Last update: Oct 2026 Argentina ⭐ Capital 2.9M

Cost of Living in Buenos Aires

For one person, living costs in Buenos Aires are estimated at $1,646 a month, including rent and utilities – 23% above the national average. Rent and utilities take more than a third of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Buenos Aires

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Buenos Aires actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $1,646 monthly including rent, or $932 excluding housing.

$1,646 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,680 with rent, or $1,625 without housing.

$2,680 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $3,714 including rent, or $2,318 for daily expenses alone.

$3,714 /mo
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$17.81 ARS 27.0K
$10.60 ARS 16.1K
$34.56 ARS 52.4K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$65.2 ARS 98.9K
$43.17 ARS 65.5K
$120 ARS 182.6K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$13.12 ARS 19.9K
$11.93 ARS 18.1K
$15.13 ARS 23.0K
Cappuccino
$3.86 ARS 5,863
$2.21 ARS 3,359
$6.34 ARS 9,619
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.06 ARS 3,133
$1.21 ARS 1,834
$3.52 ARS 5,349
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.68 ARS 2,542
$1.06 ARS 1,602
$3.05 ARS 4,622
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.10 ARS 6,218
$2.06 ARS 3,125
$6.18 ARS 9,374
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.73 ARS 7,181
$3.03 ARS 4,603
$8.49 ARS 12.9K
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.51 ARS 2,285
$1.01 ARS 1,534
$2.22 ARS 3,374
White Bread (500g)
$2.60 ARS 3,950
$1.49 ARS 2,257
$4.02 ARS 6,100
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.57 ARS 2,380
$1.01 ARS 1,535
$2.97 ARS 4,514
Eggs
$2.73 ARS 4,144
$1.19 ARS 1,802
$3.80 ARS 5,766
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.86 ARS 16.5K
$6.54 ARS 9,920
$26.14 ARS 39.7K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.07 ARS 15.3K
$3.78 ARS 5,737
$13.43 ARS 20.4K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.22 ARS 20.1K
$7.99 ARS 12.1K
$19.68 ARS 29.9K
Apples (1kg)
$2.80 ARS 4,255
$1.43 ARS 2,173
$5.97 ARS 9,052
Banana (1kg)
$2.09 ARS 3,170
$1.30 ARS 1,970
$3.06 ARS 4,637
Oranges (1kg)
$1.45 ARS 2,194
$0.81 ARS 1,227
$3.03 ARS 4,602
Tomato (1kg)
$2.00 ARS 3,040
$0.99 ARS 1,505
$3.20 ARS 4,861
Potato (1kg)
$1.20 ARS 1,826
$0.49 ARS 742
$2.81 ARS 4,260
Onion (1kg)
$1.20 ARS 1,821
$0.66 ARS 1,003
$2.03 ARS 3,086
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.69 ARS 2,569
$0.97 ARS 1,470
$3.06 ARS 4,643
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.79 ARS 2,711
$1.02 ARS 1,549
$3.06 ARS 4,648
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.00 ARS 6,074
$3.24 ARS 4,921
$4.87 ARS 7,389
Wine (Bottle)
$5.53 ARS 8,388
$2.97 ARS 4,510
$12.81 ARS 19.4K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.12 ARS 3,219
$1.01 ARS 1,540
$4.06 ARS 6,160
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.78 ARS 4,212
$1.52 ARS 2,314
$4.37 ARS 6,634
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.69 ARS 1,049
$0.53 ARS 801
$1.03 ARS 1,559
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$27.90 ARS 42.3K
$20.29 ARS 30.8K
$45.65 ARS 69.3K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.63 ARS 2,471
$1.38 ARS 2,100
$2.54 ARS 3,861
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.97 ARS 1,478
$0.66 ARS 1,005
$1.95 ARS 2,956
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$7.89 ARS 12.0K
$5.95 ARS 9,024
$10.11 ARS 15.3K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.42 ARS 2,156
$1.16 ARS 1,753
$1.64 ARS 2,482
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$23.3K ARS 35.4M
$23.0K ARS 34.9M
$34.6K ARS 52.5M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$31.9K ARS 48.5M
$28.9K ARS 43.8M
$38.0K ARS 57.6M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$199 ARS 302.7K
$121 ARS 183.5K
$285 ARS 433.2K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$23.36 ARS 35.4K
$9.83 ARS 14.9K
$49.19 ARS 74.6K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$31.44 ARS 47.7K
$20.21 ARS 30.7K
$60.6 ARS 92.0K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$49.81 ARS 75.6K
$30.34 ARS 46.0K
$80.8 ARS 122.6K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$16.63 ARS 25.2K
$7.89 ARS 12.0K
$21.25 ARS 32.3K
Cinema Ticket
$10.80 ARS 16.4K
$8.03 ARS 12.2K
$15.37 ARS 23.3K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$462 ARS 701.7K
$398 ARS 603.8K
$696 ARS 1.1M
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$8,790 ARS 13.3M
$4,545 ARS 6.9M
$16.0K ARS 24.3M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$120 ARS 181.6K
$54.7 ARS 83.0K
$149 ARS 226.1K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$94.6 ARS 143.6K
$49.44 ARS 75.0K
$148 ARS 225.1K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$116 ARS 176.4K
$73.6 ARS 111.7K
$159 ARS 240.9K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$137 ARS 208.6K
$79.5 ARS 120.6K
$199 ARS 301.5K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$750 ARS 1.1M
$506 ARS 768.6K
$1,510 ARS 2.3M
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$514 ARS 780.5K
$365 ARS 554.2K
$864 ARS 1.3M
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,567 ARS 2.4M
$1,178 ARS 1.8M
$2,453 ARS 3.7M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,196 ARS 1.8M
$806 ARS 1.2M
$1,954 ARS 3.0M
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,632 ARS 4.0M
$2,271 ARS 3.4M
$3,259 ARS 4.9M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,874 ARS 2.8M
$1,502 ARS 2.3M
$2,504 ARS 3.8M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$924 ARS 1.4M
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
57.25
40
89

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

Last update: October 19, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Buenos Aires $1,646
Accommodation & Living
$514
Groceries & Markets
$285
Eating Out
$273
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$254
Clothing & Footwear
$211
Sport & Entertainment
$71
Getting Around
$37

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $750 for a central one-bedroom, or $514 outside the center. At 81% of the average salary ($924), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $924, while typical expenses reach $1,646. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $285 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $65.0 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $27.90 per month.

Cost Highlights

Buenos Aires has the 5th most expensive family monthly cost (including rent) in South America

Buenos Aires has the 6th most expensive 3-bedroom apartment, outside city center in South America

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

Good to know
🕒 Local time
18:41 6:41 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
2,891,082 Capital
💱 Currency
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USD, EUR to ARS – Argentine Peso Converter

Argentine Peso exchange rates as of October 24, 2026: 1 USD = 1,517 ARS (10,000 ARS = 6.59 USD). 1 EUR = 1,706 ARS (10,000 ARS = 5.86 EUR).

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Buenos Aires Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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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 $1,646 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 $1,646 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 $924 take-home, most residents in Buenos Aires can cover the $1,646 monthly cost of living. Those earning $2,468 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 $750; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $514. Overall, the market runs from $514 to $750 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Buenos Aires?
A monthly transit pass in Buenos Aires runs about $27.90, 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 $285 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 $3,000 cover living expenses in Buenos Aires?
Living on $3,000 in Buenos Aires means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,646. 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 $1,646 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 $1,646, so putting money aside takes more than $2,468 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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