Which place is cheaper, San Diego 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.
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Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Diego?
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 San Diego 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 San Diego?
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.
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesSan Diego Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $56San Diego $233
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $233. 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 San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $40San Diego $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $80San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Diego? 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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.10San Diego $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
- Private Transfer Aeroparque J. Newbery Airport In Buenos Aires: $245
- Private Transfer Cruise Port In Buenos Aires: $233
- Rojo Tango Show with Optional Private Transfers in Buenos Aires: $215
- Executive Van Transfer: Ezeiza Airport (EZE) – Buenos Aires: $210
- Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
- LOCAL AIRPORT TRANSFER (AEP) ROUND TRIP with english speaking driver: $200
- Buenos Aires Private Tour + Transfer to Airport: $199
- Buenos Aires Exp. Winery Gamboa Tasting and Lunch and Transfer: $180
- Buenos Aires Shore Excursion: Asado Experience with Port Transfer: $180
- Soccer Match in Buenos Aires with Transfers and Local Guide: $171
- One Way Private Transfer Ezeiza to/from Palermo Hotels: $170
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to Carlsbad, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- Departure Private Transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Business Car: $113
- Private Arrival Transfer - from San Diego Airport (SAN) by SUV: $89
- Private Transfer Airport Tijuana/Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada) or back.: $165
- Private Transfer from San Diego (SAN) Airport to San Diego City: $88
- Private Transfer from San Diego City Hotels to San Diego Port : $71
- Private Transfer from San Diego City to San Diego (SAN) Airport: $88
- Private Transfer from Tijuana Airport (TIJ): $39
- Private Transfer from Tijuana to Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe: $140
- Private Transfer to Tijuana Airport (TIJ): $39
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Tijuana Airport (TIJ): $77
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to Hot Springs/Ocotillo, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego 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
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Food Meals for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $7.60San Diego $77
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 San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 2-Hour Ravioli Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
- 2 Hour Ravioli Cooking Class With Local Chef in San Diego : $75
- 2-Hour Pasta Cooking Class at a Local Brewery: $75
- Pizza and Ice Cream Walking Tour: $80
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $84
- San Diego Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $85
- North Park San Diego Walking Food Tour: $85
- Vegan Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- Little Italy Food and Drink Walking Tour: Pizza, Pasta & Piazzas: $90
- Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $95
- Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $30San Diego $48
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 Private City Tour Designed for Seniors: $250
- E-Scooter Tour: Recoleta, Palermo & Downtown + Local Flavors: $69
- Football Matchday In Argentina (Ticket+Transport+Guide): $130
- Private City Tour with Local Gastronomy: $120
- Private Full Day City Tour by Iconic Buenos Aires: $300
- Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
- "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food) : $300
- 100% Gaucho Experience in a Traditional Estancia: $262
- 2 Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisina : $43
- 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
- 2 Hours Private Tour in Buenos Aires: $127
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Self-guided Bike Tour App - Audio + Written: $5.00
- Self-Guided San Diego Walking or Bicycle Tour App: $5.00
- Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA: $7.99
- Tijuana Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
- A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- Discover San Diego’s Little Italy on a Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Sights of San Diego Harbor: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
- San Diego Natural History Museum Ticket: $12
- Whaley House Museum Self-Guided Tour: $14
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in San Diego by Zombie Scavengers: $20
- Private Walking Tour and Gaslamp Adventure in San Diego: $20
- Ultimate La Jolla Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.27San Diego $21
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
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- Downtown Bar Crawl Party Pass: $25
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Hillcrest: LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl with Local Drag Queen: $35
- Hillcrest Drag Queen 5 Bar Crawl with Shots: $45
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- $99 Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tours - DayTrip to baja from San Diego: $123
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tour: $249
- Luxury Private Wine Tasting Tour to Guadalupe Valley from San Diego: $269
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Diego, we can see that San Diego 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 San Diego is in North 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Diego?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Diego. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Diego, 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 San Diego?
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 San Diego has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Diego in the Summer?
Both San Diego and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is a little warmer than San Diego in the summer. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C)in July.
In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets less sunshine than San Diegoin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in January than San Diegoin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Diego in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Diego. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Diego in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as San Diego. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in April average around 18°C (65°F), and San Diego averages at about 68°F (20°C)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than San Diegoin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Diego in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as San Diego. Additionally, most visitors come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In July, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally cooler than San Diegoin January. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 12°C (53°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets less sunshine than San Diegoin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in July than San Diegoin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Diego in the Spring?
Both San Diego and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as San Diego in the spring. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C)in April.
It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than San Diegoin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
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.