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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Mar del Plata 2024
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Mar del Plata, Argentina


Cost of Living in Mar del Plata

By Betsy Burlingame

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

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Mar del Plata is around $400 USD per month. This can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Mar del Plata is around $1,500 USD per square meter. This can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Mar del Plata is around $0.50 USD per ride. Taxis are also available and the cost is around $2.50 USD per ride.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Mar del Plata is relatively low. A typical grocery bill for a family of four can range from $50 to $100 USD per week.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Mar del Plata is relatively low. A typical meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $20 USD.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Mar del Plata is relatively low. The average cost of utilities for a family of four is around $50 USD per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Mar del Plata varies depending on the school. The average cost of tuition for preschool is around $200 USD per month, elementary school is around $400 USD per month, middle school is around $500 USD per month, and high school is around $600 USD per month.

Can I live in Mar del Plata on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Mar del Plata 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 adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more affordable areas in Mar del Plata include La Perla, Constitución, and Los Pinares. These neighborhoods offer a good balance between affordability and access to amenities. On the other hand, I would avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Playa Grande, Güemes, and Los Troncos, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.When it comes to housing, you can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment in the more affordable neighborhoods for around $300 to $500 per month. Keep in mind that utilities and internet will add to your monthly expenses, so budget accordingly. If you're willing to share an apartment with roommates, you can save even more on housing costs.As for transportation, public buses are quite affordable, and a monthly pass costs around $20. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available, but they can be more expensive, so I'd recommend using them sparingly. If you're up for it, biking is a great way to get around the city and save money on transportation.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite affordable in Mar del Plata, especially if you stick to local restaurants and avoid touristy areas. You can find a decent meal for around $5 to $10. However, cooking at home will always be cheaper, and you can find fresh produce and groceries at local markets and supermarkets. I usually spend around $200 to $300 per month on groceries.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be affordable if you know where to look. There are plenty of free or low-cost events and activities happening around the city, such as concerts, art exhibitions, and outdoor activities. Going to the movies or out for drinks with friends can be relatively inexpensive as well, but it's essential to budget for these expenses.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to, like eating out at high-end restaurants or having a large, luxurious apartment. You'll also need to be mindful of your spending and stick to a budget to make sure you don't overspend.Overall, living in Mar del Plata on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and careful budgeting. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your spending, and taking advantage of low-cost or free activities, you can live comfortably and enjoy your time in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Mar del Plata.

Can I live in Mar del Plata on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Mar del Plata 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, if you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like Los Troncos or Playa Grande, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or share with roommates to make it work within your budget. These areas are known for their beautiful homes, proximity to the beach, and great restaurants, but they can be quite pricey.On the other hand, if you're willing to live in a more affordable neighborhood like La Perla or Constitución, you can find a larger apartment or even a small house within your budget. These areas are still safe and have good amenities, but they might not be as trendy or close to the beach as the more expensive neighborhoods.In terms of other expenses, you'll find that groceries, transportation, and entertainment are generally quite affordable in Mar del Plata. You can save money by shopping at local markets and taking public transportation instead of relying on taxis or a car. Eating out can be inexpensive if you stick to local restaurants and avoid the more touristy areas.One sacrifice you might have to make is adjusting to the slower pace of life in Mar del Plata compared to a big city. Things might not be as efficient or fast-paced as you're used to, but that can also be a nice change of pace and give you a chance to enjoy the laid-back Argentine lifestyle.Overall, I think it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Mar del Plata on $3,000 a month, as long as you're willing to be flexible with your housing choices and embrace the local way of life," said one expat living in Mar del Plata.

Can I live in Mar del Plata on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Mar del Plata for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might even find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living here than in some other countries. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more affordable areas in Mar del Plata include La Perla, Constitución, and Los Pinares. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of residential and commercial areas, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and other amenities nearby. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Playa Grande, Los Troncos, and Güemes, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher.When it comes to housing, you'll find that there's a wide range of options available, from modern apartments to more traditional houses. If you're looking to save money, you might want to consider renting a smaller apartment or sharing a house with other expats. This can help you cut down on your housing costs while still enjoying a comfortable living space.In terms of transportation, Mar del Plata has a decent public transport system, including buses and taxis. However, if you're used to having your own car, you might find that the cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle here can be quite high. To save money, you could consider using public transport or even walking or cycling to get around the city.As for other expenses, you'll find that the cost of groceries, dining out, and entertainment in Mar del Plata is generally quite affordable. However, you might have to make some sacrifices when it comes to certain luxury items or imported goods, as these can be more expensive here than in other countries. To save money, you could try shopping at local markets or opting for more budget-friendly restaurants and entertainment options.Overall, living in Mar del Plata on a $5,000 a month budget is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your housing and transportation costs, and making some small sacrifices when it comes to luxury items, you'll be able to make the most of your time in this beautiful Argentine city," commented an expat living in Mar del Plata.

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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