Mar del Plata is becoming one of the most affordable destinations for vacationers.
For many Argentine families, taking a modest vacation this summer will be a difficult decision. And according to a report from the Economic Institute of the Argentine University of Economics (UADE), in the second half of January 2026, a typical family will need an average of $3,880,488 to spend the summer in national destinations, an amount that, even if only accounting for transportation and accommodation, is equivalent to 2.38 average salaries.
The fact is not insignificant: even if you ignore meals, excursions and unavoidable extras, travel costs already amount to more than two full salaries. However, the study highlights that this ratio between salaries and vacation has remained almost unchanged between January 2025 and January 2026, showing some stability, albeit on a raised floor with many leaving their suitcases in the closet.
The differences between destinations within the country widen the gap even further. Cariló tops the rankings as the most expensive vacation spot, with an estimated budget of $10,665,172, which translates to an average salary of $6.55. This is followed by Pinamar with $8,026,847 (4.93 salaries) and Bariloche with $5,541,566 (3.41 salaries). The contrast is eloquent: spending the summer in Cariló costs five times more than in Villa Gesell.
For those looking for “friendlier” options on their wallet, the report points to Mar del Plata ($2,779,767), Rosario ($2,728,689), San Clemente del Tuyú ($2,556,985), Necochea ($2,554,338) and Villa Gesell ($2,188,670). Even in these cases, the cost is between 1.71 and 1.35 average salaries, only taking into account transport and accommodation for two weeks.
ABROAD
As the focus shifts to destinations outside the country, costs increase and become more difficult to manage. And according to the UADE survey, a vacation abroad costs an average of $10,334,454, about 2.7 times more than in Argentina and the equivalent of 6.10 average salaries.
Madrid tops the rankings with $17,187,220, followed by New York ($14,254,930) and Miami ($10,957,086). More affordable options include Rio de Janeiro ($5,995,297) and Santiago de Chile ($3,277,739), with the latter even ranking below several local destinations.
The report leaves comparisons difficult to digest: the cost of a vacation in Cariló is similar to that in Miami, and a trip to Santiago de Chile requires less financial outlay than 13 of the 25 national destinations analyzed. There is also an important fact: Argentine salaries, measured in dollars at the official exchange rate, increased by almost 50%, making some trips abroad more accessible.
However, the fine print is clear. The figures do not include meals, shows or daily expenses. In this context, the dilemma for many families is not choosing a destination, but rather deciding whether the vacation fits into the budget or not.
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