So you want to live in South America and you can’t decide between Argentina or Brazil! I have lived and travelled all over Brazil and Argentina so I can give you all the advice you need!
If you are deciding on whether to live in Argentina or Brazil, you first should decide what type of place you want to live in. Do you want to live in the city? The countryside? A house? An apartment? Do you need good schools nearby or good nightlife?
Brazil and Argentina are huge countries with long coastlines. If you like hiking, then Patagonia in Argentina is the place to go but if you want to live near the beach, then Brazil is for you. (Don’t forget there are nice beaches in Argentina too!)
Some of the main cities are a good place to start when thinking about where to live. Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Buenos Aires in Argentina are great places to live and have a vibrant cultural life.
Some other great places to live are Belo Horizonte and Florionoplis in Brazil and Cordóba in Argentina.
Cost of Living
The cost of living for a foreigner in Argentina, especially with the current exchange rate. Everything is more expensive in Brazil with a 1-bedroom apartment costing around $365 in Rio de Janeiro compared to $300 in Buenos Aires. Remember Airbnbs will often cost substantially more.
If you are looking to get a job in the local economy, salaries are higher in Argentina and your money will also go further so working remotely in Argentina is a good idea.
Economy, Health, and Culture
When moving to a new country, it is important to think about the economy, health, and culture of the country.
Brazil and Argentina are the 2 biggest economies in South America but both have struggled in recent years. Both countries have rich and poor areas and salaries are not particularly high especially compared to the U.S.A.
Healthcare is free in Argentina and is relatively well regarded in South America and ranked 75th in the world but longer wait times can happen. Brazil is ranked 125th in the world for healthcare.
The cultural and social scene is well and alive in Brazil and in Argentina. Check out our things to do in Buenos Aires to learn more.
The music in Brazil is incredible with Samba, Forró, Bossa Nova, and MPB being some of my favourite genres. The food is excellent in Argentina and is influenced by Italian cuisine.
Neither Argentina nor Brazil are very safe but they are also not as dangerous as they are sometimes made out to be in the media. Rio de Janeiro is the only place I felt unsafe.
Final Thoughts
If you are serious about moving to Argentina or Brazil, I would highly recommend spending a few weeks in both countries as they are definitely different despite being neighbours.
Brazil generally has a warmer climate and relaxed atmosphere whereas Argentina can have more of a European feel to it while still retaining its Latin American charm.
Chile or Argentina? Which country is Better to Live in?
Check out these City Tours in Buenos Aires!
