Cost of living in Argentina: average cost of accommodation, food, entertainment and budget per month in Buenos Aires
Table of contents
- Is it expensive to live in Argentina?
- Cost of housing in Argentina
- Prices for utilities in Argentina
- What are the prices of products in Argentina?
- How much does lunch cost in an Argentinian restaurant?
- The cost of transportation in Argentina
- Medical expenses in Argentina
- Additional costs in Argentina
Argentina is not only a fantastic country to visit, but also a great place to live. It offers expats a unique combination of European and Latin American values, diverse landscapes and rich culture. Argentina also stands out for its affordable prices. Find out how much it costs to live in Argentina in 2024
Great weather, delicious cuisine, amazing nature, rich culture and measured lifestyle attract expats, retirees and digital nomads from all over the world to Argentina.
In addition, the state will delight expats with an excellent cost of living. Most everyday expenses in Argentina (groceries, internet connection, dining out, going to the movies, etc.) are about 50-60% lower than in the United States.
If you're planning to rent, the news is even better: apartment rents in Argentina are on average 75% cheaper than in most European countries.
How much does it cost to live in Argentina? We tell.
Is it expensive to live in Argentina?
Living here is quite inexpensive. For a comfortable life in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, a family of two needs to have a budget of 1,200 to 1,400 USD per month. In rural areas or outside major cities, these costs are approximately $900-$1,100 per month.
Estimated monthly expenses for one person - 1250 USD.
Cost of housing in Argentina
One of the main advantages of moving to Argentina is the affordable cost of housing. Whether you're looking to rent or buy real estate, you're likely to find something within your budget.
Prices for renting housing in Argentina
You can rent an apartment in Buenos Aires for any taste and budget. For example, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges from $400 to $700. Whether you choose the historic quarter of San Telmo or the attractive Palermo, you will be able to find a lot of accommodation for rent in the city.
A one-room apartment near the center of the Argentine capital costs 245 USD. Likewise, a one-room apartment in the center of Rosario will cost $264. A three-room apartment in the center of Bariloche costs $432.
The cost of buying real estate in Argentina
If you're looking to buy a home, the best deals on homes can be found outside of the metropolitan areas. You can buy an apartment in the center of Buenos Aires for USD 2,396.46 per square meter, outside the central part from USD 1,788.41 per square meter.
Prices for utilities in Argentina
A standard monthly utility bill for an 85 square meter apartment in a city in Argentina should be around $90. This includes heating, water, electricity and garbage collection.
Internet costs are usually about half of what you'd pay in Europe, around $10-$15, although this can vary greatly depending on location and connection quality. You should also not expect perfect communication, for example, in remote parts of Patagonia.
What are the prices of products in Argentina?
You can find almost any local or imported food you need in the cities of Argentina. A proven way to save money is to cook for yourself instead of eating out.
In search of products, it is better to go to local markets, and not to modern supermarkets, because there the prices are lower and the quality is higher. For the best food deals, it's best to visit the local fish, meat and produce markets on weekend mornings.
In total, two grocery bags filled with fresh fruits and vegetables will cost you less than $20.
Chicken breast (500 grams) - $3.35, milk (1 liter) - $1.49, 12 large eggs - $2.88, tomatoes (1 kg) - $3.16, cheese (500 g) - $5.94, apples (1 kg) – $2.44, potatoes (1 kg) – $1.24, domestic beer (0.5 l) – $1.74, a bottle of red wine – $5.63.
How much does lunch cost in an Argentinian restaurant?
Argentina is a paradise for gourmets. It is here that you will most likely taste the tastiest steak of your life, and you can also easily enjoy delicious Italian cuisine at affordable prices.
A baked empanada (a small meat pie) costs less than $1, a cappuccino can be had for less than $2, and a large restaurant pizza costs about $10.
Many restaurants offer set menus for lunch or dinner that include an appetizer, main course, dessert, and a drink for just $8. Expect to pay between $16 and $25 for a delicious three-course dinner with wine.
To save money, eat at places popular with locals, rather than the touristy cafes in the main squares.
The cost of transportation in Argentina
The bus system in Argentina is modern, convenient and inexpensive. You can get to any part of the country by public transport. For example, a 9-hour bus ride from Buenos Aires to Córdoba costs about $42 on average.
Argentina's rail network is not very extensive, but trains can be a pleasant way to travel between Buenos Aires and other major cities in the country.
Public transport costs are quite budgetary. For example, in the capital, you can drive through the entire city for 25-50 cents.
Taxis are a popular option in Argentina's cities, with taxis costing less than US$1 per kilometer.
Medical expenses in Argentina
A high percentage of Argentine doctors and specialists have studied abroad. Many pharmacies are open 24 hours a day. In general, here you will find all the same types of medical services that you are used to at home, but at a fraction of the cost.
A visit to a specialist doctor in Argentina usually costs between 20 and 60 dollars. The dental care is top notch and the prices are about a quarter of what you would pay in North America. Quality cosmetic surgery is also affordable and in high demand: for example, a facelift costs $7,700 in the United States, about $2,400 in Buenos Aires.
Those who wish to have a more comprehensive plan with wider coverage should take care of private health insurance, which costs €40-60 per month.
You will need health insurance to safely move and find employment in a new country. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.
Additional costs in Argentina
In addition to basic expenses, you should also consider additional ones, for example, expect to spend between 50 and 100 USD per month on entertainment, depending on your hobbies and interests: a subscription to a fitness club in Argentina costs about 30 USD.
Renting a bike costs about $2 per hour in Buenos Aires, or $12 to $15 for a full day.
Two movie tickets will cost $12.
The monthly cost of a full-day private preschool is about $150.
Argentina is known for its affordable cost of living compared to many Western European countries, which extends to healthcare, education and entertainment. In addition, most public services are effectively free. All these factors make Argentina an attractive option for moving to permanent residence.
We will remind you! Argentina has the fifth largest IT market, making it a reliable outsourcing location for high-quality software development services. We have already told which famous corporations already receive outsourcing services in Argentina, why outsourcing is so popular and which 5 powerful software development centers operate in Argentina.
Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld
To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.
Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Argentina;
Legal advice on immigration to Argentina;
Travel insurance for foreigners in Argentina;
Medical insurance all over the world.
We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information. Therefore, if you see any error or discrepancy, please write to our hotline.
Recommended articles
3 min
ExpatsThe cost of living in different countries varies greatly, and in some countries it is much cheaper to live. Find out more about the TOP 5 countries in the world with the lowest cost of living in 2024, as well as where the lowest taxes and the highest average salary
08 wrz. 2024
More details3 min
ExpatsCost of living in Spain: average expenses for housing, food, entertainment and budget per month
Spain is a fantastic Mediterranean country that attracts not only tourists but also thousands of expats. Living here is the dream of many people in the world. Is it expensive to live in Spain? Find out what prices are here in 2024 for accommodation, food, entertainment and much more
03 wrz. 2024
More details2 min
EducationWhich European country pays the most for supplies: price comparison and tips on how to save
Autumn is the beginning of a new academic year at school. Usually, in September, students in most European countries sit down at their desks again. However, such an event requires some preparation, including the purchase of school equipment. Find out in which European countries school supplies cost the most and how you can save on them
03 wrz. 2024
More details3 min
ExpatsCountries which offer birthright citizenship: basic rules and requirements
Not all countries grant citizenship to children born on their territory. In some states, it is necessary to fulfill a number of requirements, while others do not offer such an option at all. Find out which countries offer birthright citizenship
05 wrz. 2024
More detailsAll materials and articles are owned by VisitWorld.Today and are protected by international intellectual property regulations. When using materials, approval from VisitWorld.Today is required.