Differences between Argentina and Brazil in the Cost of Living in 2025

Comparativo visual entre custo de vida na Argentina e Brasil em 2025

Introduction

In times of economic instability and the search for better living conditions, many Brazilians are turning their eyes to Argentina. But is it cheaper to live on the other side of the border? This article critically analyzes the main differences between Argentina and Brazil in the cost of living in 2025, based on updated data, residents' experiences and official indicators.

1. Housing: one of the most important factors in the budget Housing is one of the most relevant costs when comparing countries. In 2025, according to data from Numbeo and the Expatistan website, renting a one-bedroom apartment in central areas costs:

• Brazil : R$2,200 to R$3,500 (depending on the city)

• Argentina : ARS 350,000 to ARS 500,000, equivalent to R$1,800 to R$2,400 at the parallel exchange rate ("blue")

Furthermore, charges such as water, electricity, gas and internet are also, in general, cheaper in Argentina.

According to data from INDEC (Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos of Argentina), the state subsidy on public services significantly reduces monthly costs for residents (INDEC, 2025).

Conclusion: Argentina offers advantages in terms of housing costs, especially for those who have income in reais or dollars.

2. Food and supermarkets: the impact of Argentine inflation Argentine inflation remains high (estimated at 135% per year), which directly affects food prices. On the other hand, the devaluation of the peso against the real favors foreigners.

Basic Food Basket (average monthly values per adult):

• Brazil : R$ 850 (Dieese, 2025)

• Argentina : R$1,200 to R$1,400 (converted)

Simple meal in a restaurant:

• Brazil: R$35 to R$50

• Argentina: R$25 to R$40

Conclusion: Eating out is still cheaper in Argentina, but the supermarket can be a burden, especially for permanent residents without outside income.

3. Transport: subsidized system x high cost

Monthly public transport:

• Brazil: R$250 to R$350 (in capitals)

• Argentina: R$80 to R$150 (subsidized by the federal government)

Gasoline (liter):

• Brazil: R$ 6.90 (ANP, 2025)

• Argentina: equivalent to R$5.70 (YPF, 2025)

"Transportation in Argentina remains among the cheapest on the continent, thanks to state subsidies that remain despite the fiscal adjustment" (LA NACION, 2025).

Conclusion: Clear advantage for Argentina in terms of urban mobility.

4. Health and education: the importance of free services Both countries offer free public health care, but with differences in quality and access.

• Brazil : Unified Health System (SUS), free, but with queues and unequal structure.

• Argentina : Public system also open to foreigners, with emphasis on the network in Buenos Aires.

In higher education:

• Free public universities recognized in both countries.

• Argentina attracts foreign students, including Brazilians, to institutions such as the UBA (Universidad de Buenos Aires).

Conclusion: Argentina is also attractive due to the fact that higher education is truly and widely free.

5. Quality of life: cultural and social factors The cost of living is not just about numbers. The experience of living involves access to culture, safety and well-being.

• Argentina: More European lifestyle, active nightlife, functional health and education systems, but economic instability.

• Brazil: Greater cultural diversity, tropical climate, high-cost regions (Southeast) and more accessible ones (Northeast, interior).

Conclusion: The choice between one country or another also depends on personal expectations and lifestyle.

Living in Argentina can be an economically advantageous alternative for Brazilians, especially for those who have income in foreign currency. However, it is essential to consider economic instability, inflation and the challenges of cultural adaptation. The Bom dia América blog continues to monitor these trends to bring reliable and up-to-date information.

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References:

BRAZIL. National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels – ANP . Average price of gasoline by state. Available at: https://www.gov.br/anp . Accessed on: June 12, 2025.

DIEESE – Inter-Union Department of Statistics and Socioeconomic Studies . National basic food basket – 2025. Available at: https://www.dieese.org.br . Accessed on: June 12, 2025.

INDEC – National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (Argentina) . Consumer price indicators and public tariffs. Buenos Aires, 2025. Available at: https://www.indec.gob.ar . Accessed: June 12, 2025.

LA NACION. Public transport remains cheap despite fiscal adjustment. La Nación , Buenos Aires, January 4, 2025. Available at: https://www.lanacion.com.ar . Accessed on: June 12, 2025.

NUMBEO. Cost of living comparison between Brazil and Argentina. Available at: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living . Accessed on: June 12, 2025.

UBER. Expatistan – Cost of Living Index . Comparison between cities in South America, 2025. Available at: https://www.expatistan.com . Accessed on: June 12, 2025.

YPF – Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales (Argentina) . Fuel prices in Argentina. Available at: https://www.ypf.com . Accessed on: June 12, 2025.