Cost of Living in Buenos Aires

Updated*: Cost of living in Buenos Aires, January 2014

Everyone travels differently, from spending without care on some gifts, meals, and random purchases to tightening up on others. Below is a list of average prices in Capital Federal, Buenos Aires (Recoleta, Palermo, Belgrano, Centro, Puerto Madero, Almagro, Villa Crespo). You will find prices that are much higher and a bit less than these listed depending on quality, location, etc. This should give you a rough idea of what’s happening here price-wise!

January 2011, Current exchange rate $1 USD = $4 ARS
Inflation (Unofficial, but more realistic is about 20-25% per year)

How Much is Transportation

*Hot Tip: Taxis are generally driven by honest fellows. Tipping is not expected, but is a kind gesture when small change is involved to let them keep it for simplicity’s sake. Coin shortages are common in Argentina. Don’t try to pay with a 100 unless you have to or the ride costs more than 30 or 40 pesos.

How much is it to go out? (Restaurants, Bars, Clubs)

*Insider’s Tips:
-Restaurants encourage a 10% tip ratio, but it is not required and loosely followed at lunch.
-Bartenders typically do not get tipped, but tipping’s a good way to speed up service the next round. Exception: Andy Jackson at The Spot Bar in Recoleta, Ayacucho 1261. Please tip heavily…he’s a gentleman and a scholar.

How Much are Groceries?

*Insider’s Tip:
-“El Chino”, the smaller grocery stores (have a tendency to be owned by folks of Asian decent) generally have lower prices than the larger supermarkets.
-For food/spice variety and international products, check out Barrio Chino and Jumbo.

For more examples of the cost of living in Buenos Aires