🇦🇷 Buenos Aires vs 🇵🇪 Lima
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇦🇷
Buenos Aires
Argentina
$1,077–$1,705/mo
$1,077,000 – $1,705,000 / month (local)
🇵🇪
Lima
Peru
$1,108–$1,754/mo
S/4,104 – S/6,496 / month (local)
Lima is 3% more expensive
Buenos Aires wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Buenos Aires (USD) | Lima (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $808–$1,256 | $831–$1,292 | 🟢 Buenos Aires |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $426–$673 | $438–$692 | 🟢 Buenos Aires |
| Utilities | $34–$65 | $35–$67 | 🟢 Buenos Aires |
| Groceries | $171–$256 | $175–$263 | 🟢 Buenos Aires |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $22–$40 | $23–$42 | 🟢 Buenos Aires |
| Public transport (monthly) | $43–$52 | $44–$53 | 🟢 Buenos Aires |
| Internet & Mobile | $13–$22 | $14–$23 | 🟢 Buenos Aires |
| Gym membership | $16–$29 | $16–$30 | 🟢 Buenos Aires |
| Cinema ticket | $6–$8 | $6–$8 | Tie |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,077–$1,705 | $1,108–$1,754 | 🟢 Buenos Aires |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing8.1 / 10 · 7.1 / 10
Buenos Aires▲ better
Lima
Safety9.2 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Buenos Aires▲ better
Lima
Healthcare9.2 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Buenos Aires▲ better
Lima
Education8.8 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Buenos Aires▲ better
Lima
Environment9.6 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Buenos Aires▲ better
Lima
Economy7.9 / 10 · 7.0 / 10
Buenos Aires▲ better
Lima
Culture8.5 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Buenos Aires▲ better
Lima
Internet8.9 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Buenos Aires▲ better
Lima
Who should choose which city?
Choose Buenos Aires if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Lima
- ✓Culture
- ✓Steak
- ✓European feel
- ✓Remote USD earners
Choose Lima if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Lima offers vs Buenos Aires
- ✓Food scene
- ✓Pacific hub
- ✓History
- ✓Mining services
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📊
Full Buenos Aires guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Buenos Aires →📊
Full Lima guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Lima →