Cost of Living in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina · South America
$900
Monthly Cost
avg/person
35
Cost Index
NYC=100
28
Rent Index
NYC=100
65
Quality of Life
Good
40
Safety Index
Below Average
3.1M
Population
ARS
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $20 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3.5 |
| Cappuccino | $2.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.7 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.8 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.8 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Eggs (12) | $2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.6 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.3 |
| Monthly Pass | $12 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.9 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $30000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $24000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $70 |
| Mobile Plan | $12 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $18 |
| Fitness Club/month | $25 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $500/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $320/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,100/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $650/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $2,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,200/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $700 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 70% |
View Cost of Living in Argentina
Cost of Living in Buenos Aires — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Buenos Aires, Argentina is approximately $900 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Buenos Aires has a cost index of 35, making it around 65% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Buenos Aires costs around $320/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $500/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,100/month. The rent index is 28 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Buenos Aires scores 65/100 on the quality of life index and 40/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 65/100. The climate index is 72/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Buenos Aires is approximately $700/month. With a purchasing power index of 42/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is ARS, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Buenos Aires
The average monthly salary in Buenos Aires is approximately $700. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $900, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 42/100.
Healthcare Costs in Buenos Aires
Healthcare quality in Buenos Aires is rated 65/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has a quality of life score of 65/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Buenos Aires
Students living in Buenos Aires should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Buenos Aires
Expats moving to Buenos Aires often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Buenos Aires, Argentina is approximately $900 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 35 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Buenos Aires
Living in Buenos Aires offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 35 and a quality of life score of 65/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $700 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Buenos Aires provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Argentina and around the world.
Key Facts About Buenos Aires
- Average Monthly Cost: $900
- Cost Index: 35
- Rent Index: 28
- Average Salary: $700
- Quality of Life: 65/100
- Safety Score: 40/100
- Country: Argentina
- Currency: ARS
Is Buenos Aires Expensive?
Buenos Aires has a cost index of 35 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Buenos Aires compare to other cities?
Buenos Aires is located in South America with a population of approximately 3.1M. At a cost index of 35 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Buenos Aires stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Buenos Aires?
The average cost of living in Buenos Aires, Argentina is approximately $900 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 35 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Buenos Aires?
Rent in Buenos Aires varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 28 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Buenos Aires alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Buenos Aires expensive to live in?
Buenos Aires has a cost index of 35 compared to New York City (100). At 35, Buenos Aires is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $900.
What is the quality of life in Buenos Aires?
Buenos Aires has a quality of life index of 65/100 and a safety index of 40/100. The city is located in South America and offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Buenos Aires compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Buenos Aires with any city worldwide. Buenos Aires's cost index is 35 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Buenos Aires?
Many residents live comfortably in Buenos Aires with a monthly budget of around $900 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Buenos Aires good for expats?
Buenos Aires is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Buenos Aires?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $900 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Buenos Aires.
Is Buenos Aires cheaper than New York?
Yes, Buenos Aires has a cost index of 35 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Buenos Aires?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Buenos Aires.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Buenos Aires
Cheapest Ways to Live in Buenos Aires
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Buenos Aires typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $320/month compared to $500/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Is Buenos Aires Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 42/100 and a quality of life score of 65/100, Buenos Aires is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 35 relative to New York City, Buenos Aires remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Argentina has to offer against other destinations in South America.
Buenos Aires Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Buenos Aires", "Buenos Aires monthly expenses 2026", and "is Buenos Aires affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $900, a safety score of 40/100, and healthcare rated 65/100, Buenos Aires offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Argentina.
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