Buenos Aires vs Phnom Penh — side-by-side
Cost of living: Buenos Aires vs Phnom Penh (2026)
A $75,000 salary in Buenos Aires buys roughly what $75,000 does in Phnom Penh (COL-adjusted). Your real trade-offs are taxes, rent, and day-to-day prices — we break them down and personalize below.
Your move simulator
Slide to match your household — estimates combine take-home, rent, and groceries.
Adjust income → set household → see a meaningful swing to unlock all three.
Estimated annual swing
−$600/yr
Favoring Phnom Penh for this income & household (illustrative).
With an extra $50/mo in Phnom Penh, you could max a Roth IRA contribution faster and still increase your fun budget.
| Category | Buenos Aires Buenos Aires | Phnom Penh Phnom Penh | Wallet Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |||
| Studio rent/mo | $280 | $260Best | B−$20/mo |
| 1BR rent/mo | $400 | $350Best | B−$50/mo |
| 2BR rent/mo | $660 | $580Best | B−$80/mo |
| Median home price | — | — | — |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | — | — | — |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $4 | $3Best | B−$1/mo |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $20 | $18Best | B−$2/mo |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | — | — | — |
| Gas price/gal | — | — | — |
| Car insurance/mo | — | — | — |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $40Best | $60 | A+$20/mo |
| Internet/mo | $20Best | $40 | A+$20/mo |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |||
| Median household income/yr | — | — | — |
| State income tax% | 0.0%Best | 0.0% | Same |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 21.0% | 10.0%Best | B-11.0 pp |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | |||
| Movie ticket | — | — | — |
| Gym membership/mo | $22 | $20Best | B−$2/mo |
| Beer at restaurant | — | — | — |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 30Best | 30 | Same |
| Walk score / 100 | 72Best | 52 | A-20 |
While you're comparing — don't leave money on the table.
Tax-smart rewards
Maximize everyday spend in your new city
Buenos Aires fits your move math — cash-back cards stack on groceries, gas, and dining you're already doing.
Home + auto bundle
New state — new insurance rates
Bundling often saves hundreds/yr. Compare before you sign a lease in Buenos Aires.
High-yield savings
Grow your move fund while you shop for homes
Don't let relocation cash sit at 0% — put it to work until closing day.
More ways to compare this move
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If cash is tight
Knock down high-interest debt first
A move has upfront costs — a balance transfer or personal loan can lower APR while you settle in.
If you're saving big
Invest the surplus on autopilot
Brokerages and robo-advisors help you dollar-cost average into the market with your new slack.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Buenos Aires vs Phnom Penh?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Buenos Aires is $400/month and in Phnom Penh is $350/month. Buenos Aires is more expensive by 14%.
How much do I need to earn in Phnom Penh to match a $75,000 salary in Buenos Aires?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $75,000/year in Phnom Penh to match a $75,000 salary in Buenos Aires. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Buenos Aires or Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 0%. Phnom Penh has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Buenos Aires to Phnom Penh?
It depends on your priorities. Both cities have similar overall costs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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Salary equivalent: Buenos Aires ↔ Phnom Penh
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