Cost Comparison 2025

Buenos AiresvsTokyo

Argentina
Japan

Overall

💰

+125.0%

Buenos Aires is 125.0%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+200.0%

Housing is 200.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+71.4%

Restaurants 71.4% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+189.5%

Food shopping 189.5% more

Comparing the cost of living between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tokyo, Japan reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Buenos Aires is more expensive than Tokyo by approximately 125.0%. 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 Tokyo by 67%. A one-bedroom apartment in Buenos Aires's city center costs around ARS 400,000, while the same in Tokyo is approximately ¥180,000.

Dining out in Buenos Aires offers significant savings compared to Tokyo. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs ARS 4,000 in Buenos Aires versus ¥1,000 in Tokyo.

Public transportation in Buenos Aires is more affordable, with monthly passes at ARS 2,500 compared to ¥10,000 in Tokyo.

Purchasing power in Tokyo 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 65%. 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 Tokyo, the same lifestyle would cost around ¥63,000. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about ARS 356,650 monthly in Buenos Aires versus ¥220,500 in Tokyo. 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
Tokyo, Japan

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
ARS 400,000
¥180,000
1BR Outside Center
ARS 300,000
¥100,000
3BR City Center
ARS 800,000
¥400,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
ARS 4,000
¥1,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
ARS 20,000
¥6,000
Cappuccino
ARS 1,200
¥450
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
ARS 1,500
¥500

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
ARS 500
¥200
Bread (500g)
ARS 600
¥250
Eggs (12)
ARS 1,000
¥300
Cheese (1kg)
ARS 5,000
¥2,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
ARS 50
¥200
Monthly Pass
ARS 2,500
¥10,000
Taxi Start
ARS 600
¥730
Gasoline (1L)
ARS 400
¥170

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
ARS 15,000
¥20,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
ARS 6,000
¥4,000
Mobile Minute
ARS 10
¥40

Tips for Moving Between Cities

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

Tokyo

Cost of Living Index90
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buenos Aires more expensive than Tokyo?

Yes, Buenos Aires is approximately 125.0% more expensive than Tokyo overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 2.3x of your Tokyo salary when living in Buenos Aires. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Tokyo, you'd need about $112,500 in Buenos Aires for a comparable lifestyle.

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

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 67%, 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?

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

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

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 Tokyo, these figures are ¥163,000 for singles and ¥470,500 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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