Cost of living in Buenos Aires (Argentina) is 48% cheaper than in Iowa City, Iowa (United States)
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WARNING! This comparison is based on only a few data points. At this point it is only a guess. It is based on 4,413 prices entered by 492 different people.

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Food | - 46% | |||
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Food in Buenos Aires (Argentina) is 46% cheaper than in Iowa City, Iowa (United States) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Buenos Aires | Iowa City, Iowa | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | ARS $ [BM]3,612 | ARS $ [BM]5,682 | - 36% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | ARS $ [BM]1,982 | ARS $ [BM]3,043 | - 35% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | ARS $ [BM]654 | ARS $ [BM]1,855 | - 65% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | ARS $ [BM]257 | ARS $ [BM]358 | - 28% | |
12 eggs, large | ARS $ [BM]535 | ARS $ [BM]919 | - 42% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | ARS $ [BM]393 | - | - | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | ARS $ [BM]946 | - | - | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | ARS $ [BM]614 | - | - | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | ARS $ [BM]295 | ARS $ [BM]628 | - 53% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | ARS $ [BM]376 | ARS $ [BM]949 | - 60% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | ARS $ [BM]1,397 | ARS $ [BM]5,693 | - 75% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | ARS $ [BM]515 | ARS $ [BM]726 | - 29% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | ARS $ [BM]196 | ARS $ [BM]891 | - 78% | |
Housing | - 71% | |||
Housing in Buenos Aires (Argentina) is 71% cheaper than in Iowa City, Iowa (United States) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Buenos Aires | Iowa City, Iowa | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | ARS $ [BM]189,192 | ARS $ [BM]714,318 | - 74% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | ARS $ [BM]123,314 | ARS $ [BM]408,792 | - 70% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | ARS $ [BM]11,452 | ARS $ [BM]48,131 | - 76% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | ARS $ [BM]174,762 | ARS $ [BM]424,142 | - 59% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | ARS $ [BM]86,736 | ARS $ [BM]297,385 | - 71% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | ARS $ [BM]15,495 | ARS $ [BM]49,952 | - 69% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | ARS $ [BM]3,881 | ARS $ [BM]18,872 | - 79% | |
40” flat screen tv | ARS $ [BM]98,594 | ARS $ [BM]175,053 | - 44% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | ARS $ [BM]38,204 | ARS $ [BM]32,959 | + 16% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | ARS $ [BM]1,836 | ARS $ [BM]4,235 | - 57% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | ARS $ [BM]927 | ARS $ [BM]9,860 | - 91% | |
Clothes | - 3% | |||
Clothes in Buenos Aires (Argentina) is about the same as in Iowa City, Iowa (United States) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Buenos Aires | Iowa City, Iowa | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | ARS $ [BM]26,299 | - | - | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | ARS $ [BM]12,167 | - | - | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | ARS $ [BM]34,727 | ARS $ [BM]38,005 | - 9% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | ARS $ [BM]35,277 | ARS $ [BM]43,254 | - 18% | |
Transportation | - 43% | |||
Transportation in Buenos Aires (Argentina) is 43% cheaper than in Iowa City, Iowa (United States) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Buenos Aires | Iowa City, Iowa | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | ARS $ [BM]6,330,020 | - | - | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | ARS $ [BM]228 | ARS $ [BM]307 | - 26% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | ARS $ [BM]2,987 | ARS $ [BM]11,870 | - 75% | |
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | ARS $ [BM]1,814 | ARS $ [BM]6,526 | - 72% | |
Personal Care | - 20% | |||
Personal Care in Buenos Aires (Argentina) is 20% cheaper than in Iowa City, Iowa (United States) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Buenos Aires | Iowa City, Iowa | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | ARS $ [BM]848 | - | - | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | ARS $ [BM]1,512 | - | - | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | ARS $ [BM]2,674 | - | - | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | ARS $ [BM]854 | - | - | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | ARS $ [BM]462 | ARS $ [BM]1,190 | - 61% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | ARS $ [BM]710 | - | - | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | ARS $ [BM]537 | - | - | |
Tube of toothpaste | ARS $ [BM]413 | - | - | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | ARS $ [BM]1,727 | ARS $ [BM]9,055 | - 81% | |
Entertainment | - 34% | |||
Entertainment in Buenos Aires (Argentina) is 34% cheaper than in Iowa City, Iowa (United States) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Buenos Aires | Iowa City, Iowa | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | ARS $ [BM]5,863 | ARS $ [BM]15,957 | - 63% | |
2 tickets to the movies | ARS $ [BM]2,583 | ARS $ [BM]7,950 | - 68% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | ARS $ [BM]9,728 | ARS $ [BM]43,500 | - 78% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | ARS $ [BM]7,268 | ARS $ [BM]36,320 | - 80% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | ARS $ [BM]2,105 | ARS $ [BM]2,937 | - 28% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | ARS $ [BM]892 | ARS $ [BM]1,584 | - 44% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | ARS $ [BM]703 | ARS $ [BM]1,751 | - 60% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | ARS $ [BM]432,030 | ARS $ [BM]167,271 | + 158% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | ARS $ [BM]57 | - | - | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | ARS $ [BM]9,242 | ARS $ [BM]20,001 | - 54% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | ARS $ [BM]763 | ARS $ [BM]2,936 | - 74% | |
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TOTAL | - 48% |

These prices were last updated on March 20, 2023.
Exchange rate:
0.00253
USD
/
ARSX
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For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require $5,800 in Iowa City, Iowa you would need to make just about $3,027 (ARS $615,594) in Buenos Aires.
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