⚖️ City comparison
Chicago vs Buenos Aires
Thinking of leaving Chicago for Buenos Aires? Here is how life in Buenos Aires, Argentina compares with Chicago on cost, weather, safety, internet, and what it takes to stay.
The short version
- Buenos Aires is 55% cheaper: $1,641 vs $3,676 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Buenos Aires: $747 vs $2,407 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Buenos Aires has more pleasant weather: 7 pleasant months a year vs 4.
- Buenos Aires is warmer: highs average 12°F more across the year (coldest-month high 58°F vs 32°F in Chicago; hottest 85°F vs 81°F).
- Internet is faster in Chicago: 385 vs 253 Mbps median download.
- To live in Buenos Aires you'd need a visa: Argentina offers the Digital Nomad Visa (2022) (no minimum), and 90 days visa-free to look around first.
Side by side
| Measure | 🇦🇷 Buenos Aires | 🇺🇸 Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 67 | 49 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $1,641 | $3,676 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $747 | $2,407 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $894 | $1,269 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 7 | 4 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 58–85°F | 32–81°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 37/100 (residents) | 35/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 253 Mbps | 385 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 7.8 µg/m³ | 9.7 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | High (EF) | Official language |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | Very high | Very high |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | Moderate | High |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | Very high | High |
| ✈️ Flight to the US (est.) | ~9h to Miami | In the US |
| 🕘 US work-hour overlap | 6 h | 8 h |
| 🗓️ Visa-free stay (US passport) | 90 days | You live here |
| 🛂 Nomad visa | Digital Nomad Visa (2022) | Not needed |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide income, top 35% | US tax as now |
Best months to be there
🇦🇷 Buenos Aires
4 best months
🇺🇸 Chicago
3 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Buenos Aires climate · Chicago climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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