Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Zurich?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zurich 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 Zurich 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: Zurich or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Zurich
Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZurich $271Buenos Aires, Argentina $10
The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $271, 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 Zurich and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZurich $171Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.07
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZurich $342Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.14
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Looking for a hotel in Zurich 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: Zurich Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zurich $36Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:
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City Pass (2)$29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- Airport Zurich Transfer Mercedes E Class 3pax: $122
- Airport Zurich Transfer Mercedes V-Class 6pax: $167
- Arrival Private Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City by Luxury Van: $138
- Arrival Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Luxury Van: $91
- Arrival Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City in Private Car/Van: $95
- Davos: Private Transfer to/from Zurich Airport: $608
- Departure Private Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $138
- Departure Transfer from Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH in Private Car/Van: $95
- EnglishPrivate One Way Transfer Zurich Airport To Davos: $377
- From Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $317
- From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $260
- From Rafting in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $260
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
- Private transfer Vehicle from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City: $20
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $26
- Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
- Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 30 USD: $30
- Private Airport Transfer AEP Jorge New Berry to CAPITAL BA: $30
- Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
- Private Transfer from Jorge Newbery Airport to Downtown Area: $35
- Roundtrip Transfer Private SUV Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $39
- Private Transfer Jorge Newbery Airport to Hotel in Buenos Aires: $40
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $40
- Airport Transfer: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires : $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Zurich 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 dayZurich $62Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.19
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
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Breakfast for 2$13
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)$0.01
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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$0.52
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Dinner$1.85
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Powerade$0.11
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Lunch$0.82
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Dinner$1.19
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Chocolate$3.07
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
- 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $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
- Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending: $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.Zurich $36Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.28
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $5.52
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.40
- Escape Game and Tour: $6.46
- Zurich Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.46
- Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.95
- Fun adventure tour of Outdoor Escape Game: $8.60
- Historical Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through the city of 1,000 Fountains: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Zürich: Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $11
- The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
- Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
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$0.57
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
- La Boca Walking Tour: $13
- Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
- True Crime Buenos Aires: A Walking Tour: $15
- Bike tour through the La Boca neighborhood. Tango, Football and Art: $15
- Walking Tour La Boca: $15
- Graffiti Tour: $15
- Palermo Soho for curious people Walking Tour: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZurich $30Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.78
Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich
Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $33
- Informative wine tasting with Italian appetizers in the secure wine cellar: $155
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$0.65
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:
- Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $30
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of 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
- Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $70
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich is in Europe 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zurich or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Zurich or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Zurich is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°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 Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during summer. Zurich gets 241 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. In July, Zurich usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 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 JanuaryZurich 21°C (70°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. The autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Zurich is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°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, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Zurich gets 120 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. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 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 AprilZurich 13°C (56°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Zurich 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 Zurich this time of year.
It's quite cold in Zurich in the winter. In January, Zurich is generally much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 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 JulyZurich 3°C (37°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty.
Zurich is much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°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, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Zurich gets 150 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. Zurich usually gets less rain in April than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 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 OctoberZurich 12°C (53°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Zurich
| Zurich | Buenos Aires, Argentina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.