Cost Comparison 2025

Buenos AiresvsVancouver

Argentina
Canada

Overall

💰

+100.0%

Buenos Aires is 100.0%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+220.0%

Housing is 220.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+114.3%

Restaurants 114.3% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+110.5%

Food shopping 110.5% more

Comparing the cost of living between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Vancouver, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Buenos Aires is more expensive than Vancouver by approximately 100.0%. 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 Vancouver by 69%. A one-bedroom apartment in Buenos Aires's city center costs around ARS 400,000, while the same in Vancouver is approximately CA$2,600.

Dining out in Buenos Aires offers significant savings compared to Vancouver. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs ARS 4,000 in Buenos Aires versus CA$20 in Vancouver.

Public transportation in Buenos Aires is more expensive, with monthly passes at ARS 2,500 compared to CA$131 in Vancouver.

Purchasing power in Vancouver 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 53%. 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 Vancouver, the same lifestyle would cost around CA$698. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about ARS 356,650 monthly in Buenos Aires versus CA$2,443 in Vancouver. 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
Vancouver, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
ARS 400,000
CA$2,600
1BR Outside Center
ARS 300,000
CA$2,100
3BR City Center
ARS 800,000
CA$4,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
ARS 4,000
CA$20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
ARS 20,000
CA$100
Cappuccino
ARS 1,200
CA$6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
ARS 1,500
CA$7

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
ARS 500
CA$2
Bread (500g)
ARS 600
CA$4
Eggs (12)
ARS 1,000
CA$5
Cheese (1kg)
ARS 5,000
CA$18

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
ARS 50
CA$3
Monthly Pass
ARS 2,500
CA$131
Taxi Start
ARS 600
CA$4
Gasoline (1L)
ARS 400
CA$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
ARS 15,000
CA$120
Internet (60 Mbps)
ARS 6,000
CA$85
Mobile Minute
ARS 10
CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

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

Vancouver

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index80
Purchasing Power Index90

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buenos Aires more expensive than Vancouver?

Yes, Buenos Aires is approximately 100.0% more expensive than Vancouver overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 2.0x of your Vancouver salary when living in Buenos Aires. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Vancouver, you'd need about $100,000 in Buenos Aires for a comparable lifestyle.

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

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 69%, 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?

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

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

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 Vancouver, these figures are CA$2,798 for singles and CA$5,943 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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