City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Buenos Aires vs Mexico City — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Buenos Aires
Moderate
COL+Rent: 30.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Buenos Aires.
Mexico City
Moderate
COL+Rent: 34.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Mexico City.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Buenos Aires | Mexico City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $584 | $841 | $257 |
| Groceries | $407 | $279 | +$128 |
| Dining Out | $280 | $159 | +$121 |
| Transportation | $23 | $29 | $6 |
| Utilities | $118 | $65 | +$53 |
| Other / Misc | $88 | $127 | $39 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Buenos Aires
$1,500
per month
Mexico City equivalent
$1,700
per month
You'd need $1,700/mo in Mexico City to match $1,500/mo in Buenos Aires.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Buenos Aires on $1,500/month?
Living in Buenos Aires on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$584 to rent, $407 to groceries, $280 to dining.
Can I live in Mexico City on $1,500/month?
In Mexico City, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $841 rent, $279 groceries, $159 dining.
Is Buenos Aires or Mexico City cheaper?
Buenos Aires is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Buenos Aires 30.7 vs Mexico City 34.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Buenos Aires worth in Mexico City?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Buenos Aires equals ~$1,700/mo in Mexico City using COL adjustment.