Cost of Living in Buenos Aires - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,412 monthly including rent, or $921 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,197 with rent, or $1,604 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,982 including rent, or $2,287 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$15.09 ARS 21.7K
$10.06 ARS 14.5K
$30.18 ARS 43.5K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$60.7 ARS 87.4K
$40.45 ARS 58.3K
$80.9 ARS 116.5K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$11.89 ARS 17.1K
$9.91 ARS 14.3K
$13.16 ARS 19.0K
Cappuccino
$4.01 ARS 5,777
$2.02 ARS 2,903
$7.05 ARS 10.2K
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.09 ARS 3,005
$1.46 ARS 2,097
$2.91 ARS 4,193
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.48 ARS 2,135
$0.99 ARS 1,424
$2.47 ARS 3,559
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.58 ARS 5,161
$1.49 ARS 2,151
$5.50 ARS 7,929
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.08 ARS 5,873
$2.53 ARS 3,641
$6.12 ARS 8,809
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.60 ARS 2,298
$1.02 ARS 1,473
$2.05 ARS 2,947
White Bread (500g)
$2.53 ARS 3,639
$1.01 ARS 1,461
$4.06 ARS 5,845
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.28 ARS 3,291
$1.11 ARS 1,602
$3.35 ARS 4,820
Eggs
$3.32 ARS 4,785
$2.05 ARS 2,954
$4.92 ARS 7,089
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.15 ARS 17.5K
$7.54 ARS 10.9K
$27.15 ARS 39.1K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.85 ARS 11.3K
$3.99 ARS 5,746
$11.47 ARS 16.5K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$9.66 ARS 13.9K
$6.66 ARS 9,591
$14.85 ARS 21.4K
Apples (1kg)
$2.49 ARS 3,582
$1.48 ARS 2,132
$3.95 ARS 5,686
Banana (1kg)
$2.06 ARS 2,966
$1.39 ARS 2,006
$3.98 ARS 5,732
Oranges (1kg)
$1.27 ARS 1,822
$0.70 ARS 1,011
$2.97 ARS 4,271
Tomato (1kg)
$2.55 ARS 3,667
$0.99 ARS 1,421
$3.95 ARS 5,685
Potato (1kg)
$1.49 ARS 2,147
$0.51 ARS 730
$2.16 ARS 3,111
Onion (1kg)
$1.47 ARS 2,114
$0.68 ARS 987
$2.45 ARS 3,524
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.84 ARS 2,653
$1.01 ARS 1,450
$3.02 ARS 4,350
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.44 ARS 2,079
$0.99 ARS 1,424
$2.47 ARS 3,560
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.27 ARS 4,716
$2.01 ARS 2,902
$4.03 ARS 5,805
Wine (Bottle)
$5.75 ARS 8,280
$3.52 ARS 5,064
$9.79 ARS 14.1K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.24 ARS 3,233
$1.42 ARS 2,044
$3.05 ARS 4,393
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.20 ARS 4,610
$1.54 ARS 2,223
$5.14 ARS 7,411
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.72 ARS 1,036
$0.51 ARS 740
$1.03 ARS 1,480
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$16.12 ARS 23.2K
$7.11 ARS 10.2K
$25.19 ARS 36.3K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.65 ARS 2,370
$0.87 ARS 1,259
$2.06 ARS 2,962
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.91 ARS 1,306
$0.51 ARS 734
$1.32 ARS 1,908
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.93 ARS 8,544
$4.19 ARS 6,037
$9.88 ARS 14.2K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.11 ARS 1,600
$0.97 ARS 1,403
$1.27 ARS 1,824
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$24.6K ARS 35.4M
$19.6K ARS 28.3M
$28.5K ARS 41.0M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$28.8K ARS 41.5M
$25.9K ARS 37.3M
$33.8K ARS 48.7M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$109 ARS 157.1K
$68.9 ARS 99.2K
$197 ARS 283.5K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$21.60 ARS 31.1K
$7.03 ARS 10.1K
$40.20 ARS 57.9K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$29.00 ARS 41.8K
$20.07 ARS 28.9K
$60.2 ARS 86.8K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$42.80 ARS 61.7K
$25.33 ARS 36.5K
$60.8 ARS 87.6K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$11.76 ARS 16.9K
$5.10 ARS 7,340
$18.34 ARS 26.4K
Cinema Ticket
$9.01 ARS 13.0K
$6.01 ARS 8,654
$11.68 ARS 16.8K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$324 ARS 466.7K
$128 ARS 185.0K
$494 ARS 711.5K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$5,180 ARS 7.5M
$2,160 ARS 3.1M
$7,199 ARS 10.4M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$109 ARS 156.4K
$45.91 ARS 66.1K
$147 ARS 212.4K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$86.8 ARS 125.0K
$50.4 ARS 72.6K
$141 ARS 203.3K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$124 ARS 178.1K
$74.1 ARS 106.7K
$198 ARS 284.6K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$133 ARS 191.2K
$50.5 ARS 72.7K
$252 ARS 363.3K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$658 ARS 948.2K
$457 ARS 658.5K
$1,016 ARS 1.5M
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$447 ARS 644.5K
$305 ARS 440.0K
$611 ARS 880.0K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,155 ARS 1.7M
$693 ARS 998.7K
$1,585 ARS 2.3M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$811 ARS 1.2M
$556 ARS 801.2K
$1,315 ARS 1.9M
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,627 ARS 3.8M
$2,325 ARS 3.3M
$3,033 ARS 4.4M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,830 ARS 2.6M
$1,304 ARS 1.9M
$2,509 ARS 3.6M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$820 ARS 1.2M
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
52.71
40
70

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $658 for a central one-bedroom, or $447 outside the center. At 80% of the average salary ($820), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $820, while typical expenses reach $1,412. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $272 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $61.0 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $16.12 per month.

Cost Highlights

Buenos Aires has the 6th most expensive rice in South America

Buenos Aires has the 7th most expensive family monthly cost (excluding rent) in South America

Buenos Aires has the 8th most expensive family monthly cost (including rent) in South America

Buenos Aires Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

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Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

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Latency
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Buenos Aires - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Buenos Aires compare in terms of overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Buenos Aires tends to offer a favorable balance of value and lifestyle for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. A quick read of Cost of Living in Buenos Aires, Argentina shows the city's affordability is driven by flexible housing and diverse neighborhoods. In broad terms, the city feels affordable compared with major Western capitals, with a wide range of rental options and dining choices that scale to different budgets. The rhythm of life - plaza coffee, neighborhood markets, and lively nightlife - adds value beyond price tags. Costs vary by district and season, but quality amenities are accessible without a premium. Digital nomads often appreciate reliable internet and coworking spots in central barrios. Tip: consider longer leases to negotiate more favorable rents.
What does daily life look like for housing, food options, and getting around?
For day-to-day planning, most aim to balance rent, groceries, and transit without sacrificing quality. Housing options span from renovated older apartments in traditional estancias to modern towers in Palermo or micro-neighborhoods like Colegiales. Food includes abundant markets, steakhouses, and casual bakeries; you’ll find affordable meals if you embrace local spots. Public transport is a practical backbone: Subte (metro) and buses connect most districts, with a growing bike-share presence. Co-working spaces and cafes offer reliable Wi-Fi for remote work. Buenos Aires, Argentina living cost will shift with inflation and season, so budget-room planning helps. Tip: build a week-by-week shopping plan to cut impulse buys.
Which neighborhoods fit different lifestyles and what budgeting approach helps you settle in smoothly?
Choosing a neighborhood in Buenos Aires depends on your pace and work style. Palermo blends restaurants, parks, and nightlife; San Telmo leans bohemian; Recoleta offers polished amenities; Almagro and Colegiales feel quieter with easier access to transit. A practical budgeting framework centers on rent first, then groceries, utilities, and transport. Seasonal shifts affect outdoor activities and cafe hopping, so build a flexible plan for shoulder seasons. For longer stays, negotiate leases, ask landlords about included utilities, and test the area during a workweek to gauge noise, internet reliability, and commute times. Tip: use a local SIM and transit pass to simplify daily costs.
Is the cost of living in Buenos Aires reasonable?
At around $1,412 monthly all-in, Buenos Aires offers decent value. It's not the cheapest and not the priciest – a good fit for people who want city convenience without capital-level costs.
Is Buenos Aires affordable on an average income?
Everyday life in Buenos Aires is moderately priced at about $1,412 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
How does the average salary in Buenos Aires compare to the cost of living?
At $820 take-home, most residents in Buenos Aires can cover the $1,412 monthly cost of living. Those earning $2,119 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Buenos Aires per month?
Where you live in Buenos Aires makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $658; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $447. Overall, the market runs from $447 to $658 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Buenos Aires?
A monthly transit pass in Buenos Aires runs about $16.12, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
What should I budget for groceries in Buenos Aires?
At about $272 monthly, food costs in Buenos Aires sit in moderate territory. A mix of local markets and supermarkets covers most needs at fair prices, and most residents eat well without having to pinch pennies.
Does $2,000 cover living expenses in Buenos Aires?
Living on $2,000 in Buenos Aires means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,412. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
What makes Buenos Aires attractive for retirement?
Retirement in Buenos Aires is comfortable for most – total costs run about $1,412 monthly. Healthcare, daily amenities, and social infrastructure are all in place, and most retirees find it a practical, enjoyable place to settle.
How much can you save per month in Buenos Aires?
Monthly expenses in Buenos Aires run around $1,412, so putting money aside takes more than $2,119 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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