Lima vs Buenos Aires

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Lima is roughly 48% more affordable than Buenos Aires (index 18 vs 35, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Lima
More affordable overall
48% cheaper than Buenos Aires · Cost index: 18 vs 35

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

18✓Cost Index35
850✓Median Income /mo800
50Safety Index62✓
15✓Income Tax %20
120✓Internet (Mbps)85
180Coworking /mo150✓

Price Breakdown

LimaCategoryBuenos Aires
$702/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
10% cheaper →
$778/month
$1.39/liter
Meal for One
2% cheaper →
$1.42/liter
$10/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
17% cheaper →
$12/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
$25/month
$67/month
Utilities (Monthly)
69% cheaper →
$215/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Lima

Internet120 Mbps
Coworking$180/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability68/100

Buenos Aires

Internet85 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability75/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lima cheaper than Buenos Aires?

Lima is cheaper than Buenos Aires. Lima has a cost of living index of 18/100 compared to 35/100 for Buenos Aires (New York = 100), making it roughly 48% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Lima than Buenos Aires?

Lima is approximately 48% cheaper than Buenos Aires based on cost index scores (18 vs 35, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Buenos Aires could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,548/month in Lima.

What is the rent comparison between Lima and Buenos Aires?

In Lima, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $702/month. In Buenos Aires, the equivalent is around $778/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Lima or Buenos Aires?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Lima offers 120 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$180/month. Buenos Aires offers 85 Mbps and coworking at ~$150/month. Lima has a cost advantage of 48%.

What is the average income in Lima vs Buenos Aires?

The median net monthly salary in Lima is approximately $850 USD, compared to $800 USD in Buenos Aires.

Compare Lima with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Lima wins or loses.

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