Is Argentina or United States cheaper?

Argentina is the cheaper of the two: roughly under $35–130/day in Argentina versus $65–130+/day in United States.

When is the best time to visit Argentina vs United States?

Argentina is at its best in October–March; United States peaks in April–June, September, October.

Is Argentina or United States better in August?

United States is the better of the two in August. Argentina has the edge in January, February, March, November, December, United States in April, May, June, July, August, September, and both are at their best in October.

How long do you need in Argentina vs United States?

Plan 2–8 weeks for Argentina and 2–5 for United States.

Should I choose Argentina or United States?

Pick Argentina if you want somewhere cheaper across the board, stronger for food, nightlife, more off-the-beaten-path. Pick United States if you want somewhere stronger for city, nature, more urban / city-focused. Both deliver on culture, so on those either works.

Argentina vs United States

Two strong destinations, different in important ways. Here's the side-by-side, then a verdict on which suits which traveler.

South America

Argentina

Buenos Aires has the best steakhouses and nightlife in South America.

Best time to visit

January: peak
February: peak
March: peak
April: fine
May: fine
June: avoid
July: avoid
August: avoid
September: fine
October: peak
November: peak
December: peak

Peak Fine Avoid

North America

United States

A continent pretending to be a country — cities, deserts, and the best national parks anywhere.

Best time to visit

January: fine
February: fine
March: fine
April: peak
May: peak
June: peak
July: fine
August: fine
September: peak
October: peak
November: fine
December: fine

Peak Fine Avoid

Read our full guides about Argentina and United States.

Side by side

Emphasised where they differ. Muted rows are much the same either way.

	Argentina	United States
Best time	October–March	April–June, September, October
Climate	mild	mild
Budget	Backpacker – Mid-range · under $35–130/day	Mid-range – Premium · $65–130+/day
Trip length	2–8 wks	2–5 wks
Visa	Visa-free for most Western passports (90 days).	ESTA visa waiver for most Western passports (90 days). Apply before travel.
Currency	ARS (Peso). Bring USD cash for "blue rate" exchange.	USD ($)
Language	Spanish. Limited English outside Buenos Aires tourism.	English.
Tap water	Tap water safe in Buenos Aires.	Tap water safe.
Safety	Generally safe. Pickpocketing in Buenos Aires.	Generally safe; varies sharply by city and neighborhood.

General guidance — visas, safety, and health change, so check your government's travel advisory and the official sources before you go.

Argentina or United States, month by month

Which of the two is the better bet for each month of the year, scored on how well the season suits each place.

Which to choose

Choose Argentina if:

You want somewhere cheaper across the board.
You want somewhere stronger for food, nightlife.
You want somewhere more off-the-beaten-path.

Choose United States if:

You want somewhere stronger for city, nature.
You want somewhere more urban / city-focused.

Both deliver on culture — so on those dimensions either works.

Common questions

Is Argentina or United States cheaper?: Argentina is the cheaper of the two: roughly under $35–130/day in Argentina versus $65–130+/day in United States.
When is the best time to visit Argentina vs United States?: Argentina is at its best in October–March; United States peaks in April–June, September, October.
Is Argentina or United States better in August?: United States is the better of the two in August. Argentina has the edge in January, February, March, November, December, United States in April, May, June, July, August, September, and both are at their best in October.
How long do you need in Argentina vs United States?: Plan 2–8 weeks for Argentina and 2–5 for United States.
Should I choose Argentina or United States?: Pick Argentina if you want somewhere cheaper across the board, stronger for food, nightlife, more off-the-beaten-path. Pick United States if you want somewhere stronger for city, nature, more urban / city-focused. Both deliver on culture, so on those either works.