Cost of living in Buenos Aires in 2024

Everyone has an opinion on the cost of living in Buenos Aires, but accurate, detailed data is hard to come by.

To cut through the confusion and uncover the real cost of living for expats in Buenos Aires, we surveyed expats currently residing in the city.

We aimed to discover how much they spend on rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and entertainment, and to understand the financial nuances of living in one of South America’s most vibrant cities.

The results of this survey provided some surprising insights into the real costs expats face in Buenos Aires.

About This Survey

We surveyed 98 expats living in Buenos Aires.

We promoted our survey in our newsletter, as well as in various Facebook groups for expats living in Buenos Aires.

To increase the results, we also run targeted Facebook ads.

Here’s the final breakdown of survey respondents:

• 44 single expats (45% of the survey)
• 38 couples (39 % of the survey)
• 16 families (16% of the survey)*

All prices shown are in the USD. If the prices were provided in Argentine pesos, we converted them to USD using the latest blue dollar rate.

*50% of the families had one child, and 50% had two children. Surprisingly, the expenses were not that different, so we grouped them together.

The Median Monthly Expense for Expats in Buenos Aires Is $1,550

The median monthly expense for expats living in Buenos Aires is $1,550, providing a realistic benchmark for those planning to move to the city. This figure captures the central tendency of expenses, excluding extreme outliers, and offers a practical view of typical costs.

Breaking it down further, solo expats report a median monthly expense of $1,400.

For couples, this figure rises to $1,727, reflecting the increased cost of shared living arrangements.

Families face a significantly higher median expense of $3,850 per month*, indicative of the additional costs associated with childcare, larger living spaces, and other family-related expenditures.

*As we’ll see later in the study, this figure is inflated by schooling costs. However, for a lot of expats, their companies cover these costs. In this case, a family’s average monthly cost drops to $2,475 per month.

Monthly Expenses by Neighborhood: Recoleta Tops at $2,517

The cost of living for expats in Buenos Aires varies significantly by neighborhood.

Recoleta is the most expensive*, with expats reporting an average monthly expense of $2,517. This area is known for its upscale amenities, safety, and prime location.

Belgrano follows closely with an average monthly expense of $2,463, offering a balance of residential charm and modern conveniences.

Palermo, another popular neighborhood, has an average monthly expense of $1,982, making it a vibrant yet slightly more affordable option compared to Recoleta and Belgrano.

Chacarita and Caballito offer more budget-friendly options, with average monthly expenses of $1,389 and $1,402, respectively. These neighborhoods provide a mix of local culture and residential comfort at a lower cost.

*Note: Puerto Madero is generally considered the most expensive neighborhood in Buenos Aires, but this survey did not include any expats from that area.

Palermo is the Most Popular Neighborhood Among Expats

When it comes to choosing where to live, expats in Buenos Aires have clear preferences for certain neighborhoods.

• Palermo: Leading the way, 27.6% of expats call this vibrant and trendy neighborhood home. Palermo is known for its lively nightlife, vast parks, and diverse dining options.
• Recoleta: Coming in second, 18.4% of expats prefer the upscale and historic charm of Recoleta, with its elegant architecture and cultural landmarks.
• Belgrano: With 10.2% of expats, Belgrano offers a blend of residential tranquility and modern amenities, making it a favorite among families and couples.
• Almagro and Chacarita: Both neighborhoods are home to 5.1% of the expat community each. Almagro is appreciated for its traditional vibe and tango culture, while Chacarita attracts those looking for a more bohemian atmosphere.

83% of Expats in Buenos Aires Rent Their Homes

The majority of expats in Buenos Aires, 83%, prefer to rent their homes, while only 17% are homeowners.

Expats who own their homes report a median monthly expense of $1,400, which is notably lower than the $1,700 median monthly expense for those who rent. This gap highlights how owning a home can lead to significant monthly savings.

Interestingly, 41% of homeowners live in Recoleta, showing a strong preference for this upscale neighborhood among property buyers. Meanwhile, 30% of renters favor Palermo, attracted by its lively atmosphere and variety of housing choices.

Rent Is the Largest Expense for Expats in Buenos Aires at 40%

Understanding how expats allocate their monthly expenses provides insight into the cost of living in Buenos Aires.

Rent is the most significant expense, accounting for 40% of the budget. This remains consistent across all budgets, providing an easy rule of thumb for estimating total living costs.

Groceries make up 16% of the monthly expenses while eating out comprises 12% of the budget.

Entertainment expenses take up 13% of the budget, showcasing the city’s numerous recreational activities and cultural events.

Other expenses, including personal care and miscellaneous costs, account for 10%.

Utilities (5%), transportation (3%), and healthcare (1%, excluding insurance), round out the budget, underscoring the importance of managing these smaller yet essential costs.

Median Rent For Expats is $650

Rent prices for expats in Buenos Aires vary widely, with the highest reported rent being $5,750 and the lowest $200.

The median rent stands at $650, providing a useful benchmark for those planning their budget.

Neighborhood-Specific Rent Analysis

Rent prices also fluctuate significantly across different neighborhoods:

• Palermo: The median rent is $600, making it a popular choice for its affordability and vibrant atmosphere.
• Recoleta: Matching Palermo, the median rent here is also $600, reflecting the upscale but compact living spaces.
• Belgrano: With a median rent of $925, this neighborhood attracts more families and couples who prefer larger apartments, which inflates the median rent.
• The areas with the cheapest reported rents are Parque Patricios ($200/month), Caballito ($219), and Balvanera ($222/month).

Rent by Household Type

The rent amounts also differ based on household size:

• Single expats: The median rent is $562, offering a cost-effective living arrangement.
• Couples: Median rent rises slightly to $662, reflecting the need for slightly larger living spaces.
• Families: With a significantly higher median rent of $2,000, families typically require larger accommodations, driving up costs.

Rent by Apartment Type

The type of apartment also impacts the rent amounts:

• Studio (monoambiente): The median rent is $487, ideal for solo expats or those on a tight budget.
• One-bedroom apartment: The median rent is $587, suitable for individuals or couples looking for more space.
• Two-bedroom apartment: With a median rent of $775, this option caters to small families or those needing extra room.
• 3+ bedroom apartment: The median rent is $1,400, necessary for larger families or shared living arrangements.

One Bedroom Apartments Are the Most Common Choice for Expats

The type of property expats choose to live in Buenos Aires varies based on their household size and personal preferences.

• One Bedroom Apartment: The most popular option, chosen by 41.6% of expats, particularly solo expats and couples. Within this group, 37% live in Palermo, and 19% reside in Recoleta.
• Two Bedroom Apartment: Preferred by 28.6% of expats, mostly couples. A significant 36% of these apartments are located in Palermo.
• 3+ Bedroom Apartment: Accounting for 11.7% of the expat housing market, these larger apartments are primarily occupied by families, with 27% located in Belgrano.
• Studio apartment (Monoambiente): Chosen by 10.4% of expats, studios are a compact and affordable option. Notably, 60% of these are in Palermo, reflecting its appeal to single expats.
• House: A less common choice, with only 2.6% of expats living in houses.
• Shared Accommodation: Also chosen by 2.6%, shared accommodation is an option for those looking to reduce costs or enjoy a more communal living experience.

Median Utilities Cost for Renters is $100

Utility costs for expats in Buenos Aires can vary, but the median cost provides a useful benchmark for budgeting.

• Median Utilities Cost for Renters: $100 per month. This is a typical expense for those renting apartments in the city.
• Median Utilities Cost for Owners: Slightly higher at $111 per month. This reflects the additional responsibilities that come with owning a home.

It’s important to note that 43.75% of expats have their utilities included in their rent, meaning they don’t have to pay for them separately.

Only 18% of Expats in Buenos Aires Own a Car

Car ownership among expats in Buenos Aires is relatively low, with only 18% choosing to own a vehicle, while the remaining 82% do not.

• Median Cost of Car Maintenance: For those who own a car, the median monthly maintenance cost is $74.
• Total Monthly Costs for Car Owners: Expats with cars face a higher median total monthly cost of $2,305.
• Total Monthly Costs for Non-Car Owners: In contrast, those without cars have a significantly lower median total cost of living at $1,500 per month.

Housing and Car Ownership

• Non-Car Owners: Among those who do not own a car, 90% are renters.
• Car Owners: Of the expats who own cars, housing choices are evenly split, with 50% renting and 50% owning their apartments.

Expats Without Cars Spend $50 Monthly on Transportation

For expats in Buenos Aires who do not own a car, transportation costs are relatively modest.

• Median Transportation Cost: The median monthly transportation cost for these expats is $50.
• Percentage of Total Monthly Expenses: This represents 3% of their total monthly expenses, making transportation a minor part of their budget.

48% of Expats in Buenos Aires Have Health Insurance

Health insurance coverage among expats in Buenos Aires shows a nearly even split:

• With Health Insurance: 48% of expats have health insurance. On average, they spend $141 per month on premiums, which accounts for 6% of their total monthly expenses.
• Without Health Insurance: 52% of expats do not have health insurance. These individuals spend an average of $56 per month on healthcare costs.

Average Monthly Grocery Costs for Expats: $318

Expats in Buenos Aires spend an average of $318 per month on groceries, excluding dining out.

The cost varies based on household size:

• Singles: $235 per month
• Couples: $316 per month
• Families: $543 per month

Grocery Costs by Neighborhood

Grocery expenses also differ by neighborhood:

• Palermo: $347 per month
• Recoleta: $350 per month
• Belgrano: $366 per month
• Almagro: $300 per month
• Caballito: $253 per month
• Chacarita: $230 per month

Dining Out Costs for Expats Average $266 Monthly

Eating out is a significant part of the expat lifestyle in Buenos Aires, with an average monthly expense of $266.

This cost varies slightly based on household size:

• Singles: $272 per month
• Couples: $248 per month
• Families: $291 per month

Dining Out Costs by Neighborhood

The cost of dining out also varies significantly by neighborhood:

• Palermo: $359 per month
• Recoleta: $309 per month
• Belgrano: $331 per month
• Almagro: $166 per month
• Chacarita: $136 per month
• Caballito: $153 per month

Entertainment Costs for Expats in Buenos Aires: $279 Monthly Average

Entertainment is a significant part of expat life in Buenos Aires, with an average monthly expenditure of $279.

This cost varies based on household size:

• Singles: $245 per month
• Couples: $260 per month
• Families: $415 per month

Entertainment Spending by Neighborhood

The cost of entertainment also varies by neighborhood:

• Palermo: $249 per month
• Recoleta: $299 per month
• Belgrano: $312 per month
• Caballito: $165 per month
• Chacarita: $232 per month

14.2% of Expats Have School-Aged Kids in Argentina

Expats with school-aged children in Buenos Aires face unique financial considerations, particularly regarding education costs.

Schooling expenses can vary significantly depending on whether the child attends a private or public school.

This is evident from the median schooling cost of $509 per month compared to the average cost of $1,197* per month.

*It’s important to note that some expats have their schooling costs covered by their employer, effectively reducing their expenses to $0.

Additional Insights on Expats with School-Aged Kids

Expats with school-aged children exhibit different spending and lifestyle patterns compared to the general expat population:

• Car Ownership: 71.4% of expats with school-aged kids own a car, significantly higher than the 18% car ownership rate among all expats.
• Health Insurance: 71.4% of these parents have health insurance, compared to 48% of the total expat population.
• Adjusted Monthly Expenses: If we exclude schooling costs, these families’ median monthly expenses drop from $3,850 to $2,475.

Conclusion

Our survey provides a comprehensive view of the cost of living for expats in Buenos Aires, highlighting the diversity in expenses based on household size, neighborhood, and lifestyle choices.

From rent and utilities to groceries, transportation, and entertainment, the data offers valuable insights for current and prospective expats.

Whether you’re a solo expat, a couple, or a family, understanding these costs can help you better plan and manage your finances while living in this dynamic city.