When hiring a remote Node JS developer, choosing the right location can make a big difference in cost, communication and overall efficiency. Two of the top tech hubs in Latin America are São Paulo and Buenos Aires which offer large talent pools, competitive rates and time compatibility with North America. But which city is best suited to your business?

In this blog, we'll break down several key factors to help you decide: from salary comparisons and English proficiency to time zone difference. By the end, you'll have a clear idea of whether São Paulo or Buenos Aires is the best place to hire your next remote Node JS developer.

Want to learn more about hiring strategies? Read about staff augmentation services.

Why hiring a remote Node JS developer is right for your business

A Node JS developer specializes in creating fast, scalable and efficient web applications using Node JS, an open source runtime environment that runs JavaScript on the server side. Enterprises rely on Node JS developers to build real-time applications, API services and backend systems that handle large traffic loads with minimal latency. However, not all companies have in-house expertise in this technology, so it is crucial to hire skilled developers who can maximize its potential.

The biggest advantage of using Node JS is its non-blocking, event-driven architecture, which allows applications to process multiple requests simultaneously without slowing down. It makes it ideal for real-time applications such as chat applications, video streaming platforms and online games. In addition, Node JS enables full JavaScript development, which simplifies workflows and reduces the need for multiple programming languages. For companies looking to build scalable web applications, hiring an experienced remote Node JS developer can significantly improve performance and accelerate development timelines.

Hire Remote Node JS Developer in São Paulo vs Buenos Aires

Cost Comparison

São Paulo and Buenos Aires offer access to highly skilled remote developers, their costs vary due to differences in cost of living and economic factors.

São Paulo: The monthly cost for a mid to senior level Node JS developer ranges from $4,500 to $6,000. Many developers in São Paulo have extensive experience working with Express.js, NestJS and GraphQL, making them a great choice for companies building high-performance microservices-based applications.

Buenos Aires: Costs for remote Node JS developers range from $4,000 to $5,500 per month, making it a more cost-effective option. Argentine developers are known for their solid full-stack experience, often working with technologies such as MongoDB, Redis and WebSockets to create real-time applications.

Time Zone Alignment

When hiring a remote Node JS developer, time zone compatibility is crucial for smooth communication, and São Paulo and Buenos Aires offer favorable time zone alignments for companies in North America.

São Paulo: Operates on Brasilia time, which aligns well with the major U.S. time zones. For Miami-based companies, São Paulo is two hours ahead, and for San Francisco-based companies, the difference is greater, with São Paulo five hours ahead, but still manageable for teams with flexible schedules.

Buenos Aires: Follows Argentine time, which is constant throughout the year because Argentina does not observe daylight saving time. Buenos Aires is one hour ahead of Miami and five hours ahead of San Francisco. For teams based on the U.S. East Coast, there is a lot of overlap for code reviews, pull requests, and DevOps pipeline coordination.

Learn why time zone overlap matters for LATAM outsourcing.

Language Proficiency

São Paulo and Buenos Aires have strong technology communities, but the English fluency of their developers varies depending on education, exposure to international projects, and work experience.

São Paulo: Ranked 81st on EF's English Proficiency Index, São Paulo scores 507 in the world. Developers working with international clients or in multinational companies tend to be more proficient in technical English, which is critical for writing clean, well-documented code, discussing asynchronous programming concepts, and collaborating on RESTful API development.

Buenos Aires: Ranked 28th in the world for English proficiency, significantly higher than Brazil, Buenos Aires scored 566. Developers in Buenos Aires tend to be more fluent in English, making it easier to communicate complex backend architecture concepts, event-driven programming strategies, and API integrations with international teams.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

A solid technology infrastructure and reliable Internet access are essential for remote work. In Latin America, cities such as São Paulo and Buenos Aires stand out as growing technology hubs.

São Paulo: Brazil's technology hub, with approximately 133,000 professionals in the sector. The city leads the education technology market, with 37.8% of these companies and 58% concentrated in the southwest region of the country. It is also positioned as a reference in artificial intelligence and software development, attracting talent from all over Brazil. With a population of more than 22 million, São Paulo has a large pool of technology professionals.

Buenos Aires: It has established itself as an innovative ecosystem, home to more than 500 startups, more than half of which operate in the capital. Its growing digital economy, driven by highly skilled talent and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, has made the city a key technology hub in South America. Buenos Aires is a leader in the fintech sector and ranks fifth among the top ecosystems in the region. In addition, Argentina has produced twelve unicorn companies, reflecting its potential in the technology sector.

Hire a Remote Node JS Developer with Teilur Talent

At Teilur Talent, we take a different approach to hiring remote Node JS developers. Our rigorous selection process includes in-depth technical assessments, background checks, and English proficiency tests to ensure you get the best talent in Latin America. We don’t just find candidates with the right skills—we match them with your business model, company culture, and long-term goals. Whether you need a scalable backend solution or an expert to optimize your existing Node JS infrastructure, we ensure you hire top-tier developers who are a perfect fit.

Unlike many recruitment agencies that take undisclosed high margins from the developer’s salary, Teilur Talent is fully transparent. We charge a flat 20% fee with no hidden costs, ensuring that your investment goes directly toward securing the best remote Node.js developer for your team. Our fair pricing model allows you to access high-quality talent at competitive rates, making it easier than ever to build a strong, cost-effective, and scalable development team.

Learn more about how Teilur Talent disrupts pricing with transparency in recruiting.

FAQ

How can I hire developers?
Hiring developers can be achieved through various channels, including job boards, recruitment agencies, and freelancing platforms. Partnering with a specialized talent provider can streamline the process and connect you with pre-vetted professionals.

How to hire remote developers?
Hiring remote developers involves defining your project needs, sourcing candidates through online platforms or agencies, conducting virtual interviews, and setting clear expectations for communication and deliverables.​

How much does it cost to hire a Node.js developer?
The cost varies based on location, experience, and project complexity. For instance, in Brazil, the average monthly cost is around $4,500 to $6,000, while in Argentina, it tends to be lower.

What are the main advantages of using Node.js?
Node.js offers benefits such as non-blocking, event-driven architecture, making it ideal for scalable applications. It allows for the use of JavaScript on both the client and server sides, streamlining development.

Conclusion

Both São Paulo and Buenos Aires offer excellent opportunities to hire skilled remote Node.js developers, but the right choice depends on your business priorities. If you are looking for a larger talent pool with strong expertise in microservices, RESTful APIs, and high-performance backend solutions, São Paulo is a solid option, though it comes at a slightly higher cost. On the other hand, if cost efficiency, English proficiency, and strong full-stack development capabilities are your top priorities, Buenos Aires may be the better fit.

Ultimately, factors like salary expectations, time zone compatibility, English proficiency, and legal considerations should guide your decision. Both cities provide access to highly capable JavaScript engineers, making it easier than ever to scale your team with top-tier Node.js talent.

To help you make the best decision, use the calculator below to estimate your costs and potential savings. For more details and personalized advice, please contact us.