Cost of Living in San Juan - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $597 monthly including rent, or $504 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $986 with rent, or $741 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,376 including rent, or $979 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$5.86 ARS 8,357
$3.54 ARS 5,056
$19.53 ARS 27.9K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$29.78 ARS 42.5K
$14.89 ARS 21.2K
$79.4 ARS 113.3K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.23 ARS 11.7K
$6.18 ARS 8,810
$11.32 ARS 16.2K
Cappuccino
$1.50 ARS 2,142
$0.79 ARS 1,120
$4.91 ARS 7,001
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.97 ARS 1,384
$0.83 ARS 1,191
$3.13 ARS 4,465
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.86 ARS 1,226
$0.59 ARS 846
$2.96 ARS 4,229
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.98 ARS 2,828
$0.99 ARS 1,414
$5.95 ARS 8,483
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.93 ARS 4,179
$1.46 ARS 2,090
$5.37 ARS 7,662
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.72 ARS 1,022
$0.51 ARS 722
$1.72 ARS 2,453
White Bread (500g)
$0.71 ARS 1,016
$0.37 ARS 523
$4.19 ARS 5,978
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.22 ARS 1,736
$0.49 ARS 694
$2.92 ARS 4,167
Eggs
$1.67 ARS 2,378
$0.59 ARS 839
$4.71 ARS 6,716
Local Cheese (1kg)
$3.45 ARS 4,928
$3.35 ARS 4,783
$20.32 ARS 29.0K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.56 ARS 5,080
$3.36 ARS 4,790
$9.16 ARS 13.1K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$3.90 ARS 5,560
$3.90 ARS 5,560
$11.69 ARS 16.7K
Apples (1kg)
$1.51 ARS 2,157
$1.01 ARS 1,438
$2.02 ARS 2,876
Banana (1kg)
$1.47 ARS 2,095
$0.98 ARS 1,397
$1.96 ARS 2,794
Oranges (1kg)
$1.49 ARS 2,123
$1.49 ARS 2,123
$1.49 ARS 2,123
Tomato (1kg)
$2.08 ARS 2,974
$0.78 ARS 1,117
$3.92 ARS 5,585
Potato (1kg)
$0.62 ARS 891
$0.48 ARS 685
$0.77 ARS 1,096
Onion (1kg)
$0.66 ARS 945
$0.31 ARS 436
$1.02 ARS 1,454
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.42 ARS 593
$0.21 ARS 297
$0.62 ARS 890
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.86 ARS 1,222
$0.76 ARS 1,087
$2.86 ARS 4,074
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.70 ARS 2,430
$1.46 ARS 2,083
$1.95 ARS 2,778
Wine (Bottle)
$5.11 ARS 7,295
$2.94 ARS 4,187
$8.18 ARS 11.7K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.54 ARS 2,198
$1.03 ARS 1,465
$2.05 ARS 2,931
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.84 ARS 2,619
$1.63 ARS 2,328
$2.04 ARS 2,910
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.29 ARS 410
$0.24 ARS 342
$0.96 ARS 1,367
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$4.95 ARS 7,066
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.41 ARS 587
$0.36 ARS 518
$1.91 ARS 2,728
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.02 ARS 1,456
$1.02 ARS 1,456
$1.22 ARS 1,747
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.04 ARS 7,187
$5.04 ARS 7,187
$5.04 ARS 7,187
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.09 ARS 1,557
$1.07 ARS 1,529
$1.17 ARS 1,669
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$32.1K ARS 45.8M
$30.6K ARS 43.6M
$33.6K ARS 48.0M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$21.3K ARS 30.4M
$21.3K ARS 30.4M
$35.5K ARS 50.6M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$76.8 ARS 109.6K
$44.73 ARS 63.8K
$148 ARS 210.9K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$4.97 ARS 7,083
$4.97 ARS 7,083
$37.74 ARS 53.8K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$10.16 ARS 14.5K
$10.16 ARS 14.5K
$30.49 ARS 43.5K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$18.15 ARS 25.9K
$6.05 ARS 8,630
$30.25 ARS 43.2K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$5.89 ARS 8,398
$5.89 ARS 8,398
$18.64 ARS 26.6K
Cinema Ticket
$2.01 ARS 2,873
$2.01 ARS 2,873
$11.08 ARS 15.8K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$104 ARS 147.8K
$40.10 ARS 57.2K
$150 ARS 214.5K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$2,153 ARS 3.1M
$1,798 ARS 2.6M
$2,397 ARS 3.4M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$49.46 ARS 70.6K
$49.46 ARS 70.6K
$89.0 ARS 127.0K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$49.96 ARS 71.3K
$49.96 ARS 71.3K
$99.9 ARS 142.5K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$100 ARS 143.1K
$60.2 ARS 85.8K
$201 ARS 286.2K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$118 ARS 167.8K
$109 ARS 155.5K
$124 ARS 176.7K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$148 ARS 211.7K
$148 ARS 211.7K
$495 ARS 705.8K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$89.6 ARS 127.7K
$89.6 ARS 127.7K
$368 ARS 525.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$247 ARS 352.9K
$247 ARS 352.9K
$940 ARS 1.3M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$197 ARS 281.2K
$197 ARS 281.2K
$887 ARS 1.3M
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,548 ARS 3.6M
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,112 ARS 3.0M
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$713 ARS 1.0M
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
79
75
83

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

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $148 for a central one-bedroom, or $89.6 outside the center. At 21% of the average salary ($713), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.

Average take-home pay sits at $713, while typical expenses reach $597. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $895.

Expect to spend about $135 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $30.00 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $4.95 per month.

Cost Highlights

San Juan has the 2nd cheapest public transport monthly pass in South America

San Juan has the 7th cheapest internet in South America

San Juan has the 8th cheapest 1-bedroom apartment, outside city center in South America

San Juan Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
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 San Juan - Frequently Asked Questions
How does San Juan, Argentina stack up for value as a base for travelers, expats, or digital nomads?
San Juan offers a balanced value for a smaller Argentine city. You'll find a gentler pace, approachable housing options, and access to wineries, mountain views, and desert landscapes without the crowds of the big capitals. For travelers and remote workers, the mix of cafes with reliable Wi-Fi, modest coworking spaces, and local services can feel practical rather than flashy. The Cost of Living in San Juan, Argentina tends to be approachable for everyday needs, with many everyday purchases priced in line with regional norms. It helps to test a few neighborhoods before committing to a longer stay. Tip: plan a week to sample routes and markets.
What does daily life in San Juan look like in terms of housing, food, transport, and errands for a short or medium stay?
Daily life in San Juan is easy to plan if you start with a realistic housing search and a simple food strategy. Look for apartments in Centro for walkability and proximity to markets, or explore quieter residential belts on the outskirts for a calmer pace. Food options range from farmers' markets and bakeries to casual parrillas; you can stretch a budget by cooking at home and choosing seasonal produce. The city has a reasonable mix of cafes and coworking spaces for remote work, plus dry, sunny days ideal for outdoor errands. San Juan, Argentina living cost can feel approachable once you set routines. Tip: map a weekly shopping route to save time and money.
How can you think about quality of life, budgeting, seasonality, and neighborhood fit to maximize your stay in San Juan?
Quality of life in San Juan centers on a warm climate, friendly neighborhoods, and accessibility to outdoor recreation like nearby canyons and wineries. You'll find a practical pace that suits digital nomads who want focus time and weekend exploration. Build a simple budgeting framework: divide expenses into housing, food, transport, and activities, then track weekly swings rather than monthly totals. To save, shop at local markets, cook at home several evenings, take advantage of free community events, and choose public transport over taxis when possible. Neighborhood fit matters: Centro offers walkable amenities, while quieter hillsides or satellite towns can deliver more space. Tip: orbit your stay around a few trusted markets to stay flexible.
Why is San Juan considered affordable?
Compared to most cities worldwide, San Juan is just cheap – all-in costs average $597 monthly. Both housing and daily necessities sit below the international median, which explains its popularity with budget travelers, nomads, and locals on modest incomes.
Is San Juan expensive to live in?
Your money goes further in San Juan than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $597 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
What is a good salary in San Juan?
Earning $895 monthly in San Juan means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
How much does a 1-bedroom apartment cost in San Juan?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in San Juan range from $89.6 to $148, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
How expensive is a gym membership in San Juan?
Fitness in San Juan is cheap at around $18.15 monthly for a standard gym. It's one of the lighter items in the budget, making it easy to stay active without worrying about the cost.
How cheap is food in San Juan?
San Juan is great for eating affordably at home. Monthly grocery bills run about $135, and local produce is plentiful and well-priced, making home cooking both practical and cost-effective.
Can you live on $800 a month in San Juan?
$800 stretches far in San Juan – all-in monthly costs average only $597. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
Can you retire comfortably in San Juan?
Retirees thrive in San Juan – living costs average around $597 monthly, healthcare is affordable and accessible, and the overall vibe supports a fulfilling, low-stress retirement.
Can you save money living in San Juan?
Monthly expenses in San Juan run around $597, so putting money aside takes more than $895 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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