Cost of Living in Argentina

Updated: July 01, 2025

If you've ever considered moving to Argentina, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Argentina?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Argentina and whether the reported $949 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $419.4.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

Argentina

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	6.25 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	25.0 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	5.0 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	1.76 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	2.38 $
Cappuccino (regular)	1.67 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	1.06 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	0.81 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	0.78 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	1.06 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	0.9 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	1.41 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	6.3 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	3.88 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	6.48 $
Apples (1 lb)	1.44 $
Banana (1 lb)	1.23 $
Oranges (1 lb)	0.9 $
Tomato (1 lb)	1.37 $
Potato (1 lb)	0.66 $
Onion (1 lb)	0.75 $
Lettuce (1 head)	0.96 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.85 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	3.0 $
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	1.17 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	1.93 $
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	2.0 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	0.25 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	15.1 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	1.0 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	0.74 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	4.89 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	0.92 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	25200.0 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	23540.28 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	46.32 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.19 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	21.91 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	22.21 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	9.68 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	4.8 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	152.58 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	3976.42 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	59.62 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	44.18 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	102.86 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	89.3 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	231.25 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	175.82 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	448.89 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	340.67 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	2136.32 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	1699.02 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	419.4 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	46.33 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 6.25 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 25.0 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.78 USD, a loaf of bread 1.06 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.41 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.25 USD and a monthly pass around 15.1 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 46.32 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 22.21 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 9.68 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 152.58 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 3976.42 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 59.62 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 102.86 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 231.25 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 175.82 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 2136.32 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 1699.02 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 419.4 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 46.33% annually.

Warnings & Dangers in Argentina

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Overall, Argentina is a country where you should mostly feel safe. Follow general rules of precaution and your common sense, and your trip should go smoothly. Argentina's main issue is petty crime on the streets, since its rate is pretty high.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Transportation in Argentina is mainly convenient and safe, you can travel by trains, buses, so-called "colectivos" and taxis. Just be careful and pre-order a taxi instead of hailing one down on the street, since you might get overcharged for the ride. 'Radio Taxis' are easily spotted – they are black and yellow in the Capital, and white with blue letters in the Provinces. They are the safest option when it comes to taxis, especially in the capital. Airport taxis in Buenos Aires are white and blue.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

As mentioned, pickpockets and purse snatching are very common in Argentina, it is actually a constant risk. Cell phone snatching also happens so you should keep all your valuables out of sight. Avoid wearing purses and keep your money in a hidden place, not easily accessible by pickpockets. Also be wary of people trying to distract you, it might very well be a way to take your money.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Unfortunately, Argentina is exposed to various natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and storms (pemperos) that can cause enormous flooding (usually hitting the pampas and the northeast). Volcanic activity is also typical for the Andes, near the border with Chile (the Copahue volcano, still active and sometimes causing evacuation of the residents).

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Even though violent crime is not common it does happen. Since muggings are not a rarity, if you do not cooperate when in such situations, the muggers might not hesitate to use force in order to take your valuables. This is why you shouldn't resist if such situation occurs. Hand over everything you own. Also, express kidnapping can occur, where tourists are taken for a few hours and forced to withdraw all their money from an ATM, and then released, usually without being harmed.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There haven't been any terrorist attacks in Argentina's recent history, but they shouldn't be ruled out. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

As in any other tourist destination, scams in Argentina are a regular occurrence. Double check your change, since you might get tricked, negotiate everything in advance to prevent being ripped off, and avoid hailing taxis on the street since you might get overcharged in an unlicensed taxi.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

For a female solo traveler, Argentina should be generally safe. You should know that in the evenings you might receive some unwanted attention and whistles by men, so you should probably avoid areas near bars and clubs, and go by taxi, not on foot. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit and deserted areas. Other than that, you should encounter no problems.

Cost of Living in Argentina

Argentina

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing