A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. Mendoza for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Auckland or Mendoza?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Mendoza can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Auckland or Mendoza?

Auckland

Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.

Mendoza

Mendoza is a city in western Argentina and more precisely in the desertic Cuyo region. Mendoza is the center of the Argentinian wine industry and is famed around the world for its vineyards and wine production. Spread across the valley of the Rio Mendoza and in the foothills of the Andean mountain range, Mendoza is also near the Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. The bustling and scenic city of wide, leafy avenues, atmospheric plazas and cosmopolitan cafes spoils visitors with unique natural attractions and historical landmarks. If you can, visit Mendoza during the harvest festival at the end of February. There are many events and festivals in Mendoza and they are usually free. Each has a different theme, and they usually have a stage with singing and dancing and booths that sell food around a plaza. Seventy percent of Argentina's wines are produced here, and Mendoza is especially known for its world-famous malbecs.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Mendoza or Auckland?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $170, while the average daily cost in Mendoza is $56. 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 Auckland and Mendoza in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Auckland $99
    Mendoza $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Auckland $198
    Mendoza $86
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Mendoza

Looking for a hotel in Auckland or Mendoza? 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.

Hotels in Auckland


Hotels in Mendoza


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: Auckland Hotel Prices and Mendoza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Auckland $17
    Mendoza $4.18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:


  • Bus from Airport
    $9.47
  • Airport Shuttle
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland

Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • [PRIVATE] Airport Transfer from/to Auckland Airport: $107
  • VIP / Premium Airport Transfers: $83
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Auckland HTL-APT (AKL): $38
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Auckland APT-HTL (AKL): $38
  • Small Group transfer to Hobbiton Village and Rotorua: $158
  • Rotorua to Auckland - Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Caves: $188
  • Private Transfer from Auckland Airport to Te Arai Links: $298
  • Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland Port: $43
  • Private Transfer From Auckland International Airport To Auckland City : $77
  • Private Transfer From Auckland City To Auckland Airport : $74
  • Private Transfer From Auckland CBD Hotels To Cruise Ship: $95
  • Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Whangaparoa : $149

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mendoza

Also for Mendoza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Winery Trapiche + Laur + Lunch in Tempus Alba. Private transfer: $230
  • Winery Salentein + Gourmet Lunch in Ruda.Transfer included: $260
  • Visita Bodega Huarpe + Almuerzo Bodega Lagarde. Transfer privado: $220
  • Visit to Winery and Argentine Asado in Terrace. Transfer included: $170
  • Visit to 2 Wineries and Lunch Top. Private transfer.: $190
  • Transfer Bodegas Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu: $130
  • Tasting in Enemy; Lunch at Tempus Alba + Private Transfer: $245
  • Tasting The Enemy + Lunch Santa Julia. Private transfer: $260
  • Shared Transfer Mendoza Bus Station / Downtown Hotel: $23
  • Private Transfer to Bodegas de Luján de Cuyo and Maipú Full Day: $200
  • Private Transfer in Mendoza: $25
  • Private Transfer from Mendoza Airport (MDZ): $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or Mendoza?

Prices for flights to both Mendoza and Auckland 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 day
    Auckland $46
    Mendoza $5.85
Typical Food Prices in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $4.73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
  • Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $101
  • Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
  • Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
  • Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
  • From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mendoza

For Mendoza, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Argentine BBQ on Terrace with Views. Dinner, Sunset.: $80
  • Mendoza Cooking Experience with Unlimited Wine & Cocktails: $95
  • Argentine Hands-On Cooking & Wine Experience in Mendoza: $95
  • Bar Safari 4 Best Mendoza’s Bars in 1 Night with Full Dinner: $167
  • Bar Safari: 4 Best Mendoza’s Bars in 1 night. + Full Dinner: $180
  • Horseback Riding at Sunset and Dinner in Mendoza: $185
  • Tango Show with Dinner at Hualta Winery Hotel: $190
  • Full-Day Small-Group Mendoza Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $199
  • City Tour with Dinner at a Local Restaurant: $200
  • Winery Los Toneles + Dinner in Saffron Restó. Private transportation: $250

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Auckland $27
    Mendoza $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)
    $33
  • Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)
    $119

Tours and Activities in Auckland

For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Auckland Best Top 5 Spots Half day Tour : $95
  • Rotorua Māori Village w Haka & Waitomo Caves Day Tour: $229
  • Cathedral Cove & Hot water beach -Full Day Tour: PRIVATE TOUR : $268
  • Hobbiton Movie Set Small Tour from Auckland: $247
  • Hunua Falls and Blue Springs (Te Waihou): Private Tour: $250
  • 24 day Greatest Of All Tours Small Group Tour: $3,447
  • 4 hours Auckland Friday Night Tour : $77
  • 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland: $173
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $12
  • AUCKLAND CITY Full Day Tour with War Memorial Museum and Mt Eden: $154
  • Half-Day CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR - Mt.Eden, Tamaki Dr: $86
  • Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $119

Tours and Activities in Mendoza

For Mendoza, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Zipline Adventure: Exploring Potrerillos Valley: $102
  • 2 Winery Tour in Valle de Uco with Lunch Included: $185
  • Aconcagua Classic Tour 1 Day - Shared : $115
  • Aconcagua Private Full Day Experience : $179
  • Adventure & Flavor: Breakfast, Rafting & Asado in Mendoza: $220
  • Adventure Day in Potrerillos, Rafting, Canopy or Trekking: $188
  • Adventure Park - Unforgettable Challenge!: $39
  • Adventure and Trekking Day in Vallecitos Cordon del Plata: $150
  • Andes Day Hiking Tour Experience : $190
  • Andes High Mountain Tour in Mendoza: $129
  • Andes High Mountain full day Tour: $84
  • Andes Hiking Experience Full Day: $195

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Auckland $13
    Mendoza $5.94

Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland

Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
  • Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $119
  • Ultimate Auckland Experience Full Day Tour with Brewery Lunch : $149
  • Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
  • Kumeu Wine Tour: $164
  • Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
  • From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
  • Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
  • Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $188
  • City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
  • Auckland City Tour & Kumeu Wine Country Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch : $238
  • Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278

Sample the Local Flavors in Mendoza

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mendoza:

  • Classic Wine Tasting: $44
  • Premium Wine Tasting: $66
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $80
  • Make an Argentine Asado BBQ w/ Local Host & Wine Tasting: $89
  • El Enemigo and Casa Vigil Wine Tour: $93
  • In Mendoza Wine Tours, Empanadas, and Olive Oil: $99
  • Mendoza Private Wine Tour Paired Lunch and Olive Oil Tasting: $115
  • Classic Wine Tour on a Budget. Lunch. Private Driver: $120
  • Wine Tour with Lunch and Transport in Mendoza: $130
  • Full Day Wine Tour with 3 Course Lunch: $164
  • Wine tasting region Uco Valley in Mendoza: $180
  • Bike Tour at Zuccardi: Olive Oil, Wine Tasting & Lunch: $182


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Mendoza, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Mendoza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and Mendoza 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 Mendoza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mendoza 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland than you might in Mendoza.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is Mendoza Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Auckland or Mendoza?

Mendoza has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and Mendoza, 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.