Cost Comparison 2025

Buenos AiresvsMilan

Argentina
Italy

Overall

💰

+87.5%

Buenos Aires is 87.5%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+100.0%

Housing is 100.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+128.6%

Restaurants 128.6% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+89.5%

Food shopping 89.5% more

Comparing the cost of living between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Milan, Italy reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Buenos Aires is more expensive than Milan by approximately 87.5%. 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 lower than in Milan by 50%. A one-bedroom apartment in Buenos Aires's city center costs around ARS 400,000, while the same in Milan is approximately €1,500.

Dining out in Buenos Aires offers significant savings compared to Milan. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs ARS 4,000 in Buenos Aires versus €18 in Milan.

Public transportation in Buenos Aires is more expensive, with monthly passes at ARS 2,500 compared to €39 in Milan.

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

Grocery shopping in Buenos Aires is more affordable by approximately 47%. 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 ARS 101,900 per month (excluding rent), while in Milan, the same lifestyle would cost around €549. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about ARS 356,650 monthly in Buenos Aires versus €1,921 in Milan. 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
Milan, Italy

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
ARS 400,000
€1,500
1BR Outside Center
ARS 300,000
€1,000
3BR City Center
ARS 800,000
€3,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
ARS 4,000
€18
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
ARS 20,000
€80
Cappuccino
ARS 1,200
€2
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
ARS 1,500
€6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
ARS 500
€2
Bread (500g)
ARS 600
€2
Eggs (12)
ARS 1,000
€4
Cheese (1kg)
ARS 5,000
€16

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
ARS 50
€2
Monthly Pass
ARS 2,500
€39
Taxi Start
ARS 600
€6
Gasoline (1L)
ARS 400
€2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
ARS 15,000
€180
Internet (60 Mbps)
ARS 6,000
€30
Mobile Minute
ARS 10
€0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

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

Milan

Cost of Living Index75
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index75

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buenos Aires more expensive than Milan?

Yes, Buenos Aires is approximately 87.5% more expensive than Milan overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.9x of your Milan salary when living in Buenos Aires. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Milan, you'd need about $93,750 in Buenos Aires for a comparable lifestyle.

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

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 56%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

In Buenos Aires, a single person needs approximately ARS 401,900 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about ARS 956,650. In Milan, these figures are €1,549 for singles and €3,721 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Buenos Aires and Milan 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 Milan to maintain your lifestyle from Buenos Aires

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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