Cost of Living in Buenos Aires

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Expats moving to Buenos Aires will encounter an economy which has an unstable inflation rate and a tendency to fluctuate without warning. As a result of this, the cost of living in Buenos Aires tends to fluctuate a lot too. On the whole, though, life in Buenos Aires is generally affordable.

In 2020, Buenos Aires ranked 133rd out of 209 cities in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey. This places it as more expensive than Rio de Janeiro and Budapest, but cheaper than Madrid and Jakarta.

Cost of accommodation in Buenos Aires

Accommodation in Buenos Aires can take up a large part of an expat's monthly budget. However, it tends to be cheaper than in other major capital cities.

Expats should be aware that if they choose to rent in Argentina, they will likely pay much more than what a local would. Expats will be required to provide a few months’ rent in advance and in some cases will also need a guarantor.

Cost of transport in Buenos Aires

Argentina no longer has its own automobile industry. This makes cars very expensive in the country as import tax is very high. Expats, however, will find that there are good quality second-hand cars available.

Public transport in Argentina is exceptionally cheap.

Cost of schooling in Buenos Aires

Public education in Buenos Aires is inexpensive. However, international schools, the option most expats choose, can be very expensive. Annual tuition fees are high – some are all inclusive but most don't include additional costs for uniforms, bus services, school lunches and excursions.

Cost of food and clothing in Buenos Aires

The price of supermarket food in Buenos Aires is comparable to what one would expect to pay in Western countries. However, there are items (for example, meat) that are less expensive. Clothing is expensive in Buenos Aires, as are electronics, appliances and furniture.

Cost of healthcare in Buenos Aires

Many expats find health insurance in Argentina to be inexpensive. General healthcare costs for things like doctor’s visits, hospital stays and non-prescription medicines are very low.