Cost of Living in Buenos Aires
Real budget breakdowns from Americans living here. From bare-bones to comfortable living, see exactly what you'll spend each month.
Monthly Budget Estimates
For a single person living in Buenos Aires. Prices in USD.
moderate Lifestyle
Private apartment, mix of cooking and dining out
Detailed Expense Breakdown
Housing
Reddit confirms: Landlords want USD cash. Airbnb is easiest for short-term. For long-term, bring physical dollars.
- Studio apartment (budget area)$400-600
- 1-bedroom decent (Palermo/Recoleta)$700-1,000
- 1-bedroom nice building with amenities$1,000-1,400
- 2-bedroom in good area$1,000-1,800
Food & Dining
Reddit reality: Not as cheap as YouTubers claim. Western European prices for many things now. Beef is still a bargain.
- Empanada at local spot$2-3
- Coffee at café$3-5
- Burger with fries$10-14
- Mid-range dinner for two$50-80
- Pizza (whole)$15-25
- Weekly groceries (one person)$50-100
- Bottle of wine (mid-range)$5-12
Transportation
Public transport is cheap. Uber works well. Avoid taxis (scam risk per Reddit).
- Subway/bus ride$0.30-0.50
- Monthly transport pass$25-40
- Uber/Cabify (short trip)$3-8
- Uber to airport (EZE)$25-40
Healthcare
Reddit consensus: Private healthcare is excellent and affordable. Many expats say BETTER than US.
- Basic prepaga plan$100-150/month
- Premium prepaga plan$200-350/month
- Doctor consultation (private)$30-60
- MRI scan$150-300
- Dental cleaning$40-80
Utilities & Internet
Internet is fast and reliable. Utilities are affordable but rising with inflation.
- Internet (100 Mbps)$25-40/month
- Mobile plan (unlimited)$15-30/month
- Electricity (small apt)$40-80/month
- Gas & water$30-60/month
Entertainment
Reddit note: Gym memberships are pricier than expected ($70-90/month). Nightlife is great value.
- Movie ticket$6-10
- Gym membership (decent)$70-90/month
- Beer at bar (pint)$4-7
- Night out (drinks)$30-60
- Tango show$40-100
Rent by Neighborhood
| Neighborhood | Rent Level | Vibe | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palermo | $$$ | Trendy, nightlife, young professionals | Excellent |
| Recoleta | $$$ | Upscale, historic, families | Excellent |
| Belgrano | $$ | Residential, quiet, families | Very Good |
| San Telmo | $$ | Bohemian, touristy, artsy | Good |
| Villa Crespo | $ | Up-and-coming, authentic, younger | Good |
| Caballito | $ | Traditional, residential, local | Very Good |
Money-Saving Tips
Use the Blue Rate
Exchange USD cash at the "blue dollar" rate for 30-50% more pesos than the official rate. Use reputable exchange houses (cuevas) or Western Union transfers.
Shop at Local Markets
Ferias and mercados offer fresh produce at much better prices than supermarkets. Try Mercado de San Telmo or your neighborhood feria.
Take Public Transport
The SUBE card works on buses, subways, and trains. It's incredibly cheap and the subway is fast and reliable in the city center.
Eat Like a Local
Menu del día lunch specials offer great value. Avoid touristy restaurants in Puerto Madero for better prices in Palermo or San Telmo.
What Reddit Says (The Honest Version)
"It's not as cheap as YouTubers claim anymore. Expect Western European prices for many things. The blue dollar advantage isn't what it was."
- r/digitalnomad, 2024
"Bring physical dollars if you want to rent outside Airbnb. Nobody will rent to you in pesos, and the process of getting dollars is equally taxing."
- r/digitalnomad expat
"Gyms are €70-90/month. Chicken breast is €13/kg. Coffee is €3-4. It's not the cheap paradise people think it is anymore."
- Recent BA resident comparison to Barcelona
The Reality Check
Prices have risen significantly in 2024-2025. While still cheaper than NYC/SF, Buenos Aires is no longer the "cheap paradise" of 2020-2022. Budget $2,000-2,500/month for a comfortable lifestyle, not $1,200. The savings are real compared to major US cities, but manage your expectations.
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