Pros and cons of moving to Buenos Aires

There are many pros and cons of living in Buenos Aires for expats considering a move to Argentina’s capital. The city is renowned for its lively atmosphere, endless entertainment options, and activities to suit all tastes. There is plenty to see and do, including live music and tango shows, plus outdoor festivals and world-class museums and art galleries.

On the other hand, economic pressures have boosted crime numbers, especially in tourist areas. The city also has crowded streets and busy public transport, not to mention the noise pollution.

Below are some of the positives and negatives that you may experience when moving to Buenos Aires.

Lifestyle in Buenos Aires

+ PRO: Endless activities

Buenos Aires is an immense city and offers a million and one things to do, from attending events and festivals to visiting museums or nature reserves. You can spend months in Buenos Aires and still not take advantage of everything it offers. More traditional activities like tango classes are on offer, as are its many great museums, tours, sights and cultural centres. These are great places to take part in active, social or academic activities.

+ PRO: Diverse housing options

There is a wide range of accommodation styles in Buenos Aires, from charming colonial apartments in San Telmo to modern high-rises in Puerto Madero, the tree-lined streets of Palermo and the European feel of Recoleta.

- CON: Loud and urban

As a big city, Buenos Aires has a lot of noise pollution from people and cars. Some areas and suburbs are more residential, but the streets of downtown Buenos Aires bustle with people going about their business every day. Although there are a few green areas in the neighbourhood of Palermo or near Puerto Madero, for the most part, Buenos Aires is not a green city. That said, a day trip to the nearby town of Tigre is great for a fix of fresh air.

Things to See and Do in Buenos Aires
Areas and Suburbs in Buenos Aires

Nightlife in Buenos Aires

+ PRO: Exciting nightlife scene

Buenos Aires has an incredible nightlife that caters to all tastes and ages. There are so many options that you – young or old, straight or gay – can find your niche. There are also incredible restaurants and bars that offer exquisite food and drinks. Clubs, or boliches, are open late, and you can dance the night away. Milongas, or tango dance halls, are also running all night long and are great if you want a more cultural night out.

- CON: Late nights

Argentines start their Saturday night around 1am, when other cities usually are winding down. It’s great if you like staying out until late, but you might not want to be out until 8am on a Sunday.

Lifestyle in Buenos Aires 

Expat community

+ PRO: Buenos Aires is HUGE

There is a large expat community in Buenos Aires. There are people of all ages from all over the world, and each is in Buenos Aires for a variety of reasons. Some are just out of college, others moved for work, and many expats retire in Buenos Aires.

- CON: May be difficult to integrate into the local community

If you’re looking for a city with few foreigners, Buenos Aires is not it. Although English is not spoken in most places, there are still many expats and even more tourists in most parts of the city. Just walking down any high street, you’ll hear other languages, especially English and Portuguese.

Safety in Buenos Aires

- CON: Increasing crime concerns

Economic instability has led to rising crime rates in Buenos Aires, particularly in tourist areas. Petty theft, pickpocketing, and robberies have become more common. Always stay in the safer barrios and avoid the south part of the city, Microcentro, and areas near Avenida General Paz. Don’t carry large amounts of money or all your credit cards and important documents like passports when they are unnecessary. Avoid wearing backpacks with visible and easily accessible zips, especially on busy streets.

+ PRO: Safe neighbourhoods

Buenos Aires still has safe neighbourhoods, particularly Belgrano and Núñez in the north, as well as areas like Recoleta and parts of Palermo. The Zona Norte suburbs just outside the city also remain relatively secure.

Cost of living in Buenos Aires

+ PRO: Cheap public transport

Public transport in Buenos Aires is extremely affordable for buses and the subway. This makes getting around the city very inexpensive compared to most major cities worldwide.

+ PRO: Favourable exchange rate for foreign currency

The Argentine peso is significantly weaker than the dollar or euro, so foreign savings and salaries stretch much further.

- CON: Rising costs

Buenos Aires has become considerably more expensive in recent years, and many expats now compare costs to Western European cities. Some services are still affordable, but accommodation, dining, and general living expenses have increased, and the city is no longer the budget destination it once was.

- CON: Economic volatility

Argentina’s economic situation continues to fluctuate. If you’re working in Buenos Aires and being paid in Argentine pesos, your buying power will change regularly. This creates ongoing challenges for financial planning. Most locals continue to save in US dollars to protect against currency devaluation.

Public Transport in Buenos Aires 
Accommodation in Buenos Aires 
Working in Buenos Aires

Healthcare in Buenos Aires

- CON: Crowded public hospitals and long waiting lists

Although public hospitals are free, they tend to be quite busy, and you’ll likely have to wait hours to be seen by a doctor. In addition, not all public hospitals have access to modern technology.

+ PRO: High-quality private healthcare

Private hospitals and insurance companies in Buenos Aires are of excellent quality and readily available. They are also more affordable compared to those in other countries, such as the US. Companies must provide health insurance for their workers, and most policies cover everything from hospital visits to various prescription drugs. Buenos Aires is also an increasingly popular destination for medical tourism, with many foreigners travelling to the city for plastic surgery.

Healthcare and Hospitals in Buenos Aires