vs
Istanbulis 33% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (30/10) vs Buenos Aires "Pricey" (39/10). Dorms avg $21/night vs $21/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇦🇷 Buenos Aires
🇹🇷 Istanbul
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
19 hostels, avg 8.9 rating
★★★★★
5 hostels, avg 9.1 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $59/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $54/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $4.09, dorms avg $21
★★★★★
Coffee $3.95, dorms avg $21
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $4.00, 19 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $4.56, 5 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
29 attractions
★★★★★
27 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇦🇷 Buenos Aires | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $51 | $34 cheaper | $17/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $75 | $57 cheaper | $18/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $114 | $96 cheaper | $18/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇦🇷 Buenos Aires | 🇹🇷 Istanbul |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $20 | $11.41 43% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $34.89 | $25.09 28% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $4 12% less | $4.56 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $4.09 | $3.95 3% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.70 13% less | $0.80 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇦🇷▼
Buenos Aires
Argentina
39
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $21/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelPrimavera Hostel (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$21/night
Total hostels19
🇹🇷▼
Istanbul
Turkey
30
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $21/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelCheers Hostel (9.6)
Annual dorm avg$21/night
Total hostels5
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇦🇷 Buenos Aires
🇹🇷 Istanbul
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (90d)
e-Visa (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (90d)
e-Visa (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (90d)
e-Visa (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (90d)
e-Visa (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (90d)
e-Visa (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Buenos Aires & Istanbul
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇦🇷 Buenos Aires
26°C
High
/
19°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 91mm/month
Best months: Jan, May, Aug, Sep
🇹🇷 Istanbul
12°C
High
/
7°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 70mm/month
Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇦🇷 Buenos Aires
1. Club EspañolFree
2. El Ateneo Grand SplendidFree
3. Monumento GuardacostasFree
4. Monumento a los Caídos en MalvinasFree
5. Monumento al General San MartínFree
🇹🇷 Istanbul
1. Military MuseumFree
2. Miniature ParkFree
3. Sculpture of BarbarossaFree
4. Serpent ColumnFree
5. Tomb of Hayreddin BarbarossaFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Buenos Aires or Istanbul cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Buenos Aires vs Istanbul?+
Do I need a visa for Buenos Aires or Istanbul?+
When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires or Istanbul?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Buenos Aires and Istanbul?+
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