- Purchase the complete Expat Arrivals Argentina Guide (PDF)
Often recognised as a desirable retirement haven, Argentina offers expats an affordable yet high-quality lifestyle. The country's economy is, however, known for spiralling inflation, which often causes soaring prices. That said, expats whose finances can withstand the unpredictable nature of Argentina's economy will enjoy life in the country.
The cost of living in Argentina's rural areas is much lower than in its metropolitan cities. The country's capital, Buenos Aires, was ranked as the world's 114th most expensive city out of 227 cities surveyed in the Mercer 2022 Cost of Living Survey. The rising cost of living has made Buenos Aires one of the most expensive cities in South America, with Santiago in Chile (130th) trailing closely behind.
Cost of food in Argentina
Supermarket prices for certain items in Argentina are slightly more affordable than in the UK. If expats have the time to shop around, particularly for fruit and vegetables, which are much cheaper from the roadside stalls, they can bring their grocery bills down.
Cost of transport in Argentina
Cars are an expensive commodity in Argentina. The country no longer has a car manufacturing industry, and vehicle import taxes are hefty. Strangely enough, though, second-hand cars hold their value quite well, and it is not unusual to buy a car, use it for several years and sell it at the same price or even more than one paid for it.
Cost of accommodation in Argentina
It is almost impossible to give average prices for either purchasing or renting property in Argentina, as it varies widely between provinces. Demand in the rental market is especially high, since many Argentinians are no longer in the position to buy property. Foreigners hoping to rent will be required to provide a guarantor, a deposit and several months of rent in advance.
Cost of living in Argentina chart
Prices may vary depending on location and service provider. The table below is based on average prices in Buenos Aires for August 2022.
Accommodation (monthly) |
|
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre |
ARS 85,220 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
ARS 65,527 |
One-bedroom apartment in city centre |
ARS 40,955 |
One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
ARS 31,882 |
Shopping |
|
Milk (1 litre) |
ARS 103 |
Dozen eggs |
ARS 185 |
Loaf of white bread |
ARS 165 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
ARS 526 |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) |
ARS 295 |
Eating out |
|
Big Mac Meal |
ARS 671 |
Coca-Cola (330ml) |
ARS 140 |
Cappuccino |
ARS 250 |
Bottle of local beer |
ARS 248 |
Three-course meal for two people at mid-range restaurant |
ARS 3,758 |
Utilities/household |
|
Mobile call rate (per minute – mobile to mobile) |
ARS 26.84 |
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) |
ARS 3,074 |
Utilities (average per month for standard household) |
ARS 6,367 |
Transportation |
|
Taxi rate per km |
ARS 67 |
City centre public transport fare |
ARS 21 |
Petrol (per litre) |
ARS 129 |
Further reading
►For information about managing finances, see Banking, Money and Taxes in Argentina
Expat Experiences
"We spent months comparing our cost of living from NYC to Buenos Aires before we moved here. We had multiple spreadsheets with all kinds of facts provided by family and friends who lived here. But we failed to consider one major aspect... inflation. It is a phenomenon like no other. It can make economic planning almost impossible. My recommendation to anyone coming here is to make sure you will have an income that grows as fast as inflation does (some industries do, others don’t. Luckily ours does!). Otherwise you will drown financially in a very short time."
Read about American expat Maggie's experiences in Argentina.
Are you an expat living in Argentina?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Argentina. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global
If you’re thinking about taking out private health insurance, our trusted partner Cigna Global is very aware of all the difficulties that expats can face when it comes to healthcare in a new location, so they have created a range of international health insurance plans specifically designed for expats, which you can tailor exactly to the needs and ensure access to quality care for you and your family.
Moving Companies
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Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.