Cost Comparison 2025

IstanbulvsBuenos Aires

Turkey

•

Argentina

Overall

💰

-16.7%

Istanbul is 16.7%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-10.7%

Housing is 10.7% lower

Dining

🍽️

-22.2%

Restaurants 22.2% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-9.5%

Food shopping 9.5% less

Comparing the cost of living between Istanbul, Turkey and Buenos Aires, Argentina reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Istanbul is more affordable than Buenos Aires by approximately 16.7%. 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 Istanbul are higher than in Buenos Aires by 12%. A one-bedroom apartment in Istanbul's city center costs around TRY 25,000, while the same in Buenos Aires is approximately ARS 400,000.

Dining out in Istanbul is notably more expensive compared to Buenos Aires. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs TRY 150 in Istanbul versus ARS 4,000 in Buenos Aires.

Public transportation in Istanbul is more affordable, with monthly passes at TRY 1,100 compared to ARS 2,500 in Buenos Aires.

Grocery shopping in Istanbul is more expensive by approximately 11%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Istanbul can expect to spend approximately TRY 7,060 per month (excluding rent), while in Buenos Aires, the same lifestyle would cost around ARS 101,900. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about TRY 24,710 monthly in Istanbul versus ARS 356,650 in Buenos Aires. 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

Istanbul, Turkey

Buenos Aires, Argentina

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center

TRY 25,000

ARS 400,000

1BR Outside Center

TRY 15,000

ARS 300,000

3BR City Center

TRY 50,000

ARS 800,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

TRY 150

ARS 4,000

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant

TRY 700

ARS 20,000

Cappuccino

TRY 80

ARS 1,200

Domestic Beer (0.5L)

TRY 100

ARS 1,500

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)

TRY 35

ARS 500

Bread (500g)

TRY 10

ARS 600

Eggs (12)

TRY 50

ARS 1,000

Cheese (1kg)

TRY 200

ARS 5,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket

TRY 18

ARS 50

Monthly Pass

TRY 1,100

ARS 2,500

Taxi Start

TRY 30

ARS 600

Gasoline (1L)

TRY 40

ARS 400

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)

TRY 2,000

ARS 15,000

Internet (60 Mbps)

TRY 300

ARS 6,000

Mobile Minute

TRY 2

ARS 10

Tips for Moving Between Cities

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

Istanbul

Cost of Living Index48

Rent Index28

Purchasing Power Index40

Buenos Aires

Cost of Living Index40

Rent Index25

Purchasing Power Index30

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Istanbul more expensive than Buenos Aires?

No, Istanbul is approximately 16.7% cheaper than Buenos Aires. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 86% of your Buenos Aires salary when living in Istanbul. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Buenos Aires, you'd need about $42,857 in Istanbul for a comparable lifestyle.

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

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 29%, 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?

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

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

In Istanbul, a single person needs approximately TRY 22,060 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about TRY 54,710. In Buenos Aires, these figures are ARS 401,900 for singles and ARS 956,650 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Istanbul and Buenos Aires 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.