As of November 12, 2026, Chile is cheaper than Argentina for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $102 in Chile against $120 in Argentina, a gap of 18.5%. Over the past year Chile has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+4.8% after inflation, against −15.2%). Argentina carries the lower US advisory (Level 1 against Level 2).
| Measure | Argentina | Chile |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $120 | $102 |
| Lean day | $54 | $46 |
| Comfortable day | $277 | $234 |
| Real change, 12 months | −15.2% | +4.8% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +9.5% | +5.1% |
| Versus 5-year average | −30.5% | +7.6% |
| US advisory | Level 1 · Normal precautions | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 4.3 · Well set up | 4.4 · Well set up |
| Index score | 46 | 64 |
| Best months | Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar |
| Shoulder months | May, Sep | Apr, Oct |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
Once the definitive currency bargain, now the definitive warning.
The catchSince 2024 inflation has run well ahead of the peso's decline, making Argentina expensive in hard-currency terms. Check the real rate before assuming old advice holds.
The Atacama to Patagonia, with the best-run infrastructure on the continent.
The catchPatagonia is priced for international visitors in high season. The peso tracks copper and can move fast.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.