Cost Comparison 2025

AucklandvsBuenos Aires

New Zealand
Argentina

Overall

💰

-48.7%

Auckland is 48.7%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-61.5%

Housing is 61.5% lower

Dining

🍽️

-55.1%

Restaurants 55.1% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-52.5%

Food shopping 52.5% less

Comparing the cost of living between Auckland, New Zealand and Buenos Aires, Argentina reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Auckland is more affordable than Buenos Aires by approximately 48.7%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Auckland are higher than in Buenos Aires by 160%. A one-bedroom apartment in Auckland's city center costs around NZ$2,400, while the same in Buenos Aires is approximately ARS 400,000.

Dining out in Auckland is notably more expensive compared to Buenos Aires. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs NZ$25 in Auckland versus ARS 4,000 in Buenos Aires.

Public transportation in Auckland is more affordable, with monthly passes at NZ$215 compared to ARS 2,500 in Buenos Aires.

Purchasing power in Auckland is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Buenos Aires.

Grocery shopping in Auckland is more expensive by approximately 111%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Auckland can expect to spend approximately NZ$893 per month (excluding rent), while in Buenos Aires, the same lifestyle would cost around ARS 101,900. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about NZ$3,126 monthly in Auckland versus ARS 356,650 in Buenos Aires. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Auckland, New Zealand
Buenos Aires, Argentina

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
NZ$2,400
ARS 400,000
1BR Outside Center
NZ$1,900
ARS 300,000
3BR City Center
NZ$4,200
ARS 800,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
NZ$25
ARS 4,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
NZ$120
ARS 20,000
Cappuccino
NZ$6
ARS 1,200
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
NZ$12
ARS 1,500

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
NZ$3
ARS 500
Bread (500g)
NZ$3
ARS 600
Eggs (12)
NZ$6
ARS 1,000
Cheese (1kg)
NZ$13
ARS 5,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
NZ$4
ARS 50
Monthly Pass
NZ$215
ARS 2,500
Taxi Start
NZ$5
ARS 600
Gasoline (1L)
NZ$3
ARS 400

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
NZ$170
ARS 15,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
NZ$85
ARS 6,000
Mobile Minute
NZ$0
ARS 10

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Buenos Aires to Auckland, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Auckland to Buenos Aires requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Auckland

Cost of Living Index78
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index88

Buenos Aires

Cost of Living Index40
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index30

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auckland more expensive than Buenos Aires?

No, Auckland is approximately 48.7% cheaper than Buenos Aires. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Auckland compared to Buenos Aires?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 67% of your Buenos Aires salary when living in Auckland. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Buenos Aires, you'd need about $33,621 in Auckland for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Auckland and Buenos Aires?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 160%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Auckland offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Auckland provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Auckland if you prioritize earning potential, or Buenos Aires for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Auckland vs Buenos Aires?

In Auckland, a single person needs approximately NZ$2,793 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about NZ$6,326. In Buenos Aires, these figures are ARS 401,900 for singles and ARS 956,650 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Auckland and Buenos Aires in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Buenos Aires to maintain your lifestyle from Auckland

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers