Cost of Living in Buenos Aires - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,398 monthly including rent, or $842 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,236 with rent, or $1,486 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $3,074 including rent, or $2,131 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$14.79 ARS 20.3K
$9.86 ARS 13.5K
$29.57 ARS 40.6K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$60.4 ARS 82.9K
$40.25 ARS 55.3K
$80.5 ARS 110.5K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$12.13 ARS 16.7K
$10.11 ARS 13.9K
$13.42 ARS 18.4K
Cappuccino
$3.94 ARS 5,404
$1.98 ARS 2,716
$6.92 ARS 9,505
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.10 ARS 2,887
$1.47 ARS 2,014
$2.93 ARS 4,029
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.46 ARS 2,004
$0.97 ARS 1,336
$2.43 ARS 3,340
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.64 ARS 4,992
$1.52 ARS 2,080
$5.59 ARS 7,669
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.93 ARS 5,400
$2.44 ARS 3,348
$5.90 ARS 8,100
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.61 ARS 2,203
$1.03 ARS 1,412
$2.06 ARS 2,825
White Bread (500g)
$2.52 ARS 3,457
$1.01 ARS 1,388
$4.04 ARS 5,553
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.28 ARS 3,125
$1.11 ARS 1,521
$3.33 ARS 4,577
Eggs
$3.22 ARS 4,423
$1.99 ARS 2,730
$4.77 ARS 6,552
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.18 ARS 16.7K
$7.56 ARS 10.4K
$27.22 ARS 37.4K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.64 ARS 10.5K
$3.88 ARS 5,331
$11.16 ARS 15.3K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$9.28 ARS 12.7K
$6.40 ARS 8,783
$14.27 ARS 19.6K
Apples (1kg)
$2.54 ARS 3,489
$1.51 ARS 2,077
$4.03 ARS 5,539
Banana (1kg)
$2.08 ARS 2,857
$1.41 ARS 1,932
$4.02 ARS 5,520
Oranges (1kg)
$1.26 ARS 1,731
$0.70 ARS 960
$2.96 ARS 4,057
Tomato (1kg)
$2.65 ARS 3,635
$1.03 ARS 1,409
$4.10 ARS 5,635
Potato (1kg)
$1.49 ARS 2,044
$0.51 ARS 695
$2.16 ARS 2,961
Onion (1kg)
$1.54 ARS 2,111
$0.72 ARS 985
$2.56 ARS 3,518
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.88 ARS 2,586
$1.03 ARS 1,413
$3.09 ARS 4,240
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.49 ARS 2,049
$1.02 ARS 1,403
$2.56 ARS 3,508
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.18 ARS 4,363
$1.96 ARS 2,685
$3.91 ARS 5,370
Wine (Bottle)
$6.86 ARS 9,413
$2.94 ARS 4,034
$11.31 ARS 15.5K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.19 ARS 3,009
$1.39 ARS 1,902
$2.98 ARS 4,088
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.08 ARS 4,223
$1.48 ARS 2,037
$4.95 ARS 6,789
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.68 ARS 932
$0.49 ARS 666
$0.97 ARS 1,332
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$15.73 ARS 21.6K
$6.94 ARS 9,530
$24.58 ARS 33.7K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.56 ARS 2,141
$0.83 ARS 1,138
$1.95 ARS 2,676
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.85 ARS 1,166
$0.48 ARS 655
$1.24 ARS 1,704
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.16 ARS 8,457
$4.35 ARS 5,976
$10.27 ARS 14.1K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.11 ARS 1,520
$0.97 ARS 1,333
$1.26 ARS 1,733
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$25.1K ARS 34.4M
$20.1K ARS 27.5M
$29.1K ARS 39.9M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$29.3K ARS 40.2M
$26.3K ARS 36.1M
$34.4K ARS 47.2M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$111 ARS 153.0K
$70.4 ARS 96.6K
$201 ARS 276.1K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$21.83 ARS 30.0K
$7.11 ARS 9,759
$40.62 ARS 55.8K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$29.08 ARS 39.9K
$20.13 ARS 27.6K
$60.4 ARS 82.9K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$42.38 ARS 58.2K
$25.09 ARS 34.4K
$60.2 ARS 82.6K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$11.67 ARS 16.0K
$5.06 ARS 6,941
$18.20 ARS 25.0K
Cinema Ticket
$9.20 ARS 12.6K
$6.13 ARS 8,416
$11.92 ARS 16.4K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$330 ARS 453.3K
$131 ARS 179.7K
$503 ARS 691.2K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$5,257 ARS 7.2M
$2,192 ARS 3.0M
$7,307 ARS 10.0M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$110 ARS 150.4K
$46.31 ARS 63.6K
$149 ARS 204.2K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$86.7 ARS 119.0K
$50.3 ARS 69.1K
$141 ARS 193.5K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$123 ARS 168.7K
$73.6 ARS 101.1K
$196 ARS 269.6K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$129 ARS 177.7K
$49.20 ARS 67.5K
$246 ARS 337.7K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$641 ARS 880.3K
$445 ARS 611.4K
$990 ARS 1.4M
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$436 ARS 598.7K
$298 ARS 408.7K
$595 ARS 817.4K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,167 ARS 1.6M
$701 ARS 962.0K
$1,602 ARS 2.2M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$797 ARS 1.1M
$547 ARS 750.3K
$1,292 ARS 1.8M
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,744 ARS 3.8M
$2,021 ARS 2.8M
$4,548 ARS 6.2M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,029 ARS 2.8M
$1,499 ARS 2.1M
$3,516 ARS 4.8M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$779 ARS 1.1M
-
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: April 20, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $641 for a central one-bedroom, or $436 outside the center. At around 82% of the average salary ($779), rent noticeably above the typical 30% rent-to-income guideline.

Average take-home pay sits at $779, while typical expenses reach $1,398. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $273 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $60 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $16 per month.

Cost Highlights

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

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

Buenos Aires has the 10th most expensive overall monthly cost (including rent) in South America

Buenos Aires Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

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Upload
Mbps
Latency
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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 $1,398 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 $1,398 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 $779 take-home, most residents in Buenos Aires can cover the $1,398 monthly cost of living. Those earning $2,097 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 $641; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $436. Overall, the market runs from $436 to $641 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Buenos Aires?
A monthly transit pass in Buenos Aires runs about $15.73, 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 $273 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 $1,200 cover living expenses in Buenos Aires?
Living on $1,200 in Buenos Aires means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,398. 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 $1,398 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 $1,398, so putting money aside takes more than $2,097 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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