Cost Comparison 2025

ViennavsBuenos Aires

Austria
Argentina

Overall

💰

-42.9%

Vienna is 42.9%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-44.4%

Housing is 44.4% lower

Dining

🍽️

-46.2%

Restaurants 46.2% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-45.7%

Food shopping 45.7% less

Comparing the cost of living between Vienna, Austria and Buenos Aires, Argentina reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Vienna is more affordable than Buenos Aires by approximately 42.9%. 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 Vienna are higher than in Buenos Aires by 80%. A one-bedroom apartment in Vienna's city center costs around €1,100, while the same in Buenos Aires is approximately ARS 400,000.

Dining out in Vienna is notably more expensive compared to Buenos Aires. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €12 in Vienna versus ARS 4,000 in Buenos Aires.

Public transportation in Vienna is more affordable, with monthly passes at €51 compared to ARS 2,500 in Buenos Aires.

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

Grocery shopping in Vienna is more expensive by approximately 84%. 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 Vienna can expect to spend approximately €507 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 €1,774 monthly in Vienna 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
Vienna, Austria
Buenos Aires, Argentina

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,100
ARS 400,000
1BR Outside Center
€850
ARS 300,000
3BR City Center
€2,200
ARS 800,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€12
ARS 4,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€60
ARS 20,000
Cappuccino
€4
ARS 1,200
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€4
ARS 1,500

🛒 Groceries

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

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
ARS 50
Monthly Pass
€51
ARS 2,500
Taxi Start
€4
ARS 600
Gasoline (1L)
€2
ARS 400

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€200
ARS 15,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
€30
ARS 6,000
Mobile Minute
€0
ARS 10

Tips for Moving Between Cities

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

Vienna

Cost of Living Index70
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index95

Buenos Aires

Cost of Living Index40
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index30

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vienna more expensive than Buenos Aires?

No, Vienna is approximately 42.9% cheaper than Buenos Aires. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 70% of your Buenos Aires salary when living in Vienna. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Buenos Aires, you'd need about $35,000 in Vienna for a comparable lifestyle.

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

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 86%, 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?

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

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

In Vienna, a single person needs approximately €1,357 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €3,374. 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 Vienna 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 Vienna

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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