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

Should you visit Rosario or Ensenada?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Rosario and Ensenada can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Rosario or Ensenada?

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.

Ensenada

Ensenada is on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, south of Tijuana. It's the only deep water port in the state of Baja California and as such, it is an important commerical fishing port as well as a cruise ship destination. The city has a population of almost 500,000 and is located just 78 miles south of San Diego. The city sits between the ocean and a small mountain range. The surrounding area is known for its wine production, which produces some of the best wine in Mexico.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Argentina, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Argentina, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Ensenada or Rosario?

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 Rosario is $62, while the average daily cost in Ensenada is $115. 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 Rosario and Ensenada in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rosario $47
    Ensenada $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rosario $94
    Ensenada $84
Compare Hotels in Rosario and Ensenada

Looking for a hotel in Rosario or Ensenada? 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 Rosario


Hotels in Ensenada


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: Rosario Hotel Prices and Ensenada Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rosario $3.14
    Ensenada $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ensenada

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ensenada:

  • Border and Tijuana Airport Transfers to Ensenada or Valle de Guadalupe: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Rosario or Ensenada?

Prices for flights to both Ensenada and Rosario 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
    Rosario $6.59
    Ensenada $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ensenada

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ensenada.

  • Mexican Cooking Class at Hacienda Eco-Domes | Valle de Guadalupe: $84
  • Tacos and Margaritas Food Tour in Ensenada Mexico: $85
  • Cooking Class and Margarita Madness at Valle de Guadalupe : $89
  • Surprises, Delights and Joys Ensenada Wine, Mezcal, and Food Tour: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rosario $27
    Ensenada $9.79

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

Tours and Activities in Ensenada

Here are a few actual costs in Ensenada for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Explore Ensenada with Private Car and Walking Tour: $65
  • 10 Hour Private Tour in ensenada, bufadora or valle de guadalupe: $290
  • ATV Mountain Tour: $70
  • ATV Off Road Adventure Shore Excursion Optional Taco Stop: $119
  • ATV Off-Road Adventure through Valle de Guadalupe + Winery Visit: $77
  • ATV'S on the Mountain with Ocean View Private Tour: $110
  • Adventure in Ensenada with Zipline, Marine Geyser and Shops: $99
  • Canopy Ziplines Tour in Las Cañadas Private Tour: $89
  • Couple Tour: $116
  • Ensenada City Tour on Ford T Replica and Beach Horse Back Riding : $120
  • Ensenada Pvt City Tour w Tacos, Culture, Sites +Massage add ons : $119
  • Ensenada Shore Excursion: Blowhole and La Bufadora Tour with Horseback Riding: $168

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rosario $7.54
    Ensenada $9.98

Sample the Local Flavors in Ensenada

Also in Ensenada, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tasting Experience in Maglén: $27
  • Tractor Pull Around Vineyards and Wine Tasting Tour: $56
  • Private Ensenada Tacos and Wine Tour : $109
  • Valle de Guadalupe Wine Experience: Wine Tastings Included: $112
  • Valle de Guadalupe COUPLES wine tasting for 2: $135
  • wine tours and driver service through valle de guadalupe, Ensenada B.C. Mexico: $145
  • Pvt Wine Tastings + Cheese Store + Massage Shore Excursion: $149
  • Wine Tasting Tour ONLY for Cruise Ship Visitors. ALL INCLUSIVE!: $221
  • Private and custom group Wine tour Valle de Guadalupe : $238


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rosario and Ensenada, we can see that Ensenada is more expensive. And not only is Rosario much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rosario is in South America and Ensenada 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 Rosario would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rosario 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 Ensenada would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ensenada than you might in Rosario.

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


Which is Bigger, Rosario or Ensenada?

Rosario has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ensenada. When comparing the sizes of Rosario and Ensenada, 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.