The appreciation of the dollar and the recent devaluation of the real are encouraging more and more Argentines to spend their holidays in Brazil
October 12, 2025 – 07:24
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The controversy surrounding the 10,500 Argentine pesos spent by the mayor of Florianopolis, Topazio Netoover lunch on the beach and the quick response of the businessman from Mar del Plata Augusto Digiovanni, The owner of Spa 12 in Punta Mogotes, who offered a “giant sandwich” for $9,800, sparked a debate that will dominate the year Summer 2026: Is Brazil cheaper than that Atlantic coast?
Current data confirms a trend that will continue to grow as long as transfers are not taken into account: For an important part of tourism, it is, on average, more comfortable to spend the summer in Brazil than in Argentina.
According to the Agencia Noticias Argentinas price survey, the key lies in the relationship between the exchange rate and the cost of services at the destination.
If you count the transfers and assume that a journey of more than a thousand kilometers is best managed by plane, it is undoubtedly cheaper to stay in Argentina.
Daily costs: the exchange rate factor
According to specialized consulting companies The average daily cost for a tourist spending the summer in the city Argentina can exceed that 300 U$S, while in destinations like FLorianópolis or Santiago de ChileSpending stays closer to that $200 to $270 daily (depending on the exchange rate used and the amount of expenditure).
The devaluation of the Brazilian real against the US currency (and therefore the exchange rate advantage for the Argentine peso when reverting to the dollar) This means that the purchasing power of tourists can be further exploited in hotels, restaurants and services in the neighboring country.
Regarding the cost comparison between the Atlantic coast and Florianópolis: the estimated daily expenses for vacation in Atlantic coast medium to high category between $250 and $350, while inside Florianopolisat medium level, is possible from $150 to $270.
- He tooAccommodation for four people per day In an apartment it costs between 60,000 and 120,000 ARS in Pinamar or Mar del Plata and between 400 and 700 R$ in Florianópolis, which is approximately 106,000 to 185,500 ARS.
- On his part Tent rental or beach service for seven days On the Atlantic coast it is about 450,000 to 850,000 ARS, while in Florianópolis an umbrella and a chair cost R$ 50 per day, so about 13,250 ARS per day. (A reference exchange rate of 1 R$ ≈ 265 ARS is used).
The price duel “on the go”
The starting point of this controversy, spending on food on the beach, perfectly illustrates the holidaymaker’s dilemma:
Beach spending in Mar del Plata and Florianópolis varies depending on the type of consumption:
- A complete lunchlike a huge Milanese sandwich for two in Mar del Plata, costs around 9,800 ARS, while in Florianópolis the Mayor’s Lunch (dish with drink) costs around 10,500 ARS.
- A Beerwhether in a can or a small bottle, it is available in Mar del Plata between 5,000 and 10,000 ARS and in Florianópolis it costs around 15 R$, which is equivalent to 3,975 ARS.
- A Milanese with potatoes In a local restaurant it costs from 13,000 ARS in Mar del Plata and from 50 R$ (about 13,250 ARS) in Florianópolis.
The Argentine businessman is right that the local offer can be very competitive in terms of abundance and quantity. However, Brazil compensates for this with the prices of services and drinks, which in turn are more stable and often lower than on the Atlantic coast, where inflation directly affects inns.
Brazil, more predictable than Argentina
The balance leans towards Brazil for the tourist who values predictability of exchange rates and lower daily costs in gastronomy and services upon arrival at the destination.
The Argentine Atlantic coast remains competitive, especially if the family chooses the savings strategy: Accommodation away from the beach, use of your own parasol and cooking of most meals.
The challenge for Argentine resorts will be to contain prices for beach services and dining to avoid losing more tourists to the neighboring country’s attractive exchange rate.
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