Argentina captivates with dramatic landscapes from Patagonian glaciers to thundering Iguazú Falls, vibrant tango culture in Buenos Aires, world-class wines in Mendoza, and passionate football fervor. This vast South American nation offers gauchos on the pampas, stunning Andean peaks, and cosmopolitan cities blending European elegance with Latin American warmth.
Local currency: Argentine Peso (ARS).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Argentina.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $12-20
- Budget
- $40-70
- Midrange
- $100-180
- Luxury
- $300+
Food
- Street
- $3-5
- Local
- $10-15
- Midrange
- $25-40
- Fine
- $80+
Transport
- Bus
- $0.30-0.60
- Taxi
- $5-15
- Airport
- $25-45
- Daytrip
- $10-25
Activities
- Museum
- $5-15
- Sites
- $10-20
- Tour
- $30-80
- Excursion
- $80-200
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Argentina costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$280-420/week
Midrange traveller
$700-1260/week
Luxury traveller
$2100+/week
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Use the SUBE transport card for Buenos Aires metro and buses at just $0.30-0.60 per ride
Eat your main meal at lunch (almuerzo) when restaurants offer fixed-price menús for $8-15
Visit museums on free days — many Buenos Aires museums waive fees on specific weekdays
Book long-distance buses in advance on Plataforma 10 for the best semi-cama prices
Shop at Carrefour or Disco supermarkets for picnic supplies rather than eating every meal out
Domestic flights book 3+ months ahead on FlyBondi or Aerolíneas for significant discounts
Use Airbnb apartments with kitchens for longer stays to save substantially on food costs
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Recoleta Cemetery
One of the world's most beautiful cemeteries with elaborate mausoleums including Eva Perón's tomb. Free to enter and wander for hours among stunning Gothic architecture.
MALBA Museum free days
Buenos Aires Museum of Latin American Art has free entry on Wednesdays. World-class collection of 20th century Latin American art.
Palermo Parks and Rose Garden
Vast green spaces in Palermo with rose gardens, Japanese garden (small fee), and lakes. Perfect for picnics and weekend relaxation alongside locals.
San Telmo Sunday Market
Massive outdoor antiques and crafts market filling Plaza Dorrego and surrounding streets. Street performers, tango dancers, and local food vendors all free to enjoy.
Puerto Madero Waterfront Walk
Stroll along the redesigned docklands past converted warehouses, modern sculptures, and the Ecological Reserve. Free and popular with locals day and night.
Casa Rosada Exterior
The iconic pink presidential palace on Plaza de Mayo is free to view and photograph. Free guided tours of the interior available on weekends.
Tigre Delta by train
Take the commuter train to Tigre with a SUBE card and explore the riverside markets and waterfront for free. The journey through Buenos Aires suburbs is fascinating in itself.
Boca Juniors Stadium Exterior
La Bombonera stadium in La Boca is spectacular to photograph from outside for free. The surrounding Caminito street art area is also free to wander.
National History Museum
Museo Histórico Nacional in Parque Lezama, San Telmo, is free and covers Argentine history from independence to the 20th century.
Palermo Street Art
Palermo has some of South America's best street murals, particularly along Thames, Cabrera, and surrounding streets. Self-guided walks completely free.