Which place is cheaper, San Francisco 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Francisco?
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 Francisco 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 Francisco?
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 Francisco
San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.
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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
-
Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesSan Francisco Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $56San Francisco $251
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $251. 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 Francisco in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $40San Francisco $130
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $80San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Francisco
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Francisco? 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 Francisco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.10San Francisco $16
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:
-
Taxi to SFO$45
-
Golden Gate Bridge Toll$6.00
-
Alcatraz Tour$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco
Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private One Way Transfer to San Francisco Airport: $147
- Private Transfer from SFO to San Francisco: $125
- Airport Transfer: Airport SFO to San Francisco by Luxury SUV: $138
- Airport Transfer: San Francisco to Airport SFO by Luxury SUV: $138
- Arrival Private Transfer SFO Airport to San Francisco City by SUV: $270
- Arrival Private Transfer: Airport SFO to San Francisco in Business Car: $131
- California: Oakland Airport Transfer from San Francisco: $180
- California: Oakland Airport Transfer to San Francisco: $180
- California: SFE Airport Transfer from San Francisco: $140
- California: SFE Airport Transfer to San Francisco: $140
- Departure Private Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport in a SUV: $245
- Departure Private Transfer: San Francisco to Airport SFO in Luxury SUV: $155
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Francisco?
Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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 dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $7.60San Francisco $79
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco
For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Online Cooking Class Pepper Steak Great for Team Building: $20
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings by Chef Sunflower Li: $25
- No Diet Club - Best street food tour in San Francisco !: $64
- North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $84
- North Beach & Chinatown Authentic Food Tour: $84
- San Francisco North Beach & Chinatown Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $85
- Mission District Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $89
- Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $92
- San Francisco Food Tour: Ferry Building and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: $95
- Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $99
- Mission District Walking Food Tour: $99
- Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 Food Tour: $99
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $30San Francisco $31
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
Tours and Activities in San Francisco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.
- San Francisco Uncovered Self-Guided Adventure: $3.59
- Golden Gate Bridge: Self-guided Tour App - Audio + Written: $5.00
- Self-Guided Golden Gate Bridge Bike or Walking App Tour: $5.00
- The Ghosts of San Francisco Haunted Audio App Walking Tour: $6.99
- San Francisco (District 3) Scavenger Hunt and Self Guided Tour: $7.73
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Golden Gate Bridge: $7.99
- Self Guided Chinatown Tour: Food, History and Culture: $7.99
- San Francisco's Barbary Past: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Over the Rainbow in the Castro: A San Francisco Chronicle Self-Guided Tour: $8.99
- San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf Private 1-Hour Walking Tour: $9.00
- Mafia Heist at the Bay: Escape Adventure in San Francisco: $9.61
- Self Guided Walking Tour of San Francisco Chinatown: $9.99
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.27San Francisco $22
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 Francisco
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:
- SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $17
- San Francisco Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience: $27
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $36
- Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco: $44
- Walk with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $44
- Local Distillery Cocktail Class: $49
- Local Distillery Cocktail Class: Skyline Views and City History: $69
- Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
- From Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour with Tastings: $103
- Napa Valley Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $103
- 5 hours private napa wine tour from san francisco up to 7 people: $120
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 Francisco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Francisco?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Francisco, 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 Francisco?
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 Francisco has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Francisco in the Summer?
Both San Francisco and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January average around 25°C (77°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C)in July.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in January than San Franciscoin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Francisco in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Francisco. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.
In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally around the same temperature as San Franciscoin October. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than San Franciscoin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Francisco in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as San Francisco. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is a little warmer than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C)in January.
Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in July than San Franciscoin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)San Francisco 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Francisco in the Spring?
Both San Francisco and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October average around 18°C (64°F), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C)in April.
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than San Franciscoin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)San Francisco 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for San Francisco and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | San Francisco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 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.