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

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Puerto Montt?

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 Puerto Montt 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 Puerto Montt?

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.

Puerto Montt

The Lake District is a region of snow capped volcanoes, pale green lakes and endless miles of virgin and ancient forests. Found 1,016 km away from Santiago de Chile, Puerto Montt is famous for its beautiful lakes and its germanic architecture, old wooden houses and its legendary Iglesia Catedral, found on the town's main square, la Plaza de Armas. The monument, entirely built with alerce (cypress) wood, is the oldest building of the city. The capital of the Lake Region is a good starting point for many memorable excursions in the area.

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


Which place is cheaper, Puerto Montt 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
    Puerto Montt Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $56
    Puerto Montt $104

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, while the average daily cost in Puerto Montt is $104. 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 Puerto Montt in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $40
    Puerto Montt $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $80
    Puerto Montt $122
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Puerto Montt

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or Puerto Montt? 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 Puerto Montt


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 and Puerto Montt Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.10
    Puerto Montt $6.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City: $17
  • Madero Tango Buenos Aires Show Without Transfers: $24
  • Private Transfer to Buenos Aires Airport (EZE): $27
  • Private Transfer Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to City: $27
  • Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 30 USD: $30
  • Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
  • Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
  • Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) Transfer with English Speaking Driver: $34
  • Private Transfer from Jorge Newbery Airport to Downtown Area: $35
  • Port Transfers with English Speaking Driver: $35
  • Private transfer from Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airport: $35
  • Madero Tango Show with Transfer: $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Montt

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Montt:

  • Cruce Andino Office Transfer to or from Puerto Montt: $32
  • Private Transfer from Puerto Airport (PMC) to Puerto Montt Port: $75
  • Private Transfer from Puerto Airport (PMC) to Puerto Montt Port: $83
  • Private Transfer from Puerto Montt Port to Puerto Airport (PMC): $83
  • Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas Airport English private transfer: $50
  • Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) to Frutillar: Roundtrip Transfer: $93
  • Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) to Puerto Varas - Round-Trip Transfer: $127
  • Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) to Puerto Varas - Round-Trip Transfer: $84
  • Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) to Puerto Varas City- Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Puerto Montt Airport Arrival Transfer to Hotel: $25
  • Puerto Montt Airport Arrival Transfer to Hotel in Puerto Varas: $24
  • Puerto Montt Airport(PMC) to Frutillar - Arrival Private Transfer: $75

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

Prices for flights to both Puerto Montt 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
    Puerto Montt $37

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $30
    Puerto Montt $14

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 Puerto Montt

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Montt are as follows:

  • Private Tour of Puerto Montt with Stops : $38
  • Half day Llanquihue and Frutillar City tour : $44
  • Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Falls Guided Tour: $62
  • Explore Peulla Full Day Tour from Puerto Montt : $64
  • Tour Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Jumps / English: $68
  • Shore Excursion: Osorno Volcano Private Tour from Puerto Montt: $70
  • Osorno Volcano and National Park Shore Tour for Cruisers : $90
  • Puerto Varas: Puerto Montt & Puerto Varas Private City Tour: $90
  • Alerce Andino National Park/Alerce Millenario/Cruises: $105
  • Petrohué Falls Osorno Volcano Pto Varas Sightseeing Driver Only: $130
  • Tagua Tagua Lake and Wild Patagonia Tour: $133
  • Chiloé Island Full Day Experience Castro, Ancud, Dalcahue & Lunch: $189

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.27
    Puerto Montt $4.49

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


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


Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Puerto Montt?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Puerto Montt. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Puerto Montt, 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 Puerto Montt?

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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Puerto Montt in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Puerto Montt.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is much warmer than Puerto Montt in the summer. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Puerto Montt fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Puerto Montt this time of the year. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Montt during summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Montt receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Puerto Montt. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F) 
    Puerto Montt 16°C (60°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Puerto Montt.

In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much warmer than Puerto Montt. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Puerto Montt averages at about 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Puerto Montt. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Montt receives 104 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Puerto Montt. Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Montt. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F) 
    Puerto Montt 11°C (51°F)

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

Both Puerto Montt and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much warmer than Puerto Montt. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 12°C (53°F), and Puerto Montt fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Montt during winter. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Montt receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Montt. In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Puerto Montt. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F) 
    Puerto Montt 7°C (45°F)

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

Both Puerto Montt and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the spring are popular places to visit.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is much warmer than Puerto Montt in the spring. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Puerto Montt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Puerto Montt. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Montt receives 151 hours of full sun.

Puerto Montt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Puerto Montt. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F) 
    Puerto Montt 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Puerto Montt and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina Puerto Montt
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 224 mm (8.8 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 229 mm (9 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 9°C (47°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)