Cost of living in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital of Argentina, is known for its rich culture, lively atmosphere, and diverse neighborhoods. Understanding the cost of living in this bustling city is crucial for both residents and newcomers.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect in Buenos Aires, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $12 on average, with a range between $7 and $20.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $45, with prices ranging from $27 to $80.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $7 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1 to $4, imported beer $2 to $5, cappuccino $1.7 to $5, and Coke/Pepsi $1 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.9 and $2 per liter, averaging $1.36.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1 and $4.6, with an average price of $2.41.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.2 to $4, averaging $2.48.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1 to $4 per kg, while oranges range from $0.5 to $2 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.5 and $2 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.6 to $2.4 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.3 and $0.72, with a monthly pass priced between $5.5 and $25.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.77 and $1.25 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.75, with a cost of $0.4 to $1 per km and $4.24 to $8 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $350 to $800, averaging $518.74.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $250 to $550, averaging $373.49.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $700 to $1500, averaging $1017.5.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $500 to $1000, averaging $696.18.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2000 to $4000, averaging $2552.24.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1500 to $3200, averaging $1931.25.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $30.91 and $143.85, averaging $72.89.
- Internet - Internet services range from $12 to $50, with an average cost of $24.52.
Cost of Living Rankings
Buenos Aires ranks 1st on the Cost of Living rankings in Argentina. The cost of living indices for Argentina are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Argentina, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Buenos Aires offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western cities, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on the location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Public transportation is economical, making it a viable option for daily commuting.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Buenos Aires.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Buenos Aires presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for both locals and expatriates.
While housing in the city centre can be pricey, the overall expenses for dining, transportation, and utilities remain manageable.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget to make the most of living in this dynamic city.