vs
San Pedro de Atacamais 34% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (48/10) vs Buenos Aires "Pricey" (39/10). Dorms avg $21/night vs $17/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇦🇷 Buenos Aires
🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
19 hostels, avg 8.9 rating
★★★★★
21 hostels, avg 8.5 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $59/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $49/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $4.09, dorms avg $21
★★★★★
Coffee $4.15, dorms avg $17
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $4.00, 19 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $4.21, 21 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
29 attractions
★★★★★
19 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇦🇷 Buenos Aires | 🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $51 | $34 cheaper | $18/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $75 | $49 cheaper | $26/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $114 | $77 cheaper | $37/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇦🇷 Buenos Aires | 🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $20 | $11.30 43% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $34.89 | $17.50 50% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $4 5% less | $4.21 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $4.09 1% less | $4.15 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.70 | $0.62 11% less |
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
🇨🇱▼
San Pedro de Atacama
Chile
48
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $17/night). Strong hostel scene (21 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelHostal Belen (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$17/night
Total hostels21
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇦🇷 Buenos Aires
🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Buenos Aires & San Pedro de Atacama
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
🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama
25°C
High
/
10°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 9mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
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
🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama
1. Cordillera de La SalFree
2. Cuevas de ChulacaoFree
3. Piedra del CoyoteFree
4. Túnel de CatarpeFree
5. Valle de MarteFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Buenos Aires or San Pedro de Atacama cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Buenos Aires vs San Pedro de Atacama?+
Do I need a visa for Buenos Aires or San Pedro de Atacama?+
When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires or San Pedro de Atacama?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Buenos Aires and San Pedro de Atacama?+
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