Cost of living in Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata, a vibrant city in Argentina, is known for its beautiful beaches and bustling tourism industry. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers.This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Mar del Plata, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $9.65 on average, with a range between $3.5 and $20.
Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $40, with prices ranging from $18 to $66.5.
Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.25, with a range between $7 and $10.
Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $0.85 to $4, imported beer $1.5 to $6, cappuccino $1.2 to $4, and Coke/Pepsi $0.85 to $3.

Grocery Prices

MilkMilk is priced between $0.5 and $1.3 per liter, averaging $1.09.
Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.8 and $3, with an average price of $1.4.
Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $1 to $2, averaging $1.54.
Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $2 to $3.57 per kg, while oranges range from $0.4 to $2 per kg.
Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $0.4 and $1.71 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.5 to $0.8 per head.

Transportation

Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.2 and $1, with a monthly pass priced at $10.
Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $0.95 and $1.4 per liter.
Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $0.75, with a cost of $0.5 to $1 per km and $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 $140 to $800, averaging $208.75.
1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $110 to $350, averaging $153.75.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $350 to $580, averaging $440.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $250 to $490, averaging $378.75.
Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1500 to $2000, averaging $1750.
Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1200 to $1800, averaging $1500.

Utilities

Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $38.25 and $138.13, averaging $85.34.
InternetInternet services range from $15 to $38, with an average cost of $25.25.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 14 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$9.65

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

$40.00

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$8.25

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.00

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.25

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.81

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.70

Cappuccino (regular)

$2.43

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$1.09

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$1.40

Eggs (regular) (12)

$1.54

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.77

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.19

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$3.25

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.36

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.00

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$3.50

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.25

Apples (1kg)

$2.79

Oranges (1kg)

$1.53

Potato (1kg)

$1.25

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.65

Rice (white), (1kg)

$2.11

Tomato (1kg)

$2.46

Banana (1kg)

$2.16

Onion (1kg)

$0.98

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

$7.58

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

$0.74

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$10.00

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.07

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

$27,800.00

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.50

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

$0.75

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.00

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

$39,500.00

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

Rent Per Month

Avg

Range

Avg

Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$535.75

Childcare

Avg / Range

Childcare

Avg

Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

$160.00

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

$3,200.00

Worldwide

Argentina

Cost of Living Rankings

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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025

Affordability

Very Expensive

About this index

Mar del Plata Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Mar del Plata offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other cities. Dining out is reasonably priced, especially at local restaurants.
Housing costs are quite low, particularly for those looking to rent outside the city centre. Utilities and internet services are also affordable.
Transportation is inexpensive, with low costs for public transport and fuel. However, owning a car can be costly due to the price of new vehicles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mar del Plata presents an attractive option for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle in Argentina. The city combines affordable housing, dining, and transportation with the charm of a coastal location.

Whether you're planning to move or just visiting, understanding these costs can help you budget effectively and enjoy all that Mar del Plata has to offer.