Buenos Aires Travel Budget
How much does it cost to visit Buenos Aires, Argentina? Plan your budget with our interactive calculator.
Estimated Total for 7 Days
$700
Travel Style
Midrange
Destination
Travel Style
Compare by Travel Style
See how your 7-day trip budget varies across backpacker, midrange, and comfortable travel styles.
Largest Expense
Accommodation
35% of total budget
Price Level
Moderate
Compared to global average
Local Currency
USD
Symbol: $
Where Your Money Goes
Understanding your spending helps you travel smarter and stretch your budget further
Daily vs Total Cost
Switch between daily and total views to understand your spending
$700
Total for 7 days
Accommodation
$245
for 7 days
Food & Dining
$210
for 7 days
Transport
$70
for 7 days
Activities
$140
for 7 days
Other
$35
for 7 days
Planning Tip
Book accommodations early and compare prices across platforms. Mid-week stays often offer better rates than weekend arrivals, and flexibility with dates can save you up to 25%.
A Day in Buenos Aires
See exactly what a real day costs, with insider tips for each expense
A Budget Day in Buenos Aires
Total: $24
Medialunas and cortado at café
Argentina's croissants are sweeter
Walking tour of San Telmo (free)
Sunday market is unmissable
Empanadas for lunch
Try different fillings—carne, pollo, humita
Recoleta Cemetery walk (free)
Find Eva Perón's tomb
Mate in the park with locals
Buy mate set, join the ritual
Free tango show in San Telmo
Street performers are often excellent
Parrilla dinner with house wine
Even cheap steak here is incredible
Daily Total
7 activities
From Someone's Journal
Buenos Aires feels like Paris had a passionate affair with Latin America. Wandered San Telmo's cobblestones, past antique shops and tango dancers performing for tips. Recoleta Cemetery was hauntingly beautiful—ornate mausoleums, cats sleeping on marble. Joined locals sharing mate in a park, passing the gourd, feeling welcomed. Dinner at a neighborhood parrilla: steak that would cost five times this anywhere else, rough red wine, the waiter calling me "che." Spent $24 and felt Porteño.
Memory Prompts for Buenos Aires
Reflect on your spending with these thoughtful prompts - perfect for your travel journal
How did Buenos Aires challenge your ideas about South America?
City impressions
Describe your first real asado experience.
Argentine BBQ
What was it like to see tango in its birthplace?
Cultural icons
How did the café culture shape your days in Buenos Aires?
Café lifestyle
Free Things to Do in Buenos Aires
Stretch your budget further with free attractions and insider money-saving tips
Walking Tours
Many cities offer free walking tours led by local guides who work on tips.
Public Parks
Explore local parks and gardens for relaxation and people-watching.
Historic Districts
Wander through historic neighborhoods and admire the architecture.
Local Markets
Browse local markets for free without purchasing - great for photography.
Viewpoints
Find free viewpoints for panoramic city views.
Religious Sites
Many churches, temples, and mosques offer free entry.
Street Art
Discover street art and murals throughout the city.
Waterfront Areas
Walk along rivers, harbors, or beaches.
Practical Tips for Buenos Aires
Getting Around
Public transportation is typically the most budget-friendly option. Look for multi-day passes for additional savings.
Where to Stay
Book accommodations in advance and consider staying slightly outside the center for better rates while maintaining good transport links.
Cheap Eats
Eat where locals eat for the best value. Markets, food halls, and neighborhoods away from tourist zones offer authentic meals at lower prices.
Tipping Guide
Research local tipping customs before you arrive. Practices vary significantly by destination.
Best Value Season
Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) typically offer the best balance of good weather and lower prices.
Hidden Costs
Budget for unexpected expenses like entrance fees, service charges, and currency exchange rates. Keep 10-15% extra for contingencies.
Pro tip: Combine free activities with paid attractions for a balanced, budget-friendly itinerary
Neighborhood Guide for Buenos Aires
Find the perfect area to stay based on your budget and travel style
City Center
The main tourist and commercial district with major attractions and shopping.
Best For
Local Quarter
Residential areas with authentic local atmosphere and neighborhood restaurants.
Best For
Historic District
The oldest part of the city with historic architecture and cultural sites.
Best For
Emerging Area
Up-and-coming neighborhoods with creative spaces, cafés, and street art.
Best For
Location Tip
Consider staying in "moderate" neighborhoods for the best balance of cost and convenience. They often have better local restaurants, easier transport links, and more authentic experiences than the most central tourist areas—while still being safe and well-connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about traveling to Buenos Aires on a budget
A 7-day trip to Buenos Aires costs approximately $700 for a midrange travel style. This breaks down to about $100 per day, covering accommodation, food, local transportation, activities, and miscellaneous expenses.
Daily budgets in Buenos Aires vary by travel style: Budget/Backpacker travelers spend around $40/day, Mid-range travelers spend $100/day, and Comfortable travelers spend $220/day. These estimates include accommodation, meals, local transport, and activities.
Buenos Aires is considered a moderately priced destination for tourists. With mid-range daily costs of $100, it offers good value for money compared to other popular destinations. The largest expense is typically accommodation (35% of budget).
Food typically accounts for about 30% of your daily budget in Buenos Aires. For a midrange experience, expect to spend around $30 per day on meals. You can save money by eating at local restaurants rather than tourist spots.
Buenos Aires uses the USD ($). We recommend exchanging some cash before arrival for small purchases, though credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, but check with your bank about international transaction fees.
Accommodation in Buenos Aires is the largest expense, typically representing 35% of your budget. For 7 days with a midrange travel style, expect to spend approximately $245 total. Budget options include hostels, mid-range includes 3-star hotels, and comfortable options include 4-star hotels or premium vacation rentals.
To save money in Buenos Aires: 1) Book accommodation in advance for better rates, 2) Use public transportation instead of taxis, 3) Eat at local restaurants away from tourist areas, 4) Look for free walking tours and museum free days, 5) Travel during shoulder season for lower prices.
Yes! Buenos Aires offers many free attractions including parks, markets, historic neighborhoods, and free museum days. Research local free walking tours for an authentic experience.
Local transportation typically accounts for 10% of your budget in Buenos Aires. Public transportation is the most affordable option, while taxis and ride-shares cost more but offer convenience. Budget around $10 per day for transport.
Tipping customs vary by destination. Research local practices before your trip. In Buenos Aires, it's best to follow local norms to show appreciation for good service.
Traveling during shoulder season (spring or fall) typically offers the best balance of good weather and lower prices. Avoid major holidays and local festivals when accommodation prices spike.
As with any popular destination, be aware of common tourist scams. Research local scams before traveling, keep valuables secure, and trust your instincts if something seems off.
Data Source
Budget and cost of living data sourced from Numbeo. Prices are estimates based on crowdsourced data and may vary
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Your 7-Day Budget
$700
$100 per day
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