Living in Buenos Aires: What Expats Need to Know
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the real pros and cons of living in Buenos Aires, answer some of the most common questions expats have, and share practical tips to help make your move smoother. You’ll also find insights from fellow internationals about their own experiences—from where to live and how to handle the paperwork, to how to make friends in a city where people love to talk but also stick to their circles.
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My wife has found her job through InterNations. That is great as our fresh start in Buenos Aires was kind of tough for us both.
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Why you'll love 51ԹϺin Buenos Aires
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Pros & Cons of living in Buenos Aires
Every year, over 12,000 expats worldwide take part in our Expat Insider survey—the largest global study on life abroad. Based on the 2025 results and real-life input from our international community, here’s a closer look at the main pros and cons of living in Buenos Aires.
Pros
- Affordable (if you earn in USD or EUR): Rent, eating out, and getting around are all budget-friendly when you’re earning in a stronger currency. You can enjoy a good meal for around 5–10 USD, and everyday items like fresh produce, meat, pasta, and dairy are cheaper at local shops; often better quality, too. One thing to keep in mind: many places still prefer cash over cards.
- Everyday life is social and full of culture: Here you’ll find live music, spontaneous tango performances, independent bookstores, and cafes packed with people chatting for hours. Locals are warm, expressive, and always up for hanging out— from late-night dinners and weekends asados (BBQs) to spontaneous meet-ups in the park.
- Easy to get around without a car: The city is walkable, especially in central neighborhoods, and public transport is both extensive and cheap. The subte (subway), buses, and trains cover most areas, and taxis or ride apps are easy to grab and very affordable.
- Great for digital nomads: With relaxed visa rules, decent internet, lots of co-working spaces, and plenty of laptop-friendly cafés, Buenos Aires is a good fit for remote workers. You’ll find a solid community of freelancers and creatives around.
- Late-night lifestyle with lots going on: Dinner usually starts around 9 PM, bars pick up after midnight, and nightlife goes into the early hours. It’s not for early birds, but if you like social evenings and night walks, it can feel pretty safe and lively in many areas even after dark.
Cons
- Unstable economy: Argentina’s economic situation is unpredictable, with high inflation and fast-changing prices. Most people use a mix of pesos and USD for everyday spending. If you’re earning locally, it can be tricky to manage. It’s much easier to get around if your income is from abroad.
- Currency exchange can get tricky: There’s more than one exchange rate—the official rate and the more favourable “blue dollar” rate used in informal markets. It takes a bit of time to figure out where and how to exchange money safely and get the best rate.
- Some infrastructure needs work: Wi-Fi cuts, power outages, or water issues aren’t unusual, especially in older buildings or during the summer. Bureaucracy for things like setting up bank accounts or sorting visas can also be slow and frustrating.
- Safety depends on the area and time of day: Like in most big cities, petty crime happens, with pickpocketing being the most common. Some neighborhoods are safer than others, and locals will often share tips on which areas to avoid at night. You’ll hear the word chorros (thieves) used often. Healthcare quality varies: Public healthcare is free and accessible, even for expats, but it can mean long wait times and limited English in many hospitals. Private clinics are quicker and offer better service, but the quality and cost can vary.


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Join Our Exciting Events in Buenos Aires
There’s a lot to discover in Buenos Aires from music, art, and food to weekend escapes and local hangouts. Our events are a simple way to jump in without having to plan everything on your own.
They’re hosted by our Ambassadors, who regularly organize everything from wine tastings and tango nights to language meetups and cultural walks. It's also a great way to meet people, swap stories, and settle into the city with less hassle. Whether you’re brand new or have been around for a while, there’s always something fun coming up.

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This section covers everything you might be wondering about life in Buenos Aires. From visas and neighborhoods to salaries, safety, transportation, and healthcare—plus everyday tips on how to meet people and settle in, all backed by real expat experiences.
There are several visa options depending on your situation:
- Digital Nomad Visa: If you’re working remotely for a foreign company, this visa allows you to stay in Buenos Aires while maintaining your job abroad.
- Student Visa: If you plan to study at a university or educational institution in Buenos Aires, you’ll need to apply for a student visa.
- Rentier Visa: This option is for those who have a stable income from abroad, like investments or pensions. You’ll need to prove that you have the means to support yourself while living in Argentina.
- Work Visa: If you’re planning to work for an Argentine company, you’ll need a work visa. This requires sponsorship from your employer.
- Residence Permit Application: The process for applying for a residence permit involves submitting your visa application to the . For most visas, you’ll need to provide documents like your passport, proof of income or employment, and potentially a background check. It’s recommended to start the application process before you arrive, but you can apply from within Argentina as well.
Visa runs (leaving the country briefly to reset your stay) are common but technically discouraged. If you do overstay your visa, you can pay a small fine when you leave the country.
- Palermo: Known for its cafés, restaurants, and large green spaces, Palermo is perfect if you want to be close to nightlife, parks, and a variety of dining options. It’s split into sub-neighborhoods like Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood, each with its own perks.
- Recoleta: This area is quieter and more upscale, with parks and historical landmarks. It’s ideal for those who prefer a calmer, more elegant neighborhoods with easy access to museums and cultural sites.
- Villa Crespo & Almagro: These are more local and less touristy, offering a more authentic feel of Buenos Aires while still being central. It’s a great option for expats who want to experience local life without being far from the center.
- Belgrano, Nuñez, Villa Urquiza: These neighborhoods are quieter, family-friendly, and more residential. They are great for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center while still being within reach of everything.
Finding a place to live in Buenos Aires is relatively easy, especially with platforms like:
If you’re looking for a more personal recommendation, Facebook groups like “Expats in Buenos Aires” are also useful.
Rent in central areas like Palermo and Recoleta is typically around 350–500 USD/month for a 1-bedroom apartment. In less touristy areas, you might pay 200–350 USD/month for a similar place.
If you’re just moving to the city, it’s a good idea to start with a short-term rental (like an Airbnb) while you explore the neighborhoods and decide where you’d like to live long-term.
- Public healthcare: Argentina has a public healthcare system that’s free to residents and foreigners. While it’s decent, the downside is that it can be overcrowded and might involve long wait times, especially for non-emergency cases.
- Private healthcare: Many expats choose to get private health insurance for better care. Plans typically cost around 160 USD/month from companies like:
The great part about private health insurance is that you don’t need to be a resident to enrol.
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Salaries: Local salaries in Buenos Aires tend to be low. The average salary is around 500 USD/month, but many expats don’t rely on this since they work remotely for companies abroad. Jobs in Buenos Aires are often low-paying unless you have a specific skill set or work in high-demand sectors.
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Under-the-table work: Many jobs are paid “under-the-table” (trabajo en negro), which means you won’t have official benefits or job protections. Remote work: Expats prefer working remotely for companies in the US, Canada, or Europe, where salaries are higher and more stable. and personal referrals are good for job hunting if you’re looking for something local.
For more information, read our full guide on How to find a job and work in Argentina
While you can get by without speaking Spanish, especially in areas with a lot of tourists or expats, learning the language will make your life much easier. Knowing basic Spanish is best for communicating with locals, shopping, and handling administrative tasks. Many expats find it helpful to take a few language lessons when they first arrive.
Buenos Aires has a solid public transport system, including buses, subways (subte), and trains, all of which are affordable. To use public transport, you’ll need a card, which can be purchased and recharged at kiosks around the city.
Taxis and ride-hailing services like , and are also available, but it’s important to note that sometimes foreign cards don’t work well for payments.
In short, yes! The city is fairly safe for expats, but it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas. Pickpocketing can be common in busy places, so be mindful of your belongings. It’s a good idea to avoid walking alone in quieter areas late at night.
There are many ways to meet people in Buenos Aires:
- Networking events: Joining expat groups or attending events from 51ԹϺis a great way to meet others who are going through the same transition.
- Coworking spaces: If you work remotely, consider joining a coworking space like or . These places are not only great for work but also for meeting people in a professional environment.
- Cafés and social spaces: Buenos Aires has a café culture, and you’ll often find locals hanging out in parks or plazas. It’s easy to meet people just by joining in the daily rhythm of the city.
For an individual, a salary of around 1,000–1,200 USD/month would be enough to cover basic living expenses comfortably, including rent, food, transport, and utilities. If you’re earning in USD or EUR, your purchasing power will be higher, and you can enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle.
For a family of three, a monthly salary of about 2,000–2,500 USD would allow for a reasonable standard of living, covering rent, food, transportation, healthcare, and leisure activities.
Here’s a general idea of the living expenses:
| USD per month | ARS per month | |
Studio apartment outside of center | 410 | 375,000 |
Small family home outside of center | 780 | 710,000 |
Utilities | 110 | 100,000 |
Mobile phone & internet | 50 | 45,500 |
Health insurance | 120-180 | 110,000–163,700 |
Public transport | 16 | 14,600 |
Groceries (per person) | 120-200 | 110,100–182,000 |
Meal, inexpensive restaurant | 15 | 13,700 |


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Our Global Partners
Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends
Joining a group is one of the easiest ways to find your people in a new city. Whether you’re into trying new food, watching live performances, or just looking to expand your circle, there’s a group that fits. You can join the Connect Group to meet others over casual get-togethers, or if food’s your thing, there’s a Sushi Lovers Group and a Beer Lovers Group that regularly explore the city’s best spots. For those into culture, the Performing Arts and More Group is all about theater, live shows, and everything in between. These groups are laid-back, welcoming, and built around shared interests, which is a great way to stay social without feeling like you’re starting from scratch. There are so many more groups to explore in Argentina and with InterNations, you can join them all.
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A New Life in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a city that needs almost no introduction, with its name being a byword for excitement, a rich lifestyle, and cosmopolitanism. It may be known as the "Paris of the South" for precisely those reasons, but few cities in the world have such a unique and individual character. But it's not just the cultural aspects that expats will enjoy — there's also free healthcare and education, efficient public transportation, and a good infrastructure that will give anyone making Buenos Aires their home all the convenience of many major European cities. Many expats will find themselves working for major corporations in the city, involved with industries such as oil and gas, but technology and English teaching are two other common vocations for foreigners. With the industrial base as diverse as the population, you'll be sure to meet a wide variety of people here on InterNations, as well as out on the streets.
51ԹϺis the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. 51ԹϺmakes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Abu Dhabi or Singapore, 51ԹϺallows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.
Enjoy Our Network of Expatriates in Buenos Aires
Here on our network you'll find a wide variety of expats, from all sorts of backgrounds and fields of work and interest. You will also find, however, that our members are all specially approved — this ensures that any interactions you have with our members will be welcoming and helpful. Once you've taken part in a few discussions, there's always the opportunity to take your networking offline, too: our members run a wide variety of groups for various interests and activities. There are groups for museums, the arts, and of course tango and salsa dancing for you to enjoy. Our larger community-wide events are also a great opportunity for networking and are not to be missed!
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