Cost of Living in Buenos Aires - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,393 monthly including rent, or $913 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,191 with rent, or $1,599 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,988 including rent, or $2,285 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$14.82 ARS 21.9K
$9.88 ARS 14.6K
$29.63 ARS 43.8K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$60.1 ARS 88.8K
$40.06 ARS 59.2K
$80.1 ARS 118.4K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$11.97 ARS 17.7K
$9.98 ARS 14.7K
$13.25 ARS 19.6K
Cappuccino
$3.99 ARS 5,896
$2.01 ARS 2,963
$7.02 ARS 10.4K
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.17 ARS 3,206
$1.51 ARS 2,236
$3.03 ARS 4,473
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.47 ARS 2,168
$0.98 ARS 1,445
$2.45 ARS 3,613
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.68 ARS 5,438
$1.53 ARS 2,266
$5.65 ARS 8,354
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.90 ARS 5,759
$2.42 ARS 3,571
$5.85 ARS 8,639
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.60 ARS 2,371
$1.03 ARS 1,520
$2.06 ARS 3,039
White Bread (500g)
$2.53 ARS 3,737
$1.02 ARS 1,501
$4.06 ARS 6,003
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.22 ARS 3,278
$1.08 ARS 1,595
$3.25 ARS 4,800
Eggs
$3.17 ARS 4,681
$1.96 ARS 2,890
$4.69 ARS 6,935
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.03 ARS 17.8K
$7.47 ARS 11.0K
$26.89 ARS 39.7K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.84 ARS 11.6K
$3.99 ARS 5,888
$11.46 ARS 16.9K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$9.25 ARS 13.7K
$6.38 ARS 9,423
$14.23 ARS 21.0K
Apples (1kg)
$2.45 ARS 3,623
$1.46 ARS 2,156
$3.89 ARS 5,750
Banana (1kg)
$2.04 ARS 3,011
$1.38 ARS 2,036
$3.94 ARS 5,818
Oranges (1kg)
$1.31 ARS 1,931
$0.73 ARS 1,071
$3.06 ARS 4,527
Tomato (1kg)
$2.53 ARS 3,743
$0.98 ARS 1,451
$3.93 ARS 5,803
Potato (1kg)
$1.45 ARS 2,149
$0.49 ARS 731
$2.11 ARS 3,115
Onion (1kg)
$1.48 ARS 2,190
$0.69 ARS 1,022
$2.47 ARS 3,651
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.79 ARS 2,642
$0.98 ARS 1,444
$2.93 ARS 4,331
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.45 ARS 2,141
$0.99 ARS 1,466
$2.48 ARS 3,666
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.18 ARS 4,695
$1.96 ARS 2,889
$3.91 ARS 5,778
Wine (Bottle)
$5.83 ARS 8,619
$2.98 ARS 4,405
$9.96 ARS 14.7K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.22 ARS 3,276
$1.40 ARS 2,072
$3.01 ARS 4,452
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.07 ARS 4,533
$1.48 ARS 2,187
$4.93 ARS 7,288
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.67 ARS 988
$0.48 ARS 706
$0.96 ARS 1,412
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$16.26 ARS 24.0K
$7.18 ARS 10.6K
$25.41 ARS 37.5K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.58 ARS 2,332
$0.84 ARS 1,239
$1.97 ARS 2,915
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.86 ARS 1,266
$0.48 ARS 712
$1.25 ARS 1,850
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.97 ARS 8,823
$4.22 ARS 6,235
$9.95 ARS 14.7K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.12 ARS 1,652
$0.98 ARS 1,449
$1.28 ARS 1,884
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$24.8K ARS 36.6M
$19.8K ARS 29.3M
$28.7K ARS 42.5M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$29.2K ARS 43.2M
$26.3K ARS 38.8M
$34.3K ARS 50.7M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$109 ARS 160.9K
$68.8 ARS 101.7K
$197 ARS 290.4K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$21.47 ARS 31.7K
$6.99 ARS 10.3K
$39.97 ARS 59.1K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$28.58 ARS 42.2K
$19.78 ARS 29.2K
$59.4 ARS 87.7K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$41.73 ARS 61.6K
$24.70 ARS 36.5K
$59.3 ARS 87.6K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$11.77 ARS 17.4K
$5.10 ARS 7,534
$18.36 ARS 27.1K
Cinema Ticket
$9.25 ARS 13.7K
$6.17 ARS 9,109
$11.99 ARS 17.7K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$325 ARS 479.5K
$129 ARS 190.1K
$495 ARS 731.0K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$5,275 ARS 7.8M
$2,200 ARS 3.3M
$7,333 ARS 10.8M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$112 ARS 165.0K
$47.22 ARS 69.8K
$152 ARS 224.1K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$85.9 ARS 127.0K
$49.92 ARS 73.8K
$140 ARS 206.5K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$123 ARS 181.5K
$73.6 ARS 108.7K
$196 ARS 290.0K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$129 ARS 190.6K
$49.02 ARS 72.4K
$245 ARS 362.1K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$657 ARS 970.3K
$456 ARS 673.9K
$1,014 ARS 1.5M
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$448 ARS 661.4K
$306 ARS 451.5K
$611 ARS 903.0K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,150 ARS 1.7M
$690 ARS 1.0M
$1,577 ARS 2.3M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$814 ARS 1.2M
$558 ARS 824.3K
$1,319 ARS 1.9M
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,577 ARS 3.8M
$2,261 ARS 3.3M
$2,950 ARS 4.4M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,844 ARS 2.7M
$1,478 ARS 2.2M
$2,464 ARS 3.6M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$842 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: July 13, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $657 for a central one-bedroom, or $448 outside the center. At 78% of the average salary ($842), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $842, while typical expenses reach $1,393. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $269 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $60.0 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $16.26 per month.

Cost Highlights

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

Buenos Aires has the 10th most expensive family monthly cost (excluding 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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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 $1,393 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 $1,393 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 $842 take-home, most residents in Buenos Aires can cover the $1,393 monthly cost of living. Those earning $2,090 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 $657; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $448. Overall, the market runs from $448 to $657 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Buenos Aires?
A monthly transit pass in Buenos Aires runs about $16.26, 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 $269 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 $1,393. 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 $1,393 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 $1,393, so putting money aside takes more than $2,090 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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