A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wellington vs. Buenos Aires, Argentina for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Wellington or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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

Should I visit Wellington or Buenos Aires, Argentina? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Wellington or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Wellington

Wellington is the capital and second largest city in New Zealand. It sits on the southwestern edge of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It's a beautiful setting that is encircled by mountains giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also many cultural sights and attractions around town. Wellington really is the perfect mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and a vibrant urban core. The film industry is also prevelant in the city. The city's production centers have helped create Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, Tin Tin, and District 9.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires.


Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Wellington?

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 Wellington is $124, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56. 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 Wellington and Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wellington $60
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wellington $120
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $80
Compare Hotels in Wellington and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Looking for a hotel in Wellington or Buenos Aires, Argentina? 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 Wellington


Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina


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: Wellington Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wellington $12
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Wellington

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

  • Wētā Workshop Guided Transfers & Tour: $59
  • Private Airport Transfer Service Vice Versa in Wellington by SUV: $75
  • Private Large SUV Airport Transfers Wellington - Executive Travel: $58
  • Private Transfer from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington Port: $26
  • Private Transfer from Wellington Port to Wellington Airport (WLG): $26
  • Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $106
  • Wellington Airport(WLG) to Wellington-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $156
  • WLG Airport to City Private RoundTrip Transfer: $93
  • Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket + Transfer: $57

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Wellington or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Wellington 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
    Wellington $51
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.60
Typical Food Prices in Wellington

For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner
    $8.87

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington

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

  • 3 Hour Walking Food Tour: $125

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wellington $16
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $30

Tours and Activities in Wellington

For Wellington, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Return Cable Car Ticket: $6.95
  • Wellington Zoo General Entry Tickets: $15
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Atlantis: $27
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Temple: $27
  • Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Spaceship: $27
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Entry Ticket: $28
  • Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket: $32
  • Wētā Workshop Creative Classes Experience Ticket: $32
  • Wētā Workshop Experiences Tour - Wellington: $33
  • Axe Throwing Lesson and Tournament: $33
  • Zealandia by Day Tour: $37
  • Auckland: Wētā Workshop Unleashed Creative Classes Ticket: $38

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wellington $12
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.27

Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington

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

  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $99
  • From Martinborough Wine Tasting Tour: $168
  • Exclusive Martinborough Wine Tour: $210
  • Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $391

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wellington and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Wellington is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Wellington is in Pacific and Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South 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 Wellington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wellington 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 Wellington Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Wellington or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Wellington and Buenos Aires, Argentina, 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 Wellington or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Wellington or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Wellington during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Wellington in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Wellington is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the summer. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wellington. In the summer, Wellington often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Wellington gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun.

Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Wellington usually gets less rain in January than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Wellington 18°C (64°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Wellington or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Most visitors come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Wellington is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wellington in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. Wellington usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during autumn. Wellington gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Wellington usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Wellington 15°C (58°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Wellington or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. The winter months attract visitors to Wellington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Wellington is generally cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 10°C (49°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Wellington often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Wellington gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun.

Wellington receives a lot of rain in the winter. Wellington usually gets more rain in July than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Wellington 10°C (49°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Wellington or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.

Wellington is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the spring. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Wellington usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during spring. Wellington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In October, Wellington usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Wellington 13°C (55°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Wellington

Wellington Buenos Aires, Argentina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)