Cost of Living in Buenos Aires - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,632 monthly including rent, or $944 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,712 with rent, or $1,633 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $3,793 including rent, or $2,322 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$19.34 ARS 29.2K
$10.91 ARS 16.5K
$33.55 ARS 50.6K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$70.9 ARS 106.9K
$48.76 ARS 73.6K
$122 ARS 183.9K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$12.81 ARS 19.3K
$11.65 ARS 17.6K
$14.79 ARS 22.3K
Cappuccino
$4.00 ARS 6,028
$2.27 ARS 3,418
$6.18 ARS 9,321
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.06 ARS 3,106
$1.36 ARS 2,046
$3.52 ARS 5,314
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.65 ARS 2,493
$0.98 ARS 1,484
$2.95 ARS 4,452
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.67 ARS 5,532
$1.98 ARS 2,990
$5.95 ARS 8,971
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.43 ARS 6,687
$2.95 ARS 4,448
$8.26 ARS 12.5K
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.43 ARS 2,164
$0.99 ARS 1,493
$2.37 ARS 3,568
White Bread (500g)
$2.51 ARS 3,779
$1.46 ARS 2,202
$4.13 ARS 6,234
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.51 ARS 2,278
$0.98 ARS 1,479
$2.88 ARS 4,348
Eggs
$2.71 ARS 4,092
$1.18 ARS 1,779
$4.12 ARS 6,212
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.12 ARS 15.3K
$5.91 ARS 8,908
$20.27 ARS 30.6K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$9.98 ARS 15.1K
$3.77 ARS 5,687
$13.39 ARS 20.2K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.85 ARS 20.9K
$8.14 ARS 12.3K
$20.05 ARS 30.2K
Apples (1kg)
$2.74 ARS 4,134
$1.40 ARS 2,111
$5.83 ARS 8,796
Banana (1kg)
$2.01 ARS 3,033
$1.27 ARS 1,914
$3.05 ARS 4,608
Oranges (1kg)
$1.36 ARS 2,055
$0.78 ARS 1,174
$2.92 ARS 4,404
Tomato (1kg)
$2.11 ARS 3,188
$1.02 ARS 1,533
$3.15 ARS 4,752
Potato (1kg)
$1.14 ARS 1,727
$0.49 ARS 744
$1.97 ARS 2,977
Onion (1kg)
$1.16 ARS 1,745
$0.64 ARS 970
$1.98 ARS 2,984
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.75 ARS 2,638
$0.98 ARS 1,474
$3.09 ARS 4,655
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.74 ARS 2,620
$1.02 ARS 1,541
$3.29 ARS 4,963
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.36 ARS 6,574
$3.37 ARS 5,079
$5.06 ARS 7,627
Wine (Bottle)
$5.67 ARS 8,558
$3.05 ARS 4,601
$13.15 ARS 19.8K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.10 ARS 3,161
$0.97 ARS 1,470
$3.90 ARS 5,881
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.68 ARS 4,046
$1.46 ARS 2,199
$4.18 ARS 6,303
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.75 ARS 1,124
$0.57 ARS 855
$1.05 ARS 1,584
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$27.38 ARS 41.3K
$19.91 ARS 30.0K
$44.80 ARS 67.6K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.56 ARS 2,352
$1.33 ARS 2,000
$2.44 ARS 3,676
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.98 ARS 1,483
$0.67 ARS 1,009
$1.97 ARS 2,966
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$7.59 ARS 11.4K
$5.87 ARS 8,858
$9.98 ARS 15.1K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.35 ARS 2,035
$1.08 ARS 1,634
$1.58 ARS 2,377
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$28.8K ARS 43.5M
$22.5K ARS 34.0M
$36.4K ARS 54.9M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$33.2K ARS 50.0M
$29.4K ARS 44.4M
$39.2K ARS 59.2M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$208 ARS 313.6K
$122 ARS 183.9K
$305 ARS 459.7K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$24.04 ARS 36.3K
$10.19 ARS 15.4K
$40.76 ARS 61.5K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$30.70 ARS 46.3K
$19.67 ARS 29.7K
$61.0 ARS 92.0K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$50.9 ARS 76.7K
$30.15 ARS 45.5K
$80.3 ARS 121.1K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$16.96 ARS 25.6K
$8.05 ARS 12.1K
$21.68 ARS 32.7K
Cinema Ticket
$10.94 ARS 16.5K
$7.86 ARS 11.9K
$17.70 ARS 26.7K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$461 ARS 695.1K
$397 ARS 598.1K
$694 ARS 1.0M
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$8,744 ARS 13.2M
$4,521 ARS 6.8M
$15.9K ARS 24.0M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$114 ARS 171.3K
$50.8 ARS 76.6K
$152 ARS 229.9K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$93.6 ARS 141.2K
$50.9 ARS 76.8K
$123 ARS 185.5K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$118 ARS 177.4K
$73.2 ARS 110.4K
$159 ARS 240.6K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$136 ARS 205.6K
$79.7 ARS 120.2K
$199 ARS 300.4K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$735 ARS 1.1M
$472 ARS 712.2K
$1,523 ARS 2.3M
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$514 ARS 774.9K
$357 ARS 539.1K
$845 ARS 1.3M
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,680 ARS 2.5M
$1,220 ARS 1.8M
$2,613 ARS 3.9M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,295 ARS 2.0M
$816 ARS 1.2M
$2,040 ARS 3.1M
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,679 ARS 4.0M
$2,305 ARS 3.5M
$3,308 ARS 5.0M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,895 ARS 2.9M
$1,519 ARS 2.3M
$2,532 ARS 3.8M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$901 ARS 1.4M
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
56.56
40
89

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

Last update: August 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $735 for a central one-bedroom, or $514 outside the center. At 82% of the average salary ($901), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $901, while typical expenses reach $1,632. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $281 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $71.0 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $27.38 per month.

Cost Highlights

Buenos Aires has the 4th most expensive family monthly cost (including rent) in South America

Buenos Aires has the 4th most expensive meal at budget restaurant in South America

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

Buenos Aires Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

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Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
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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 $1,632 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 $1,632 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 $901 take-home, most residents in Buenos Aires can cover the $1,632 monthly cost of living. Those earning $2,448 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 $735; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $514. Overall, the market runs from $514 to $735 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Buenos Aires?
A monthly transit pass in Buenos Aires runs about $27.38, 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 $281 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 $1,632. 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 $1,632 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 $1,632, so putting money aside takes more than $2,448 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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