A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Buenos Aires, Argentina vs. Havana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Havana?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Havana can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Havana?

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires.


Which place is cheaper, Havana or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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

  • Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
    Argentina Prices
    Havana Prices
    Cuba Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $56
    Havana $74

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, while the average daily cost in Havana is $74. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $40
    Havana $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $80
    Havana $84
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Havana? 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina


Hotels in Havana


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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.10
    Havana $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • Aljibe, Tango and Folk Show With Transfer: $66
  • Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE by Luxury Van: $154
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $146
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $146
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport AEP to Buenos Aires by Business Car: $125
  • Arrival Transfer: Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires by Sedan: $126
  • Buenos Aires Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Private Transfer: $45
  • Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) Transfer with English Speaking Driver: $34
  • Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires - Round -Trip Transfer: $107
  • Buenos Aires Airport Arrival Transfer (Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires Hotel or Address): $71
  • Buenos Aires Airport EZE to Buenos Aires Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Buenos Aires Airport EZE to Buenos Aires-Arrival Private Transfer: $54

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.60
    Havana $18

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.

  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $25
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Lesson: $31
  • Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $32
  • Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $35
  • Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $38
  • Tango Show and Dinner at: Tango Porteño: $40
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
  • Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $44
  • Dinner at Arte de Mafia, Mafioso Theme Restaurant in Palermo: $44
  • Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
  • El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
  • Exclusive Italian Lunch or Dinner at Puny Pasta and Grill: $50

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $30
    Havana $11

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
  • Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
  • B.A Hidden Wonders Tour Parque Chas and Agronomía Park: $12
  • Private Tour of La Boca and Caminito: $12
  • Private Tour of San Telmo, Old Town: $12
  • La Boca Walking Tour: $13
  • 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $13
  • Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
  • Graffiti Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Havana

Here are a few actual costs in Havana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private: City Tour with Lunch, Rum, and Chocolate: $2,000

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.27
    Havana $5.76

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:

  • Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $37
  • Boutique Wine Tasting: A Unique Experience in Buenos Aires: $45
  • BA: Wine Tasting and Blending Experience in Palermo : $51
  • BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
  • Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
  • Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown : $61
  • Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $63
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Havana, we can see that Havana is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South America and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Havana would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Havana 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is Havana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Havana?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Havana. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Havana, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Havana?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Havana in the Summer?

Both Havana and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as Havana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Havana averages at about 27°C (81°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Havanain July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Havana in the Autumn?

Both Havana and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally cooler than Havanain October. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°F), and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in April than Havanain October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Havana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Havana. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Havana in the winter. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in January.

In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Havanain January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Havana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Havana. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Havana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Havana averages at about 24°C (75°F)in April.

Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in October than Havanain April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)