Cost Comparison 2025

Buenos AiresvsNairobi

Argentina
Kenya

Overall

šŸ’°

+12.5%

Buenos Aires is 12.5%more expensive

Rent

šŸ 

0.0%

Housing is 0.0% same

Dining

šŸ½ļø

+14.3%

Restaurants 14.3% pricier

Groceries

šŸ›’

+26.3%

Food shopping 26.3% more

Comparing the cost of living between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Nairobi, Kenya reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Buenos Aires is more expensive than Nairobi 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 Nairobi. A one-bedroom apartment in Buenos Aires's city center costs around ARSĀ 400,000, while the same in Nairobi is approximately KESĀ 50,000.

Dining out in Buenos Aires offers significant savings compared to Nairobi. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs ARSĀ 4,000 in Buenos Aires versus KESĀ 500 in Nairobi.

Public transportation in Buenos Aires is more affordable, with monthly passes at ARSĀ 2,500 compared to KESĀ 4,000 in Nairobi.

Grocery shopping in Buenos Aires is more affordable by approximately 21%. 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 Nairobi, the same lifestyle would cost around KESĀ 29,480. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about ARSĀ 356,650 monthly in Buenos Aires versus KESĀ 103,180 in Nairobi. 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
Nairobi, Kenya

šŸ  Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
ARSĀ 400,000
KESĀ 50,000
1BR Outside Center
ARSĀ 300,000
KESĀ 25,000
3BR City Center
ARSĀ 800,000
KESĀ 120,000

šŸ½ļø Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
ARSĀ 4,000
KESĀ 500
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
ARSĀ 20,000
KESĀ 3,000
Cappuccino
ARSĀ 1,200
KESĀ 300
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
ARSĀ 1,500
KESĀ 250

šŸ›’ Groceries

Milk (1L)
ARSĀ 500
KESĀ 120
Bread (500g)
ARSĀ 600
KESĀ 50
Eggs (12)
ARSĀ 1,000
KESĀ 200
Cheese (1kg)
ARSĀ 5,000
KESĀ 800

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
ARSĀ 50
KESĀ 50
Monthly Pass
ARSĀ 2,500
KESĀ 4,000
Taxi Start
ARSĀ 600
KESĀ 200
Gasoline (1L)
ARSĀ 400
KESĀ 170

šŸ’” Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
ARSĀ 15,000
KESĀ 7,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
ARSĀ 6,000
KESĀ 4,000
Mobile Minute
ARSĀ 10
KESĀ 5

Tips for Moving Between Cities

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

Nairobi

Cost of Living Index45
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index35

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buenos Aires more expensive than Nairobi?

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

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

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

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

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 21%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

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 Nairobi, these figures are KESĀ 54,480 for singles and KESĀ 173,180 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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