Cost of Living in Buenos Aires

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The cost of living in Buenos Aires is above average compared to many large cities, partly due to the country's economic instability. The cost of living in Buenos Aires can vary depending on your lifestyle, preferences, and expectations. In 2024, Mercer's Cost of Living City Ranking ranked Buenos Aires 77th out of 226 cities worldwide.

Cost of accommodation in Buenos Aires

Accommodation in Buenos Aires can be one of your biggest expenses. The cost of renting an apartment can vary significantly depending on the area or suburb, size, and amenities. You can find apartments ranging from modern high-rises to older buildings with traditional architecture.

Some neighbourhoods, such as Palermo and Recoleta, are considered upscale and more expensive, while others, such as San Telmo and Almagro, are more affordable. Be aware that if you rent in Argentina, you will pay much more than a local would.

You will need to provide a few months’ rent in advance and will also require a guarantor. Don't worry about utilities; electricity is relatively inexpensive and heavily subsidised.

Cost of transport in Buenos Aires

Public transport in Buenos Aires is extensive and affordable. The city's public transport system, including buses, subways, and trains, can be affordable for daily commuting. However, taxis and ride-sharing services can be pricier, especially during rush hour or at night.

Argentina no longer has its own automobile industry, making car prices steep, as the import tax is up to 35 percent. That said, excellent-quality second-hand cars are available.

Cost of groceries in Buenos Aires

The cost of groceries in Buenos Aires can be affordable, especially if you shop at local markets and prioritise locally-produced goods. Local markets, known as ferias, offer fresh produce and meat at lower prices than supermarkets, but they may be less convenient and have more limited hours of operation. On the other hand, supermarkets offer a wider selection of products, including imported goods, and may offer delivery services for added convenience.

Basic staples such as bread, rice, and beans can be inexpensive, while meat and dairy products may be costlier. Imported goods, such as cheese and wine, may also be pricier than local products.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Buenos Aires

Eating out can be very affordable, with a wide range of restaurants and cafés offering local and international cuisine. You can enjoy traditional Argentinean dishes, such as empanadas, asado, and mate, as well as international cuisine, such as sushi and pizza. However, cooking at home can also be affordable, with fresh produce and meat available at local markets and supermarkets.

The cost of entertainment in Buenos Aires can vary depending on the type of activity and venue. You can enjoy a wide range of cultural and entertainment options in the city, including museums, theatres, art galleries, live music, and sports events. To save money on entertainment in Buenos Aires, you can also take advantage of free outdoor activities, such as visiting the many parks and plazas in the city, exploring the street art scene, and attending public events and festivals.

Some top attractions and things to see in Buenos Aires include the iconic Recoleta Cemetery, the colourful Caminito street in La Boca, the historic Teatro Colón, and the lively tango shows and milongas. Throughout the year, there are also many annual events and festivals, such as the Carnival, the Buenos Aires International Book Fair, and the Tango Festival and World Cup.

Cost of education in Buenos Aires

The cost of education in Buenos Aires can be a significant expense, especially if you're an expat seeking private or international schooling options. Public schools in Argentina are free of charge and available to all residents, but they are taught in Spanish, which may be a barrier for your children if they are not fluent in the language.

Private schools can be a viable option for your family, as many offer bilingual education in English and Spanish or other languages. International schools in Buenos Aires are another option, offering education in English or other languages and often following international curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme.

Cost of healthcare in Buenos Aires

Public healthcare in Argentina is free of charge and available to all residents, but the quality of care may vary and waiting times for appointments can be long – this is largely true of healthcare in Buenos Aires too. The city has a good public healthcare system, but you may prefer private healthcare for better quality and faster service. You will find health insurance in Argentina to be inexpensive, and general healthcare costs for things like visits to the doctor, hospital stays, and non-prescription medicines are modest.