- Purchase the complete Expat Arrivals Buenos Aires Guide (PDF)
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. Buenos Aires ranked 168th out of 209 cities in the 2021 Mercer Cost of Living Survey.
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.
Cost of living in Buenos Aires chart
Prices may vary depending on location and service provider. The table below is based on average prices in Buenos Aires for March 2022.
Accommodation (monthly) |
|
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre |
ARS 45,000 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
ARS 35,000 |
One-bedroom apartment in city centre |
ARS 28,000 |
One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
ARS 23,000 |
Shopping |
|
Milk (1 litre) |
ARS 65 |
Dozen eggs |
ARS 150 |
Loaf of white bread |
ARS 120 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
ARS 340 |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) |
ARS 200 |
Eating out |
|
Big Mac Meal |
ARS 500 |
Coca-Cola (330ml) |
ARS 90 |
Cappuccino |
ARS 180 |
Bottle of local beer |
ARS 150 |
Three-course meal for two people at mid-range restaurant |
ARS 2,400 |
Utilities/household |
|
Mobile call rate (per minute – mobile to mobile) |
ARS 13 |
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) |
ARS 1,800 |
Utilities (average per month for standard household) |
ARS 4,500 |
Transportation |
|
Taxi rate per km |
ARS 40 |
City centre public transport fare |
ARS 27 |
Petrol (per litre) |
ARS 70 |