Cost of living in Buenos Aires: Food, transport, and more

If we talk about vibrant, intense cities full of contrasts, Buenos Aires takes one of the top spots, at least in Latin America. From bohemian neighbourhoods like San Telmo or Palermo to modern areas like Puerto Madero, Argentina’s capital combines culture, gastronomy, nightlife, and green spaces everywhere. Its offer is as big as its size, so managing your budget wisely avoids burning your credit card. Don’t worry, we’ll explain everything about the cost of living in Buenos Aires and help you calculate how much you’ll need monthly to enjoy this magical city.

A quick note: We’re talking about Argentina, a country with years of economic instability. Prices aren’t static, they change monthly, sometimes weekly. Although inflation slowed recently, in Argentina you never know what may happen. So, prepare to discover an amazing country, but expect some challenges. By the way, don’t miss our guide on what living in Argentina is like, it’ll help you understand this better.

Now let’s see how much it costs to live in Buenos Aires and how factors like rent, food, transport, leisure, healthcare, and connectivity affect your budget. Ready to plan your move to the tango capital?

What’s the average cost of accommodation in Buenos Aires?

When you calculate a monthly budget, rent usually takes the biggest share. Argentina’s capital is no exception, as housing is one of the main factors influencing the cost of living in Buenos Aires.

The city offers a wide and dynamic property market, with prices shifting according to exchange rates, inflation, and regulations. In 2023, rent controls were lifted, creating more supply (with nominal increases). However, adjusted for inflation, values dropped between 30% and 40%.

For digital nomads, students, or temporary residents, studios or shared flats in well-connected neighbourhoods are the most practical. Here are the most common ranges:

1- Furnished studios or one-room flats

Furnished studios are popular among those who value privacy but don’t want to spend as much as for bigger flats. They come fully equipped, ready to move in, with WiFi, air conditioning, bedding, and kitchenware included.

They’re usually located in central or well-connected neighbourhoods like Palermo, Recoleta, Almagro, and Belgrano. For example, a studio in Palermo starts at €390 ($450) per month, plus building fees, around €87 ($100). In Palermo Hollywood, prices go up to €520–610 ($600–700). For cheaper options, look in Almagro, Caballito, or Colegiales, where monthly prices start from €350 ($400, approx.).

2- Coliving: popular with digital nomads

Coliving spaces gained popularity in Buenos Aires, especially among digital nomads, freelancers, and young professionals. These shared places combine privacy with community, offering private rooms (sometimes shared too), communal areas, high-speed WiFi, weekly cleaning, coworking, and social events.

They’re usually located in strategic neighbourhoods, with strong connectivity and lively social scenes. Palermo (Soho and Hollywood) suits nomads who love nightlife, while Belgrano offers a more residential feel, with green spaces and nearby universities. San Telmo is the most cultural and bohemian area, home to a large young community. Meanwhile, Microcentro is ideal if you want a central, budget-friendly choice.

Prices depend on location, services, and room type. For example, a private room may cost €390–740 ($450–850) per month, while shared rooms go for €217–520 ($250–600). Some coliving spaces even allow weekly stays starting from €130 ($150).

3- One or two-room flats

If you come with a partner, plan to share rent, or simply want more space, one or two-room flats are ideal. Buenos Aires has plenty of options, from modern buildings to older constructions. Be careful, some already include utilities and services, but always check before signing.

In Palermo, one of the city’s liveliest neighbourhoods, a one-bedroom flat costs around €650 ($750) per month, plus fees €87–130 ($100–150), depending on the building. Some come furnished, ready to move in, which may affect the final price.

4- Seasonal Airbnb

If you prefer more flexibility or you’re exploring, Airbnb rentals give you a place while searching for something permanent. Although slightly more expensive, they usually include all utilities, making your stay easier. Many hosts also offer discounts for month-long stays.

For instance, renting a one-bedroom flat in Palermo for over a month may cost around €740 ($850) monthly, fully equipped and ready to move in. Recoleta and Microcentro also offer plenty of short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb.

How much do groceries impact the cost of living in Buenos Aires?

Now that you know how much money you’ll need for housing, let’s see food costs and their impact on Buenos Aires’ living expenses. The most important thing to know is that eating can be cheap if you buy in local supermarkets or markets. The city has a strong culture of local butchers, greengrocers, and fairs, usually cheaper than large supermarket chains.

For a digital nomad or international student, food costs stay low if you cook at home. Still, Buenos Aires’ gastronomy is wide, varied, and truly tempting, especially in areas like Palermo or San Telmo.

To help you balance cooking at home and eating out occasionally, here are two tables:

Average prices of basic supermarket products (Carrefour, Día, Jumbo)

Food prices in Buenos Aires’ main supermarket chains

Based on this, a reasonable monthly supermarket spend is around €138–202 ($150–220) if you cook at home often. Of course, these figures apply to one person, costs rise considerably for families.

Eating out in Buenos Aires: sample prices

Buenos Aires is a paradise for food lovers. With Italian, Spanish, Creole, and Latin American influences, the city offers unmatched flavours. The main food hubs are in Palermo Soho and Hollywood, full of trendy restaurants, signature bars, and speciality cafés. In San Telmo and Recoleta you’ll find more traditional dining, while Belgrano, Caballito, and Villa Crespo mix old-style bodegones with international cuisine. From Argentine grills and classic pizzerias to vegan, Asian, and gourmet restaurants, there’s something for every taste and budget.

Portions are usually generous, and many bars or restaurants offer weekly deals. Sharing dishes is also common. So, if you want to eat out, just search for places with tasty, filling menus at fair prices. Trust us, if you look, you’ll find them.

Is transport expensive in Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires has one of the cheapest public transport networks in Latin America. With the SUBE card you’ll access buses, metro, trains, trolleybuses, and even river transport at very low fares. If you prefer cycling or even owning a car, the city also offers affordable options compared to other world capitals. Therefore, transport doesn’t weigh much on Buenos Aires’ cost of living.

Here’s a breakdown of approximate transport costs in Buenos Aires.

Cost of living in Buenos Aires: public transport

• Bus fare: €0.18 ($0.20)
• Metro fare: €0.32 ($0.35)
• SUBE card (system access): €1.13 ($1.30)

With a monthly load of €13.80–18.40 ($15–20) on your SUBE, you’ll cover unlimited daily commutes. Discounts apply when combining transport modes.

Uber and private transport

• Short ride (3–5 km): €2.30–3.68 ($2.50–4.00)
• Medium ride (8–10 km): €4.60–6.90 ($5.00–7.50)

Uber is widely used by locals and foreigners, often cheaper than traditional taxis. It’s safer and accepts international cards.

Public bikes and rentals

Buenos Aires has the free bike system “Ecobici”, ideal for short trips.

• 30 minutes per ride (up to 4 daily): Free
• Unlimited daily pass: €0.23 ($0.25)
• Unlimited monthly pass: €2.76 ($3.00)

Private rental services like Tembici are also available, with similar monthly subscriptions.

Fuel and cars

• Petrol (regular) per litre: €1.01 ($1.10)
• Electric charge (per kWh est.): €0.17 ($0.18)

Insurance and cost of a popular car

• Basic mandatory insurance (monthly): €9.20–13.80 ($10–15)
• Full insurance: €23–36.80 ($25–40)
• Most common new car (e.g. Fiat Cronos): €18,300 ($21,000)

You don’t need a car in Buenos Aires thanks to the transport network, but it’s useful if you live further out or travel often.

What are healthcare costs in Buenos Aires?

Until recently, foreigners without residency could access free medical care in public hospitals. From July 2025, however, everyone entering Argentina must have health insurance. Besides being a new immigration rule, the government introduced it to avoid overloading an already stretched public system. Public hospitals often lack resources, face staff shortages, and remain overcrowded.

For quality medical care, you can turn to the many private clinics and hospitals in Buenos Aires and nationwide. You’ll need a health insurance policy. The city offers excellent hospitals, highly qualified doctors, and care across all specialties. Compared to Europe or the US, costs are more affordable.

So, can no foreigner use public healthcare? Yes, those with legal residency in Argentina can.

Private health insurance

Buenos Aires and Argentina offer plenty of health insurance options, both international and local, to suit all budgets. The most recognised prepaid providers are OSDE, Swiss Medical, Galeno, and Medicus. Many include home visits, dental cover, and direct access to tests.

Healthcare insurance costs in Buenos Aires

Estimated costs without insurance

Cost of living in Buenos Aires: medical care

How much do internet and phone plans cost in Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires offers excellent connectivity, with high-speed internet in most neighbourhoods and 4G (increasingly 5G) across the city. Whether you live in a flat, coliving, or move around often, you’ll need a reliable data plan. Of course, there are many public WiFi networks, but they’re not always stable or safe.

Cost of living in Buenos Aires: home broadband

Main providers include Fibertel (Telecom), Movistar, and Telecentro. They offer monthly packages, usually with installation included.

Home broadband costs in Buenos Aires

Installation is often free or costs €4.60–9.20 ($5–10). Many rentals already include WiFi.

Mobile data and call plans

Providers like Personal, Movistar, and Claro sell prepaid SIMs, available at kiosks or official stores. Activation is immediate.

Mobile data and call plan costs in Buenos Aires

There are also weekly promotions from €0.92 ($1), perfect if you’re staying briefly.

Holafly Connect: Unlimited data made easy

If you want mobile internet as soon as you land, without physical SIMs or paperwork, Holafly’s monthly plans are your best choice. They use a global eSIM, offer instant setup (no physical SIM required), 24/7 support in Spanish, and stable coverage across Buenos Aires. All this without contracts or hidden fees.

Holafly plans are perfect if you’re travelling short-term or moving around Latin America. With Holafly you’ll also enjoy unlimited data using an Argentina eSIM. Choose the days you need, keep your SIM, and avoid roaming costs. best esim internet for digital nomads

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

How does leisure affect the cost of living in Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires is one of Latin America’s most cultural cities. It offers plenty of free activities and many with symbolic fees. Going to the cinema, theatre, museum, or concert is part of daily life, especially in Palermo, Recoleta, or San Telmo. Parks, squares, and street fairs also provide affordable entertainment for all budgets.

Sundays often bring free markets, outdoor shows, exhibitions in cultural centres, and even tango in public squares. Many museums are free or offer discounts for students. One thing’s certain: you’ll never get bored in Buenos Aires.

Cultural and recreational activities

Recreational activity costs in Buenos Aires

Streaming and home entertainment

Do you prefer watching series at home or listening to podcasts? If you’re more into crisps, beer, and a good film, streaming platforms will become your best friends. They’re affordable, often include promotions, and usually allow account sharing.

Main streaming platform costs

Tourist sites and must-do activities

Spending Sunday binge-watching your favourite series sounds great. But exploring Buenos Aires is even better. The city always surprises with its history, art, architecture, tango, literature, and football. From colourful murals in La Boca to century-old theatres on Corrientes Avenue, every neighbourhood offers a unique experience.

In Buenos Aires, you can step back to colonial times in San Telmo, visit cafés where Borges or Cortázar wrote, or admire Japanese and French gardens in Palermo’s heart. Free guided tours, museums, and cultural landmarks make it a city you’ll discover daily as if for the first time.

For inspiration, check our article on what to see in Buenos Aires. Meanwhile, here’s a list of attractions with approximate prices.

Every week you’ll also find free film screenings, festivals, theatre shows, and street performances. With little investment, you can enjoy Buenos Aires’ vibrant cultural life.

Is the cost of living in Buenos Aires high?

If you’re searching for a city with soul, good connectivity, and vibrant cultural life, Buenos Aires could be your place. Although the local economy is volatile and requires adaptation, with good planning you’ll enjoy a complete lifestyle (with outings, shows, food, and healthcare) without breaking your budget.

Buenos Aires also has something numbers can’t measure: contagious energy, passion for daily life, and endless new discoveries. It’s ideal for digital nomads, students, remote workers, or anyone wanting a pause in a city that never stops.

Cost of living in Buenos Aires: FAQs

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