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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Buenos Aires 2024
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Buenos Aires, Argentina


Cost of Living in Buenos Aires

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: If you're moving to Buenos Aires, understanding the the cost of living in Buenos Aires helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Buenos Aires is around $1,000 USD per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $1,500 USD per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around $700 USD per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around $1,000 USD per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Buenos Aires varies greatly depending on the size and location. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center range from $100,000 USD to $200,000 USD. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center range from $200,000 USD to $400,000 USD. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center range from $50,000 USD to $100,000 USD. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center range from $100,000 USD to $200,000 USD.
Transportation Public transportation in Buenos Aires is relatively inexpensive. A single bus or subway ride costs around $1 USD. Monthly passes are available for around $30 USD. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride depends on the distance traveled. A ride from the airport to the city center costs around $30 USD.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Buenos Aires is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around $1 USD, a liter of milk costs around $1 USD, and a dozen eggs costs around $2 USD. Prices for fruits and vegetables vary depending on the season.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Buenos Aires varies greatly depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around $5 USD, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $15 USD. A meal at a high-end restaurant can cost upwards of $50 USD.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Buenos Aires is relatively low. The average cost of electricity for a two-bedroom apartment is around $50 USD per month. The average cost of water for a two-bedroom apartment is around $20 USD per month. The average cost of internet for a two-bedroom apartment is around $30 USD per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Buenos Aires varies greatly depending on the school. Preschool tuition ranges from $500 USD to $1,000 USD per month. Elementary school tuition ranges from $1,000 USD to $2,000 USD per month. Middle school tuition ranges from $2,000 USD to $3,000 USD per month. High school tuition ranges from $3,000 USD to $4,000 USD per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Buenos Aires

"The cost of living in Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally considered to be quite affordable. Rent prices are generally lower than in other major cities, and groceries and other everyday items are also relatively inexpensive. Eating out can be quite affordable, with many restaurants offering meals for a fraction of the cost of similar meals in other cities. Transportation is also relatively inexpensive, with public transportation being the most cost-effective option. Overall, Buenos Aires is a great city to live in for those looking for an affordable lifestyle," said one expat living in Buenos Aires .

Can I live in Buenos Aires on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Buenos Aires for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Palermo, Recoleta, and Belgrano might be out of your budget, so I'd recommend looking into more affordable areas like Almagro, Caballito, or Villa Crespo. These neighborhoods still have a lot of charm and are well-connected to the rest of the city, but the cost of living is lower.When it comes to housing, you'll probably have to settle for a smaller apartment or even consider sharing a place with roommates to save on rent. Utilities and internet can be a bit pricey, so sharing those costs with others can help you stay within your budget.Eating out can be quite expensive in Buenos Aires, especially in the more touristy areas. To save money, I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. When you do eat out, try to stick to more local, less touristy spots where the prices are more reasonable.Public transportation is pretty affordable here, so I'd recommend using the subway and buses to get around the city instead of relying on taxis or ride-sharing apps, which can add up quickly.You'll also need to be mindful of your entertainment expenses. Going out to bars and clubs can be pricey, so try to find more budget-friendly options like free events, parks, or museums with discounted admission days.Overall, living in Buenos Aires on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be smart about your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, dining, and entertainment. But the city has so much to offer, and with a little creativity, you can still enjoy a great quality of life here," commented an expat living in Buenos Aires .

Can I live in Buenos Aires on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Buenos Aires for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the size of your apartment.For example, some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Palermo, Recoleta, and Belgrano might be out of your budget if you want a larger, more modern apartment. These areas are known for their upscale restaurants, shops, and beautiful parks, but the cost of living is higher.On the other hand, there are more affordable neighborhoods like Almagro, Caballito, and Villa Crespo where you can find a nice apartment for a lower price. These areas are still safe and have good public transportation options, but they might not have the same level of amenities as the more expensive neighborhoods.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or one that's not as modern as you're used to. Additionally, you might have to cut back on eating out at fancy restaurants or going to expensive bars and clubs. However, Buenos Aires has a great food scene with plenty of affordable options, so you won't be missing out too much.Another thing to consider is transportation. While public transportation is relatively cheap, taxis and ride-sharing services can add up quickly. To save money, you might want to rely more on buses and the subway, or even consider biking or walking when possible.Overall, living in Buenos Aires on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of your living situation and lifestyle. But in my experience, the city has so much to offer that it's worth making those adjustments to enjoy everything it has to offer," said one expat living in Buenos Aires .

Can I live in Buenos Aires on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Buenos Aires for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, you can maintain a good quality of life.First, let's talk about housing. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Palermo, Recoleta, and Belgrano, might be a bit out of your budget if you want to live in a luxury apartment. However, you can still find nice, modern apartments in these areas for a reasonable price if you're willing to compromise on size or certain amenities. If you're looking for more affordable neighborhoods, consider areas like Almagro, Caballito, or Villa Crespo. These neighborhoods are still safe and have good public transportation options, but the cost of living is generally lower.When it comes to dining out and entertainment, Buenos Aires has a wide range of options for all budgets. You might not be able to eat at the fanciest restaurants every night, but there are plenty of affordable and delicious local eateries to choose from. The same goes for entertainment – there are always free or low-cost events happening around the city, so you won't have to break the bank to have a good time.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of transportation. While public transportation is affordable and relatively efficient, it might not be as comfortable or reliable as you're used to. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available, but they can add up if you use them frequently. To save money, consider using public transportation or even biking around the city.Finally, keep in mind that imported goods can be quite expensive in Argentina due to high import taxes. This means that certain products, like electronics or specific brands of clothing, might be more expensive than you're used to. To make your budget work, you might have to prioritize your spending and opt for local or regional brands instead.Overall, living in Buenos Aires on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities. Just be prepared to make some adjustments and prioritize your spending in certain areas," commented an expat living in Buenos Aires .

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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