in the world and is often used as a base for cruises to Antarctica. Ushuaia's close proximity to Antarctica and their amazing hiking trails have made it a popular tourist destination over the past few decades.
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Argentina, The Best Eco Tours in Argentina, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayUshuaia $11Punta Arenas $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Ushuaia is $11, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $63. 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 Ushuaia and Punta Arenas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personUshuaia $5.64Punta Arenas $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomUshuaia $11Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in Ushuaia and Punta Arenas
Looking for a hotel in Ushuaia or Punta Arenas? 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: Ushuaia Hotel Prices and Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ushuaia -Punta Arenas $1.80
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ushuaia
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ushuaia are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$0.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ushuaia
Also for Ushuaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport and Hotel Transfer in Ushuaia: $139
- Private Embarkation Debarkation Transfer: $129
- Private Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $120
- Escondido and Fagnano Lakes with transfer: $97
- Transfer from/to the airport: $89
- Ushuaia Airport (USH) to Ushuaia - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $63
- Private Transfer Airport-Port or Port-Airport (Ushuaia): $55
- Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia city - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $46
- Shared Transfer Airport-Hotel-Airport (Ushuaia): $37
- Transfer Ushuaia Airport - Hotel in Ushuaia - Ushuaia Airport : $35
- Ushuaia to Ushuaia Airport (USH) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer from Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia Cruise Port: $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
- Punta Arenas Airport to Puerto Natales Private Transfer: $80
- Private Transfer - Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas Airport(PUQ): $71
- Private Transfer - Punta Arenas Airport(PUQ) to Punta Arenas Port: $71
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Round-Trip Transfer: $66
- Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ): $64
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas hotels to Punta Arenas Port: $64
- Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Ushuaia or Punta Arenas?
Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas and Ushuaia 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 dayUshuaia $2.18Punta Arenas $21
Typical Food Prices in Ushuaia
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ushuaia:
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Lunch for Two$0.06
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ushuaia $13Punta Arenas $6.44
Tours and Activities in Ushuaia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ushuaia.
- 2-day tour: Tierra del Fuego National Park + Fagnano and Escondido Lakes: $115
- 2-day tour:Tierra del Fuego NP + Beagle Channel Navigation + Fagnano & Escondido: $190
- 3-Hour Navigation Tour in the Beagle Channel with Isla de Lobos: $145
- 3-Hour Tour Sailing through the Beagle Channel: $105
- 4×4 Off Road Tour to Escondido and Khami Lakes: $230
- 4-Hour National Park - USHUAIA (Shared tour): $75
- 4WD Off-Road Lakes Adventure in Tierra del Fuego: $156
- 5.5-Hour Nat Park w/ Hiking *Shore Excursion* USHUAIA (Shared tour for cruises): $115
- 5.5-Hour National park w/ hiking Shore excursion - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $280
- 5hrs of Trekking Experience in Martial Glacier: $95
- 7-Hour Lakes Escondido & Fagnano - USHUAIA (Shared tour): $105
- Adventure 360º in Quads with Lunch: $160
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $138
- Magallanes Forest and Club Andino Tour from Punta Arenas: $290
- Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
- Mountain Bike Adventure in Punta Arenas: $192
- Pali Aike Full-Day Adventure from Punta Arenas: $300
- Private City Cruise Tour: $225
- Private Half Day Punta Arenas City Tour From the Hotel only: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayUshuaia -Punta Arenas $4.86
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ushuaia
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ushuaia are as follows:
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Wine$0.05
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Beer$0.01
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas, we can see that Punta Arenas is more expensive. And not only is Ushuaia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ushuaia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ushuaia 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 Punta Arenas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta Arenas than you might in Ushuaia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ushuaia Expensive? and Is Punta Arenas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ushuaia or Punta Arenas?
Punta Arenas has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ushuaia. When comparing the sizes of Ushuaia and Punta Arenas, 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 Ushuaia or Punta Arenas?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Ushuaia or Punta Arenas in the Summer?
Both Punta Arenas and Ushuaia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In January, Ushuaia is generally cooler than Punta Arenas. Daily temperatures in Ushuaia average around 10°C (50°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite sunny in Punta Arenas. Ushuaia usually receives less sunshine than Punta Arenas during summer. Ushuaia gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 208 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Ushuaia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Punta Arenas. Ushuaia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryUshuaia 10°C (50°F)Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Ushuaia or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?
Both Punta Arenas and Ushuaia during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Ushuaia is cooler than Punta Arenas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ushuaia averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In the autumn, Ushuaia often gets less sunshine than Punta Arenas. Ushuaia gets 74 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 119 hours of full sun.
Ushuaia usually gets more rain in April than Punta Arenas. Ushuaia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilUshuaia 6°C (43°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Ushuaia or Punta Arenas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ushuaia and Punta Arenas.
Punta Arenas can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Ushuaia. In the winter, Ushuaia is a little warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ushuaia in July average around 2°C (36°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 1°C (35°F).
Ushuaia usually receives less sunshine than Punta Arenas during winter. Ushuaia gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Ushuaia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Punta Arenas. Ushuaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyUshuaia 2°C (36°F)Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Ushuaia or Punta Arenas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ushuaia as well as Punta Arenas.
In October, Ushuaia is generally cooler than Punta Arenas. Daily temperatures in Ushuaia average around 6°C (43°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In the spring, Ushuaia often gets less sunshine than Punta Arenas. Ushuaia gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 183 hours of full sun.
Ushuaia usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Punta Arenas. Ushuaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberUshuaia 6°C (43°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Ushuaia
| Ushuaia | Punta Arenas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 1°C (34°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 4°C (39°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 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.