vs
Santiagois 37% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (37/10) vs Buenos Aires "Pricey" (39/10). Dorms avg $21/night vs $19/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇦🇷 Buenos Aires
🇨🇱 Santiago
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 $45/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $4.09, dorms avg $21
★★★★★
Coffee $3.52, dorms avg $19
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $4.00, 19 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $3.49, 21 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
29 attractions
★★★★★
29 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇦🇷 Buenos Aires | 🇨🇱 Santiago | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $51 | $33 cheaper | $19/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $75 | $53 cheaper | $22/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $114 | $86 cheaper | $28/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇦🇷 Buenos Aires | 🇨🇱 Santiago |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $20 | $10.70 47% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $34.89 | $23.85 32% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $4 | $3.49 13% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $4.09 | $3.52 14% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.70 18% less | $0.85 |
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
🇨🇱▼
Santiago
Chile
37
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $19/night). Strong hostel scene (21 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelMaktub Europa (9.9)
Annual dorm avg$19/night
Total hostels21
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇦🇷 Buenos Aires
🇨🇱 Santiago
🇪🇺 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 & Santiago
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
🇨🇱 Santiago
27°C
High
/
15°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 4mm/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
🇨🇱 Santiago
1. Casa Museo La Chascona
2. Centro Cultural Palacio de La MonedaFree
3. Museo de los TajamaresFree
4. Virgen de la Inmaculada ConcepciónFree
5. Alegoría greco-romana que simboliza la Rep…Free
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Buenos Aires or Santiago cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Buenos Aires vs Santiago?+
Do I need a visa for Buenos Aires or Santiago?+
When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires or Santiago?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Buenos Aires and Santiago?+
Keep Exploring
People Also Compared
Ready to book?
Plan a trip to both cities
Full itinerary with real-time flights, hostels & transport — built on our 64k+ price index.
Build Your Itinerary →Free · No account required · Results in under 30 seconds