Cost of Living in Buenos Aires
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Expats moving to Buenos Aires will encounter an economy which has an unstable inflation rate and a tendency to fluctuate without warning. As a result of this, the cost of living in Buenos Aires tends to fluctuate a lot too.
In 2019, Buenos Aires ranked 133rd out of 209 cities in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey. This places it as more expensive than Montreal and Warsaw, but cheaper than Hong Kong and New York City.
Cost of accommodation in Buenos Aires
Accommodation in Buenos Aires can take up a large part of an expat's monthly budget. However, it tends to be cheaper than in other major capital cities.
Expats should be aware that if they choose to rent in Argentina, they will likely pay much more than what a local would. Expats will be required to provide a few months’ rent in advance and in some cases will also need a guarantor.
Cost of transport in Buenos Aires
Argentina no longer has its own automobile industry. This makes cars very expensive in the country as import tax is very high. Expats, however, will find that there are good quality second-hand cars available.
Public transport in Argentina is exceptionally cheap.
Cost of schooling in Buenos Aires
Public education in Buenos Aires is inexpensive. However, international schools, the option most expats choose, can be very expensive. Annual tuition fees are high – some are all-inclusive but most don't include additional costs for uniforms, bus services, school lunches and excursions.
Cost of food and clothing in Buenos Aires
The price of supermarket food in Buenos Aires is comparable to what one would expect to pay in Western countries. However, there are items (for example, meat) that are less expensive. Clothing is very expensive in Buenos Aires, as are electronics, appliances and furniture.
Cost of healthcare in Buenos Aires
Many expats find health insurance in Argentina to be inexpensive. General healthcare costs for things like doctor’s visits, hospital stays and non-prescription medicines are very low.
Cost of living in Buenos Aires chart
Prices may vary depending on location and service provider. The table below is based on average prices in Buenos Aires for September 2019.
Accommodation (monthly) |
|
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre |
ARS 30,000 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
ARS 25,000 |
One-bedroom apartment in city centre |
ARS 17,000 |
One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
ARS 13,000 |
Shopping |
|
Milk (1 litre) |
ARS 54 |
Dozen eggs |
ARS 90 |
Loaf of white bread |
ARS 66 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
ARS 230 |
Pack of cigarettes |
ARS 100 |
Eating out |
|
Big Mac Meal |
ARS 300 |
Coca-Cola (330ml) |
ARS 64 |
Cappuccino |
ARS 94 |
Bottle of local beer |
ARS 110 |
Three-course meal at mid-range restaurant |
ARS 650 |
Utilities/Household |
|
Mobile call rate (per minute – mobile to mobile) |
ARS 8 |
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) |
ARS 1,700 |
Utilities (average per month for standard household) |
ARS 4,300 |
Hourly rate for a domestic cleaner |
ARS 160 |
Transportation |
|
Taxi rate per km |
ARS 24 |
City centre public transport fare |
ARS 20 |
Petrol (per litre) |
ARS 48 |