Cost of Living in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is not called the Paris of South America for nothing. Its streets are dotted with people wearing the hippest European trends, who pop in and out of the many available boutiques.

Argentineans move with a flair and confidence which attracts and awes expats who might only wish to have a touch of that sophistication. Expat life in Buenos Aires need not be so out of reach though. In fact, it can get quite simple thanks to the affordable rates and a very liveable environment.

Accommodation

It is more common for expatriates to rent a house or an apartment than buy one as they make the big move to Buenos Aires. The city has a very inexpensive and friendly network of hotels, hostels, dormitories, apartments and houses with the best options for those with limited budget.

Typical costs for accommodation include AR $400 to AR $5257 in monthly rent for a 1 bedroom flat with an attached bathroom. Expats who want more space can find a 2 bedroom fully-furnished flat with a monthly rent of AR $6,920.56 to AR $52,000 or a 3 bedroom fully-furnished flat for AR $10,512.24 to AR $72,534.46.

Buying Property

Buying properties in Buenos Aires will require the same expertise of an agent who could process the papers smoothly upon purchasing a property. Most of the properties that are for sale in Buenos Aires are buildings that cost around US$5,000,000, houses priced at US$250,000 and lands without any structures for about US$600,000.

House utilities

Typical household expenses would amount to about $80.00 per month including electricity, gas, water and cable TV with eighty channels. Other costs to take note of include AR $28 to AR $50 for monthly internet connection. Expats looking for entertainment options in Buenos Aires will find that the costs include AR $160 for 2 tickets to the movies and AR $655 for 2 tickets to the theatre. A month of gym in business district will cost AR $504.

Food

People in Buenos Aires enjoy local dining with great varieties of dishes to choose from. In this majestic city, native dishes are simply outstanding, but international cuisine such as Italian, Spanish, Japanese, French, Nordic, Mexican Chinese, Arab, Turkish and Armenian are also favorites, especially among expatriates who always like the thought of something that tastes closer to home. Viamonte 1571 and Lima 1553 are two locations in the city where food bills are low.

In general, food in Buenos Aires is cheap compared to many other places in the world such as United States and Europe. Minutas, quick-fix foods that are healthier than most fast food choices, are available at about $3- $4 each. Low priced meals cost about $4-6, average range is $8-10 while anything above $20 is considered expensive. Other dining costs to consider include AR $95 for one daily menu in business district and AR $450 for a dinner out for two in Italian restaurant with wine and dessert. When it comes to fast food, one Big Mac Meal costs AR $7 to AR $10.

Transportation

Taxis are one of the most important means of transportation in Buenos Aires. With their yellow-painted roofs, these cabs roam around the city streets 24 hours a day and can be flagged on the street or called from a station. Each taxi carries a digital clock that shows the exact amount of money that the customer needs to pay. The initial meter rate is AR $4.60, and it will increase AR $0.46 for every two hundred meters.

Other ways to get around the city include buses or "colectivos" which is a common mode of public transport where fares begin at $0.80. Inner city bus tickets cost AR $0.40 to AR $0.60. Expats who will be shipping their car to Buenos Aires will find that one liter (1/4 gallon) of gas will cost AS $1.40 to AR $ 1.80. However, the fastest way to move around the city, is through the subway system which runs Monday to Friday from 6am-10pm and on weekends and holidays from 6am-8pm for a minimum fare of only $0.70. One monthly ticket for public transport will cost AR $248.

Argentina's official currency is the Argentine Peso. As long as there's work and a source of income in Buenos Aires, the good life need not be a dream. So far, this South American charmer is living up to expectations.