Argentina · tool
How much does Buenos Aires cost?
Daily budget breakdown across three tiers — so you can realistically plan your Buenos Aires trip before you book anything.
Buenos Aires, Argentina travel budget
Realistic daily cost per person across three spending tiers. All figures in USD.
Budget
Hostels, street food, public transit
Hostel dorm bed or a very basic shared apartment.
Street food (empanadas, choripán), bakeries, and simple parrillas.
Using the SUBE card for subways (subte) and buses.
Exploring neighborhoods like La Boca and San Telmo on foot, visiting free parks.
Small souvenirs, occasional coffee.
Mid-range
3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis
Comfortable 3-star hotel or a private Airbnb apartment.
Mix of casual restaurants, cafes, and mid-range parrillas.
Occasional taxis or ride-sharing services (like Uber or Cabify).
Museum entrance fees, tango shows (standard seating), guided neighborhood tours.
Drinks, snacks, small purchases.
Luxury
4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers
High-end 4-5 star hotels or luxury serviced apartments.
Fine dining restaurants, tasting menus, premium wine pairings.
Private car services, airport transfers, longer taxi rides.
Premium tango experiences, private city tours, exclusive events, wine tastings.
High-end souvenirs, spa treatments, premium bar visits.
Destination-specific money tips
- •Always try to pay with USD cash if you can get the 'blue dollar' rate, which is significantly better than the official rate. Exchange offices (cuevas) offer this, but use reputable ones.
- •Credit card acceptance is good in tourist areas and larger establishments, but smaller shops and taxis might prefer cash.
- •ATMs can be frustrating; they often have low withdrawal limits (e.g., ARS 15,000-30,000) and charge fees. Bank-affiliated ATMs are usually better than standalone ones.
- •Tipping is expected: 10% at restaurants is standard, and sometimes a small tip for hotel staff or tour guides is appreciated.
- •While many things are becoming expensive, local produce, wine, and beef remain relatively affordable, especially if you can leverage the blue dollar rate.
Plan the rest of your Buenos Aires trip
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