How Much Does Buenos Aires Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Buenos Aires offers a sophisticated urban experience where European-style architecture meets Latin American energy, all at a price point that remains moderate for international visitors. Compared to major European capitals like Madrid, the city provides high-end dining and culture for significantly less, with daily budgets ranging from $36 / ARS 52,302 for solo travelers to $540 / ARS 784,547 for luxury stays. While basic costs for transit and snacks are low, the economic landscape is defined by a multi-tiered exchange system that heavily rewards travelers who use modern payment methods or cash over official bank rates. Visitors can expect a world-class steak dinner for roughly $29 / ARS 42,245, though premium experiences in Puerto Madero or professional tango shows can quickly elevate the daily spend. Ultimately, the city rewards those who understand local payment nuances and take advantage of the extensive network of free parks and cultural centers.
Is Buenos Aires expensive to visit?
Buenos Aires is a moderately affordable destination with daily costs ranging from $36 / ARS 52,302 for budget travelers to $540 / ARS 784,547 for luxury seekers.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Buenos Aires
$36
per person /day
$163
per person /day
$540
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $108 | $488 | $1,620 |
| 5-Day Trip | $181 | $814 | $2,702 |
| 7-Day Trip | $252 | $1,139 | $3,783 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
A 15% contingency buffer is recommended to cover the ~$1.72 / ARS 2,501 'cubierto' table charge and the ~$2.73 / ARS 3,967 nightly city tax for hotels. This buffer also protects against minor price fluctuations caused by the city's dynamic exchange rate environment.
How Does It Compare?
See how Buenos Aires stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Buenos Aires
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mid-range Parrilla Steak Meal A full steak dinner with sides costs ~$29 / ARS 42,263. Wine is extra. | $29 ARS 42,245 |
| Café con Leche & Medialunas A classic breakfast combo costs approximately ~$3.09 / ARS 4,485. | $3.11 ARS 4,520 |
| Craft Beer (Pint) Happy hour (usually 5pm–8pm) can reduce this to ~$2.26 / ARS 3,278. | $3.81 ARS 5,537 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Subte (Metro) Single Trip Requires a SUBE card. A single trip costs approximately ~$0.65 / ARS 949. | $0.65 ARS 949 |
| SUBE Card (Required for transport) Buy at kiosks or stations. The card itself costs ~$0.83 / ARS 1,208. | $0.83 ARS 1,208 |
| Bus Transfer: EZE Airport to City Center Official shuttle service. Costs roughly ~$10 / ARS 14,576. | $10 ARS 14,576 |
| Radio Taxi (5km trip) Always use official Radio Taxis or apps like Cabify/Uber. Costs about ~$5.88 / ARS 8,539. | $5.89 ARS 8,556 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Hostel Dorm Bed Quality hostels in Palermo or San Telmo typically range from ~$16 / ARS 22,598 to ~$21 / ARS 30,188. | $16 ARS 22,632 |
| Huinid Obelisco Hotel (Mid-range) Centrally located near the Obelisco. International rates are typically billed in USD to avoid local VAT (~$96 / ARS 139,208). | $87 ARS 126,995 |
| Alvear Icon Hotel (Luxury) Located in the modern Puerto Madero district. Equivalent to ~$365 / ARS 529,920. | $332 ARS 482,586 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Recoleta Cemetery Entry International tourists must pay with credit/debit card. Costs ~$15 / ARS 21,649. | $15 ARS 21,632 |
| Teatro Colón Guided Tour Tours run every 15 minutes. Cost is ~$26 / ARS 38,209 per person. | $26 ARS 38,226 |
| Tango Show & Dinner (Standard) Includes 3-course meal and wine. Approximately ~$66 / ARS 95,565. | $66 ARS 95,548 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Holafly Argentina eSIM (1 day) Unlimited data for 24 hours. Costs ~$11 / ARS 15,870. | $9.96 ARS 14,456 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining culture centers on the 'parrilla' (steakhouse), where a high-quality mid-range steak meal costs approximately $29 / ARS 42,245, and local breakfast staples like café con leche with medialunas average $3.11 / ARS 4,520. Travelers should account for the 'cubierto,' a standard table service fee of about $1.72 / ARS 2,501, while taking advantage of happy hours (5pm–8pm) which can drop the price of a pint of craft beer from $3.81 / ARS 5,537 to around $2.26 / ARS 3,278.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
El Cuartito
$4.5–$10 / ARS 6,538–ARS 15,094Retiro · Local chain
Legendary spot for thick-crust pizza; order a slice of 'Fugazzeta' for ~$2.2 / ARS 3,191.
La Mezzetta
$3.47–$8.32 / ARS 5,037–ARS 12,075Villa Ortúzar · Bakery
Standing-only counter famous for its incredibly cheesy slices for ~$2.08 / ARS 3,019.
Chori
$5.19–$9.69 / ARS 7,538–ARS 14,076Palermo Soho · Street food area
Modern gourmet twist on Argentina's favorite street food; the classic choripán is ~$5.17 / ARS 7,504.
Nuestra Parrilla
$4.16–$10 / ARS 6,038–ARS 15,094San Telmo Market · Street food area
The best place for a quick, cheap meat sandwich (~$4.16 / ARS 6,038) while browsing the market.
Pizzería Güerrín
$4.85–$12 / ARS 7,038–ARS 18,113Microcentro · Local chain
Historic pizzeria on Corrientes Avenue. Grab a slice at the front counter for ~$2.44 / ARS 3,536.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the city is highly affordable via the 'Subte' (metro) at just $0.65 / ARS 949 per trip, though a SUBE card costing $0.83 / ARS 1,208 is mandatory for all public transit. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are plentiful and safe, with a typical 5km trip through central neighborhoods costing about $5.89 / ARS 8,556.
Accommodation Overview
Value seekers will find quality hostel dorms in San Telmo or Palermo for approximately $16 / ARS 22,632, while mid-range hotels near the Obelisco average $87 / ARS 126,995 per night. For those seeking luxury, the high-rise Alvear Icon Hotel in Puerto Madero commands roughly $332 / ARS 482,586, offering views and amenities comparable to top-tier global chains.
Accommodation Budget in Buenos Aires
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Use a credit or debit card for most purchases to receive the 'MEP' exchange rate, which is significantly better than the official bank rate.
- 2 Visit Pizzería Güerrín in Microcentro and eat in the 'de parado' (standing) section for a faster, cheaper meal compared to the seated service.
- 3 Look for 'menú del día' (menu of the day) signs during lunch hours for fixed-price two-course meals that include a drink.
- 4 Download the Ecobici app for the city's public bike-sharing system; it offers short-term passes that are often cheaper than multiple taxi rides.
- 5 Avoid withdrawing cash from ATMs, as they often charge high international fees and provide a poor exchange rate; use Western Union for cash needs if required.
- 6 Pre-book the free guided tour of Casa Rosada on Saturdays through the official government website, as spots fill up weeks in advance.
- 7 Stick to local brands for wine in supermarkets; a high-quality bottle of Malbec can often be found for less than the cost of two craft beers at $3.81 / ARS 5,537 each.
- 8 Walk between the neighborhoods of Recoleta and Palermo via the park system to save on the $5.89 / ARS 8,556 taxi fare while seeing the city's best green spaces.
- 9 Visit San Telmo Market on weekdays for food; the weekend prices during the fair are often inflated for tourists.
- 10 Utilize the Tienda León shuttle for $10 / ARS 14,576 from EZE airport instead of private transfers, which can cost three times as much.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jan, Feb, Jul, Dec
+25-35%
May, Jun, Sep
-20-30%
Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
Spring (October–November) offers perfect 20–25°C (68–77°F) weather and the purple blooming of Jacaranda trees.
Events to Watch
- ● Christmas/New Year: +50% hotels
- ● Lollapalooza Argentina (March): +40% Palermo hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Explore the Bosques de Palermo (Parque Tres de Febrero), a massive green space with rose gardens and lakes.
- 2 Visit the Floralis Genérica, a giant metallic flower sculpture that opens and closes with the sun.
- 3 Browse the shelves of El Ateneo Grand Splendid, widely considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, housed in a former theater.
- 4 Walk through the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, a 350-hectare nature reserve on the riverfront.
- 5 View the permanent collection at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, which features works by Goya, Rembrandt, and Picasso.
- 6 Attend a free concert or exhibition at the Centro Cultural Kirchner (CCK), housed in the city's historic central post office.
- 7 Wander through the Feria de San Telmo on Sundays to see street performers and antique vendors.
- 8 Visit Plaza de Mayo to see the historic Casa Rosada and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
- 9 Watch street tango dancers performing for tips in the colorful alleyways of Caminito in La Boca.
- 10 Explore the Centro Cultural Recoleta, which hosts rotating contemporary art exhibits and youth culture events.
- 11 Walk the bridge of Puente de la Mujer in Puerto Madero, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava.
- 12 Visit the National Library (Biblioteca Nacional Mariano Moreno) to see its unique brutalist architecture.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Gala Tango VIP Night
The most intimate and luxurious tango experience in the city, including private transfers and premium wine. Costs ~$114 / ARS 165,945.
Fogón Asado Chef's Table
A multi-course 'closed door' parrilla experience where you watch the chef cook every cut of meat. Approximately ~$138 / ARS 200,273.
Teatro Colón Premium Box Seats
Watching a world-class opera in one of the globe's best acoustic venues is unforgettable. Tickets start at ~$45 / ARS 65,378.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Buenos Aires
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Buenos Aires and what they cost
Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay)
$53 / ARS 77,625 by ferry
Free
$89 / ARS 129,375
Tigre Delta
$3.11 / ARS 4,520 by train + boat
$12 / ARS 18,113
$31 / ARS 45,264
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Argentine Peso (ARS)
1 $ ≈ 1,452 $
Yes
Widely accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants, but cash is king for 'Blue rate' savings.
10% is standard in restaurants. Round up the fare for taxis. ~$1.19 / ARS 1,725 per bag for hotel porters.
Avoid ATMs if possible; they charge high fees (~$12 / ARS 17,250) and give the unfavorable official rate. Use Western Union for better rates.
Only expected in artisanal markets like San Telmo or when paying cash for expensive goods. Not applicable in restaurants or malls.
Connectivity
eSIM: $11–$42 for 1GB-10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $5.94–$9.5 / ARS 8,625–ARS 13,800 for 10GB plus card fee
WiFi: Excellent in most cafés, restaurants, and hotels.
Use a local SIM for longer stays; Holafly is convenient but expensive (~$99 / ARS 143,175 for 30 days).
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Buenos Aires.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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