Cost Comparison 2025

WarsawvsBuenos Aires

Poland
Argentina

Overall

💰

-20.0%

Warsaw is 20.0%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-37.5%

Housing is 37.5% lower

Dining

🍽️

-16.7%

Restaurants 16.7% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-15.6%

Food shopping 15.6% less

Comparing the cost of living between Warsaw, Poland and Buenos Aires, Argentina reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Warsaw is more affordable than Buenos Aires by approximately 20.0%. 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 Warsaw are higher than in Buenos Aires by 60%. A one-bedroom apartment in Warsaw's city center costs around PLN 3,500, while the same in Buenos Aires is approximately ARS 400,000.

Dining out in Warsaw is notably more expensive compared to Buenos Aires. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs PLN 40 in Warsaw versus ARS 4,000 in Buenos Aires.

Public transportation in Warsaw is more affordable, with monthly passes at PLN 110 compared to ARS 2,500 in Buenos Aires.

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

Grocery shopping in Warsaw is more expensive by approximately 18%. 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 Warsaw can expect to spend approximately PLN 1,578 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 PLN 5,523 monthly in Warsaw 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
Warsaw, Poland
Buenos Aires, Argentina

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
PLN 3,500
ARS 400,000
1BR Outside Center
PLN 2,500
ARS 300,000
3BR City Center
PLN 6,000
ARS 800,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
PLN 40
ARS 4,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
PLN 200
ARS 20,000
Cappuccino
PLN 13
ARS 1,200
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
PLN 12
ARS 1,500

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
PLN 4
ARS 500
Bread (500g)
PLN 3
ARS 600
Eggs (12)
PLN 8
ARS 1,000
Cheese (1kg)
PLN 30
ARS 5,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
PLN 4
ARS 50
Monthly Pass
PLN 110
ARS 2,500
Taxi Start
PLN 8
ARS 600
Gasoline (1L)
PLN 7
ARS 400

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
PLN 700
ARS 15,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
PLN 60
ARS 6,000
Mobile Minute
PLN 0
ARS 10

Tips for Moving Between Cities

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

Warsaw

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index65

Buenos Aires

Cost of Living Index40
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index30

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Warsaw more expensive than Buenos Aires?

No, Warsaw is approximately 20.0% cheaper than Buenos Aires. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 83% of your Buenos Aires salary when living in Warsaw. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Buenos Aires, you'd need about $41,667 in Warsaw for a comparable lifestyle.

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

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 60%, 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?

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

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

In Warsaw, a single person needs approximately PLN 4,078 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about PLN 10,023. 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 Warsaw 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.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Buenos Aires to maintain your lifestyle from Warsaw

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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