Cost Comparison 2025

New YorkvsBuenos Aires

United States
Argentina

Overall

💰

-60.0%

New York is 60.0%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-75.0%

Housing is 75.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-65.0%

Restaurants 65.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-62.0%

Food shopping 62.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between New York, United States and Buenos Aires, Argentina reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that New York is more affordable than Buenos Aires by approximately 60.0%. 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 New York are higher than in Buenos Aires by 300%. A one-bedroom apartment in New York's city center costs around $3,500, while the same in Buenos Aires is approximately ARS 400,000.

Dining out in New York is notably more expensive compared to Buenos Aires. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $20 in New York versus ARS 4,000 in Buenos Aires.

Public transportation in New York is more affordable, with monthly passes at $127 compared to ARS 2,500 in Buenos Aires.

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

Grocery shopping in New York is more expensive by approximately 163%. 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 New York can expect to spend approximately $779 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 $2,727 monthly in New York 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
New York, United States
Buenos Aires, Argentina

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$3,500
ARS 400,000
1BR Outside Center
$2,500
ARS 300,000
3BR City Center
$7,000
ARS 800,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$20
ARS 4,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$120
ARS 20,000
Cappuccino
$6
ARS 1,200
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$8
ARS 1,500

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$2
ARS 500
Bread (500g)
$4
ARS 600
Eggs (12)
$5
ARS 1,000
Cheese (1kg)
$15
ARS 5,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$3
ARS 50
Monthly Pass
$127
ARS 2,500
Taxi Start
$5
ARS 600
Gasoline (1L)
$1
ARS 400

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$180
ARS 15,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
$70
ARS 6,000
Mobile Minute
$0
ARS 10

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Buenos Aires to New York, 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 New York 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

New York

Cost of Living Index100
Rent Index100
Purchasing Power Index100

Buenos Aires

Cost of Living Index40
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index30

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New York more expensive than Buenos Aires?

No, New York is approximately 60.0% cheaper than Buenos Aires. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 63% of your Buenos Aires salary when living in New York. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Buenos Aires, you'd need about $31,250 in New York for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between New York and Buenos Aires?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 300%, 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?

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

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

In New York, a single person needs approximately $3,279 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $7,227. 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 New York and Buenos Aires 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 Buenos Aires to maintain your lifestyle from New York

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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