Cost Comparison 2025

Buenos AiresvsJakarta

Argentina
Indonesia

Overall

šŸ’°

+12.5%

Buenos Aires is 12.5%more expensive

Rent

šŸ 

0.0%

Housing is 0.0% same

Dining

šŸ½ļø

0.0%

Restaurants 0.0% same

Groceries

šŸ›’

+31.6%

Food shopping 31.6% more

Comparing the cost of living between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Jakarta, Indonesia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Buenos Aires is more expensive than Jakarta by approximately 12.5%. 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 Buenos Aires are similar than in Jakarta. A one-bedroom apartment in Buenos Aires's city center costs around ARSĀ 400,000, while the same in Jakarta is approximately IDRĀ 8,000,000.

Dining out in Buenos Aires costs about the same compared to Jakarta. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs ARSĀ 4,000 in Buenos Aires versus IDRĀ 35,000 in Jakarta.

Public transportation in Buenos Aires is more affordable, with monthly passes at ARSĀ 2,500 compared to IDRĀ 150,000 in Jakarta.

Grocery shopping in Buenos Aires is more affordable by approximately 24%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Buenos Aires can expect to spend approximately ARSĀ 101,900 per month (excluding rent), while in Jakarta, the same lifestyle would cost around IDRĀ 3,350,000. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about ARSĀ 356,650 monthly in Buenos Aires versus IDRĀ 11,725,000 in Jakarta. 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
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Jakarta, Indonesia

šŸ  Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
ARSĀ 400,000
IDRĀ 8,000,000
1BR Outside Center
ARSĀ 300,000
IDRĀ 4,500,000
3BR City Center
ARSĀ 800,000
IDRĀ 18,000,000

šŸ½ļø Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
ARSĀ 4,000
IDRĀ 35,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
ARSĀ 20,000
IDRĀ 250,000
Cappuccino
ARSĀ 1,200
IDRĀ 35,000
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
ARSĀ 1,500
IDRĀ 40,000

šŸ›’ Groceries

Milk (1L)
ARSĀ 500
IDRĀ 20,000
Bread (500g)
ARSĀ 600
IDRĀ 15,000
Eggs (12)
ARSĀ 1,000
IDRĀ 25,000
Cheese (1kg)
ARSĀ 5,000
IDRĀ 120,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
ARSĀ 50
IDRĀ 5,000
Monthly Pass
ARSĀ 2,500
IDRĀ 150,000
Taxi Start
ARSĀ 600
IDRĀ 7,500
Gasoline (1L)
ARSĀ 400
IDRĀ 10,000

šŸ’” Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
ARSĀ 15,000
IDRĀ 1,200,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
ARSĀ 6,000
IDRĀ 400,000
Mobile Minute
ARSĀ 10
IDRĀ 1,500

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Buenos Aires to Jakarta, 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 Jakarta 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

Buenos Aires

Cost of Living Index40
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index30

Jakarta

Cost of Living Index45
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index30

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buenos Aires more expensive than Jakarta?

Yes, Buenos Aires is approximately 12.5% more expensive than Jakarta overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Jakarta salary when living in Buenos Aires. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Jakarta, you'd need about $56,250 in Buenos Aires for a comparable lifestyle.

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

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 24%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

In Buenos Aires, a single person needs approximately ARSĀ 401,900 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about ARSĀ 956,650. In Jakarta, these figures are IDRĀ 7,850,000 for singles and IDRĀ 21,725,000 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Buenos Aires and Jakarta in 2025 shows notable 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 Jakarta to maintain your lifestyle from Buenos Aires

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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