A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montevideo vs. Rosario for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Montevideo or Rosario?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montevideo and Rosario 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: Montevideo or Rosario?

Montevideo

As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.

Rosario

Rosario is the third largest city in Argentina. Located at the Parana river and known for its rich architectural heritage and beautiful riverside scenery, Rosario is the birthplace of the Argentinian flag as well as two of the nation's most famous icons, Che Guevara and Lionel Messi. Rosario is still an important river port but has done a great job of regenerating its center, which now has a vibrant cultural and night life. The abandoned buildings of the long riverbank have been converted into galleries, restaurants, skateparks and river beaches, which buzz with life in summer. Dynamic and confident without being showy, culturally rich and the best urban location to cool off in the boiling summers, Rosario is easily overlooked but not to be missed.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Tours for Seniors to Argentina, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Rosario or Montevideo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $70, while the average daily cost in Rosario is $62. 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 Montevideo and Rosario in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montevideo $38
    Rosario $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montevideo $76
    Rosario $94
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Rosario

Looking for a hotel in Montevideo or Rosario? 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 Montevideo


Hotels in Rosario


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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and Rosario Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montevideo $7.06
    Rosario $3.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento: $438
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Punta del Este: $328
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $275
  • Roundtrip Transfer Montevideo Airport (MVD) - Punta del Este: $210
  • Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
  • Transfer to Punta del Este from Montevideo / Punta to Montevideo: $112
  • TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $90
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $86
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $86
  • Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $85
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo Cruise Port to Montevideo city: $81
  • Transfer from the Hotel in Montevideo to Montevideo airport: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Rosario?

Prices for flights to both Rosario and Montevideo 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
    Montevideo $22
    Rosario $6.59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Show + Dinner - El Milongon (No Transport): $93
  • The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $98
  • Montevideo Private Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $107
  • El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montevideo $20
    Rosario $27

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.

  • Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $60
  • Punta del Este, City Tour from Montevideo: $140
  • Afternoon Tea Experience at Sofitel Montevideo Carrasco & Spa: $29
  • Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
  • Best City Shared Tour for Cruisers: $65
  • Best Private Tour of Montevideo for cruise-ship passengers: $450
  • Bodega Santa Rosa: Famiglia Passadore Tour Tasting with Lunch: $86
  • Bouza Winery Full Experience (Tasting and Lunch): $180
  • City Tour of Montevideo: $40
  • City Tour, the best option for small groups: $120
  • City tour Montevideo: $27
  • Colonia & Montevideo from Buenos Aires - Private 2 Day Tour: $1,560

Tours and Activities in Rosario

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rosario.

  • Newell's Old Boys Football Match and Messi Tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montevideo -
    Rosario $7.54

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:

  • Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $116
  • The best wine tour: $140
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $225
  • Montevideo Wine Tour with Tasting and Lunch: $226
  • Wine Tasting Tour for Cruise Passengers: $450


When comparing the travel costs between Montevideo and Rosario, we can see that Montevideo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montevideo Expensive? and Is Rosario Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Rosario?

Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Rosario. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo and Rosario, 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.