Cost of Living in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2025

Is Buenos Aires Affordable To Live in 2025?

As Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital of Argentina, continues to attract expats, digital nomads, and travelers with its rich culture, it is important to understand the cost of living in this constantly changing economic situation.

As we step into 2025, understanding the cost of living in Buenos Aires is crucial for planning your stay, whether it’s short-term or long-term. From housing and food to transportation and leisure, this guide provides an in-depth look at what you can expect.

The prices mentioned in this guide are based on data from January 2025 and can differ based on the current economic situation and the exchange rate at that time. This guide will give you an estimation as what to expect.

Cost of Living in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2025

1. Housing And Accommodation

Rent Prices In Popular Neighborhoods

Buenos Aires offers a range of housing options to fit diverse budgets. Popular neighborhoods include Palermo, Recoleta, and San Telmo, each with its unique charm.

Housing prices can vary if you are booking through online booking platforms such as AirBnB or Booking.com or from a local rental website (with a DNI). Here is some information comparing the three common neighbourhoods.

• Palermo: Known for its trendy cafes, parks, and nightlife, Palermo is one of the pricier areas. Rent for a studio apartment averages around $500–$700 USD per month, while a 1-bedroom apartment can cost $800–$1,200 USD.
• Recoleta: Famous for its elegant architecture and proximity to cultural landmarks, Recoleta’s studio apartments range from $450–$600 USD. A 1-bedroom apartment can cost $750–$1,000 USD.
• San Telmo: This bohemian neighborhood offers a more affordable option, with studios averaging $350–$500 USD and 1-bedroom apartments around $600–$800 USD.

Utilities, including electricity, water, and gas, typically cost $50–$100 USD per month for a small apartment. Internet services cost around $20–$30 USD monthly, often bundled with cable TV.

2. Food And Groceries

Eating Out

Buenos Aires is a food lover’s paradise with options for every budget.

• Street Food: You can grab a snack or light meal for as little as $5–10 USD. Empanadas and choripán are popular, affordable choices. The cheapest and delicious empanadas we had were from Brozziano for $0.68 USD or 700 ARS each.
• Budget Restaurants: A meal at a local eatery can cost anywhere from $20–$30 USD. For example, a large pizza would cost you roughly around $20–$25 USD. Our favorite pizza place was Pizza Krozz, a small restaurant but freshly made with loads of toppings and cheese!
• Mid-Range Restaurants: Dining at a decent restaurant averages $30–$60 USD per person.

Grocery Prices

For those cooking at home, here are the average grocery prices for reference:

• Bread (1 loaf): $1.50 USD
• Milk (1 liter): $1.50-$2 USD
• Chicken (Leg and Thigh) (3 kg): $7-9 USD
• Beef (1 kg): $14-17 USD
• Fruits (e.g., bananas, apples, oranges per kg): $2–4 USD
• Vegetables (e.g., potatoes, tomatoes, onions per kg): $1.50–2.50 USD
• Ground Coffee: $8 USD and above
• Olive Oil (500 ml): $10 USD and above
• Vegetable Oil (500 ml): $2–4 USD
• Spices like black pepper, smoked paprika, or cumin- Each spice packet can vary but average price is close to $1 USD
• Eggs (carton of 30 eggs): $7–$9 USD

International brands are available but can be difficult to find.

Note: Items such as ziplock bags and aluminium foil are a bit pricier than North America, so its best to carry some extra ziplock bags with you in your luggage.

Monthly groceries can range from $600 USD – $700 USD depending on how much you cook and if you prefer healthier and organic options versus the regular.

3. Buying A Pre-Paid Sim

Tourist sim for Claro can be purchased for $15 USD from Alto Palermo Shopping Mall. This package would last one month. Later, it can be recharged at a lower cost for roughly $8 USD/month.

You can choose other providers and plan. We went with Claro and it worked well for us.

4. Transportation

Buenos Aires boasts an efficient and affordable transportation network.

Public Transportation

• Subway (Subte): A single ride costs approximately $0.80 USD.
• Buses (Colectivos): Fares range from $0.50–0.80 USD depending on distance.

If your SUBE card is registered, you will be paying lesser fares than non-registered cards. We did not register our SUBE card but if you are staying for a longer time period, definitely register your card.

The SUBE card simplifies travel across buses, subways, and trains. You can buy the SUBE card for $0.80 USD (8000 ARS) and can reload at some kioskos or subway stations. You cannot take a bus (colectivo) without a SUBE card. The best thing is you can share your SUBE card with others so if you are travelling with friends or with your partner, just purchase one card and tap for everyone!

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

• Taxis: The base fare is $1.50 USD, with additional charges per kilometer.
• Uber/Cabify: Typically 10–20% cheaper than taxis, offering convenience and upfront pricing. The cost of Uber from EZE airport to Palermo is around $20 – $25 USD.

Bikes

Buenos Aires has an extensive network of bike lanes and free 30 min use of public bike-sharing programs like Ecobici. You can download the Ecobici app to use it.

5. Entertainment And Leisure

. Cultural Attractions

• Museums: Entry fees range from $1–5 USD, with many offering free admission on specific days.
• Theatres: Tickets for performances start at $10–20 USD.
• Cultural Events: Many are free or priced under $10 USD.

Football Matches And Tango Shows

• Football Matches: Ticket prices vary widely, starting from $100 USD, depending on the teams and seating.
• Tango Shows: Entry fees range from $60–100 USD, with some venues offering dinner packages.

Fitness And Wellness

• Gym Memberships: Most basic gym membership monthly fees start from $40 USD.

Nightlife

Buenos Aires’ nightlife is legendary, with options for all tastes.

Well you can spend as much as you want on drinks!! An average cocktail would be between $8–$10 USD.

Final Thoughts And Tips

Buenos Aires offers a blend of affordability, cost of living, and quality of life, making it an attractive destination for expats and travelers.

On average, a single person can expect to spend between $1400 and $1,600 USD per month in Buenos Aires, while a couple’s monthly expenses typically range from $1,800 to $2,300 USD. These estimates include rent for a modest apartment, utilities, groceries, dining out occasionally, and transportation.

Families with children may require a budget of $2,500 to $3,500 USD depending on the lifestyle and housing needs. Budget-conscious travelers or expats willing to share accommodations can reduce these costs significantly.

Check the table out for consolidated average pricing:

Categories	Cost in USD
Housing And Accommodation	$500-$1000
Food And Groceries	$600-$700
Phone Plans	$8-15
Transportation	$15-$25 (depending on mode and frequency of travel)
Leisure And Entertainment	$100-$300 (depending on your interests)
Total Monthly Cost (for 2 people)	$2000-$2500

How To Make The Most Of Your Trip?

• Learn Basic Spanish: While many locals speak some English, knowing Spanish enhances your experience.
• Use Public Transportation: It’s cost-effective and reliable.
• Shop at Local Markets: Save on groceries by buying from ferias (markets) and verdulerías (local fruits and vegetable shops) and paying in cash.
• Take Advantage of Free Activities: Parks, street performances, and cultural festivals often cost nothing.

By understanding the cost of living and planning accordingly, you can enjoy all that Buenos Aires has to offer without breaking the bank.

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