Which place is cheaper, San Jose 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 Jose?
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 Jose 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 Jose?
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 Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
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 Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesSan Jose Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $56San Jose $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $103. 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 Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $40San Jose $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $80San Jose $98
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Jose? 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 Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.10San Jose $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires HTL-APT (EZE): $109
- Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City - ROUND TRIP: $143
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Port to Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE): $125
- Transfer from Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Cruise Terminal: $105
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal to International Airport (EZE): $105
- Transfer from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery to your Hotel in Buenos Aires: $40
- Transfer between airports (EZE-AEP): $85
- Transfer Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Downtown Hotel: $87
- Transfer Buenos Aires Downtown Hotel to Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal: $52
- Transfer Buenos Aires Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal to Downtown Hotel : $52
- The house of D10S With Transfers: $38
- Tango Show in Tango Porteño - no transfers - : $47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
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Taxi from SJO$25
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Local Bus$2.72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: San José Airport to Puerto Viejo / Cahuita : $275
- Private Transfer: San José Hotels to SJO Airport: $95
- Airport transfer from SJO Airport to Los Sueños Marriott: $185
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport SJO to Arenal by Minivan: $205
- Braulio Carrillo 6 in 1 Full Day Pass with Optional Transfer: $112
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Cahuita, English Speaking Driver: $262
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Limon, English Speaking Driver: $209
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Monteverde, English Speaking Driver: $196
- Direct transfer from San Jose to La Fortuna, English Speaking Driver: $167
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Arrival Private Transfer: $143
- Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO) to San Jose - Private Transfer: $76
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) to Puntarenas city- Arrival Private Transfer: $105
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose 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 Jose $31
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 Jose
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets: $29
- San Jose Cooking Classes visit Central Market: $52
- San Jose By Night: Farm to Table Dinner, Cooking & Cocktail Class: $59
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $78
- San Jose By Night: Sights & Culture Tour with Local Dinner : $80
- Dinner + Typical dance show at the best viewpoint in San José: $92
- Street Food Tour in San Jose with a Local Guide: $113
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $185
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $30San Jose $21
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 Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Self Guided Audio Walking Tour of San Jose Highlights: $4.62
- Hiking Experience in El Quetzal Private Reserve: $26
- Private Guided Tour of Cheese in Canaan de Rivas: $30
- Sarapiqui Frog Experience: Night Experience in the Jungle.: $30
- Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour: $31
- Poas Volcano National Park - Admission Ticket: $32
- 2-Hour Orosi Nocturnal Tour: $33
- San Jose ART Walking Tour - small groups, creative experience: $35
- Historical Tour and Old Houses by Dota: $35
- San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees: $35
- Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket: $35
- Sarapiqui Rainforest Night Walk : Wildlife & Adventure.: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.27San Jose $16
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 Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Exclusive Pub Crawl in San Jose : $30
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $39
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $85
- Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Jose, we can see that San Jose 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 Jose is in Central 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 Jose would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Jose 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 Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Jose?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Jose, 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 Jose?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Jose experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Jose in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as San Jose. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally cooler than San Josein July. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 25°C (77°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than San Josein July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Jose. Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in January than San Josein July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than San Jose in the autumn. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than San Josein October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in San Jose is December to April. The hurricane season in San Jose is May to November.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Jose in the Winter?
Both San Jose and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the winter temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in July average around 12°C (53°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.
In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets less sunshine than San Josein January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in July than San Josein January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Jose. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much colder than San Josein April. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (64°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose 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 Jose during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than San Josein April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in San Jose is the dry season. May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
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.