Cost of living in Buenos Aires in 2025: A complete guide for foreigners

Buenos Aires has always been one of Latin America’s most exciting cities. But while it used to be considered extremely cheap for anyone earning in USD or EUR, the reality in 2025 is different. Inflation slowed significantly, the Argentine peso strengthened, and prices adjusted upward while the dollar did not gain value at the same pace. The result: the cost of living in Buenos Aires is still attractive compared to major capitals worldwide, but it is no longer the bargain it was during the 2019 to 2022 era.

TL;DR

Buenos Aires is more expensive for foreigners than it used to be, mainly due to the peso gaining strength and prices increasing. It is still cheaper than the US and Western Europe for rent, eating out and transportation. Most foreigners live comfortably on 1800 to 2500 USD per month. Payment habits matter a lot now.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the economic context in 2025
2. Rent prices in Buenos Aires
3. Grocery costs in Buenos Aires
4. Eating out, cafés and nightlife
5. Healthcare costs in Buenos Aires
6. Education costs in Buenos Aires
7. Transportation and Uber costs
8. What expats say in 2025
9. How much you really need per month
10. Why paying like a local matters
11. How WanderWallet helps
12. Final thoughts

Understanding the economic context in 2025

Something important changed in Argentina: inflation cooled down to around 1 to 3 percent month over month, but the currency strengthened more quickly. That made prices feel higher for foreigners who were used to extremely favorable exchange rates.

None of this means Argentina is suddenly expensive. It simply means that 2025 Buenos Aires is closer to a normal capital in terms of cost, not the ultra discounted version many nomads remember.

Rent prices in Buenos Aires

Rent is the largest cost for most expats, and it varies widely based on neighborhood and type of rental.

Long term unfurnished rentals

• Studio or 1 bedroom in central neighborhoods: 400 to 600 USD
• Studio or 1 bedroom outside the city limits (Provincia/Conurbano): 250 to 350 USD
• High end 1 bedroom in Palermo, Recoleta or Puerto Madero: 1500 to 2000 USD

Short term rentals

• Standard 1 bedroom: 600 to 1000 USD per month
• High end or premium spaces: 1200 USD and above

Utilities generally cost 50 to 100 USD monthly. Expensas are typically not included (condo fees) and they tend to rise into the hundreds of dollars per month.

Where foreigners tend to live

Palermo, Recoleta, Belgrano, Colegiales, Villa Crespo and San Telmo remain the most common choices for newcomers. Palermo in particular is the top pick due to walkability, cafés, parks and foreigner friendly services.

TL;DR

Long term rentals range between 400 and 600 USD for a central 1 bedroom. Short term stays usually land between 600 and 1000 USD. Expect much higher prices only in premium buildings or top tier neighborhoods.

Grocery costs in Buenos Aires

This is one of the categories where foreigners feel the biggest shift compared to pre 2023 levels. Many groceries now cost closer to US or European prices due to currency appreciation and supply adjustments.

Typical 2025 grocery prices

• Milk 1L: 2.5 USD
• Bread (quality loaf): 4 to 5 USD
• Cheese 200 g: 4 USD
• Ham 150 g: 2.8 USD
• Eggs, pack of 30: 4.5 USD
• Steak 1 kg: 10 USD
• Pasta 500 g: 1.5 USD
• Wine (mid range): 5 to 7 USD

Compared to other regional capitals, Buenos Aires groceries are more expensive than Lima or Bogotá, similar to Madrid or Lisbon, and still cheaper than US cities or Northern Europe.

TL;DR

Groceries increased the most for foreigners. Prices are no longer extremely cheap, but still competitive internationally.

Eating out, cafés and nightlife

Eating out remains one of the best points of Buenos Aires. The city still offers incredible food, craft beer, cafés and nightlife at reasonable prices for international standards, although it is now more expensive than in many similar Latin American cities.

Prices in 2025

• Mid range restaurant: 10 to 12 USD per person
• Steakhouse dinner with wine: 30 to 40 USD per person
• Empanadas or fast bites: 2 to 4 USD
• Coffee or cappuccino in specialty coffee shop: 3 to 4 USD
• Craft beer: 4 to 5 USD
• Cocktails: 8 to 10 USD

Healthcare costs in Buenos Aires

Argentina has one of the strongest healthcare systems in the region. Public hospitals are free, but most expats choose private insurance for convenience and shorter wait times.

Private healthcare in 2025

• Monthly private insurance: 150 to 250 USD
• Specialist visit without insurance: 20 to 50 USD

Major private hospitals include Swiss Medical, Hospital Alemán, Galeno and OSDE.

For a deeper breakdown of healthcare for foreigners, see this updated guide.

Education costs in Buenos Aires

Universities

• Public universities: free (admin fees 50 to 200 USD per semester)
• Private universities: 1200 to 3500 USD per year
• Specialized degrees: 4000 to 7000 USD per year

Language schools

• Group classes: 100 to 250 USD per week
• Private 10 hour course: 350 USD per week
• Intensive private 20 hour: 680 USD per week

You can compare Spanish school pricing via Ibero Spanish School.

Transportation and Uber costs

Public transportation is still extremely cheap, and Uber remains good value compared to other global cities.

Public transport prices

• Subway or train: 0.70 USD per ride
• Bus: 0.60 USD per ride

Uber and taxi prices

• Typical urban ride 4 to 5 km: 6 to 10 USD
• Cross city ride: 12 to 20 USD
• Taxi initial fare: 3 USD

For cost of living comparisons including transportation, check this resource on ExpatExchange.

What expats say in 2025

Groceries are way more expensive now, but eating out is still great value.

I pay 580 USD for a nice studio in Palermo. Rent is still a good deal compared to Europe.

Ubers are cheap, events are cheap, steak is cheap. Imported or processed items feel pricey or hard to find.

I live very comfortably on 2000 to 2500 USD per month.

Argentina is not the super bargain it was, but it is still one of the most enjoyable cities to live in.

(These insights come from recent discussions on r/digitalnomad, r/argentina and expat forums sourced in our research.)

How much do you really need per month

Minimum comfortable: 1200 to 1500 USD

Standard comfortable: 1800 to 2500 USD

Higher end or luxury: 2500 to 3500 USD

TL;DR

Most foreigners report spending between 1800 and 2500 USD per month in Buenos Aires. Rent and eating out remain reasonable. Groceries and imported goods push budgets upward.

Why paying like a local matters for your cost of living

One of the biggest cost differences foreigners face today has nothing to do with rent or food. It comes from how you pay.

Argentina in 2025 is a QR first economy. Locals use Mercado Pago, Modo and bank linked QRs for almost everything because they are cheaper, faster and avoid foreign card fees.

• You pay higher fees and get worse FX
• Some merchants surcharge foreign cards
• Many small stores will not accept foreign cards at all
• ATMs often charge high withdrawal fees

This means your cost of living can increase simply because your payment method is not local.

How WanderWallet helps

• Pay any QR code in Argentina
• Use Mercado Pago compatible rails
• Withdraw cash from RedATM machines
• Avoid foreign card fees
• Hold USD, EUR or USDC and spend locally

If you want to check the latest usage fees or exchange conditions, you can consult current rates.

For a step by step explanation of how payment rails work in Argentina, see How foreigners can make payments in Argentina.

Final thoughts

Buenos Aires remains one of the most vibrant cities in the world. The food, the wine, the architecture, the cafés, the football culture and the social life are unmatched. The cost of living in Buenos Aires rose compared to the past, but the city still delivers incredible value for anyone earning in a strong currency.

With the right neighborhood, realistic budgeting and smarter payment methods, living in Buenos Aires in 2025 can be not only affordable, but deeply enjoyable.