Countless travelers have visited Buenos Aires and immediately thought, “Can I find a way to live in this city?”
Many don’t just ponder this question but make the move.
One of the greatest draws of living in Argentina is the low cost of living, for now.
Although Buenos Aires is a major global tourism destination, it’s only just the tip of the iceberg for this country, which has more land than Indonesia or Mexico but a significantly lower population density.
If you’re interested in making the transition to this beautiful country or simply curious about the cheapest places to live in Argentina, keep reading!
12 Cheapest Places to Live in Argentina
There’s plenty of diversity in Argentina’s landscapes to enjoy.
The north boasts a dramatic desert in the Salta Province, with Iguazu Falls in the other area.
The country boasts big cities, small towns, glaciers, farms, seaside, and mountains.
Therefore, Argentina has something for everyone, including a low cost of living in the following towns.
Twelve: La Plata
Rounding out the 12th spot is La Plata, a small city with a cost of living of $823 per month, giving residents numerous pieces of architectural heritage, green spaces, parks, and cultural activities to enjoy.
La Plata is a suburb of Buenos Aires and the capital city of the Buenos Aires Province, which houses multiple research institutions and universities.
Those who enjoy being part of an intellectual and vibrant community and attending educational and cultural events will enjoy “The City of Diagonals.”
La Plata earned this nickname due to the unique grid street layout with wide diagonal avenues.
One of the best educational institutions in the city is Paseo del Bosque, an intriguing park with a lake, botanical garden, and history museum.
Eleven: San Juan
Next on the list is San Juan, a southwestern city known for its abundant year-round sunshine and arid climate.
With the cost of living at $635 per month, San Juan is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy kayaking, hiking, nature exploration, and other activities to connect with the surrounding landscape.
The city boasts numerous urban amenities including restaurants, cultural venues, shopping centers, historical sites, and cultural events.
Ten: Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz
Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz comes in at number 10 on the list and is the capital city of the Santa Fe Province.
With a cost of living of just $622 per month, Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz has endless local festivals and is brimming with traditional dance and tango music, making it a vibrant cultural scene.
The city also has reputable healthcare facilities and is located on the Parana River, thus offering plentiful recreational opportunities and scenic views.
Also, the city is well known for its beer, with one of the best places for a cold beer at Cerveceria Santa Fe, a popular brewery.
Although there’s plenty of activity, the pace of life is slow and relaxing.
Nine: El Calafate
With a cost of living of $600 per month, El Calafate is a stunning town in Patagonia.
Although it’s one of the cheapest places to live in the country, there’s no shortage of stunning glaciers, natural beauty, and a tranquil atmosphere.
The Perito Moreno Glacier is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting boat tours and glacier trekking.
The town’s food specialties are trout, lamb, and local craft beer.
El Calafate is a popular tourist destination, but the town still maintains a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for those who love a laid-back day.
Other town benefits include craft markets, cultural events, and other socialization opportunities.
Eight: Puerto Iguazu
Located in the northeastern section of the country, Puerto Iguazu is most famous for its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Iguazu Falls.
With a cost of living of only $569 per month, residents report the town as having a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by stunning beauty and a favorable climate.
As a result of its location, there are countless opportunities to enjoy nature through hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and other activities.
The city is also near the Atlantic Forest, offering an exceptional diversity of plants and animals.
Furthermore, the city boasts a year-round tropical climate, making Puerto Iguazu the ultimate destination for those who enjoy warmer weather.
Seven: Salta
At number seven on the list is Salta, a colonial city with a cost of living of just $564 per month.
As the capital city of the Salta Province, Salta is known for its diverse and beautiful landscapes, cultural heritage, and colonial charm.
The city is surrounded by lush forests, beautiful valleys, and colorful mountains.
Salta also holds numerous traditional Argentine festivals, folkloric performances, and various other cultural events throughout the year.
The city has recently emerged as a culinary destination due to its mix of Andean, Indigenous, and Spanish influences.
Salta has a temperate climate with cool nights but warm days to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle.
Six: Mar del Plata
Coming in at number six on the list is Mar del Plata, which boasts a cost of living of only $534 per month.
This booming resort town offers an Atlantic Ocean setting for a relaxing seaside lifestyle.
Also, the temperature remains pleasant throughout the year, and the sandy, wide beaches add to the charm.
The town also has countless restaurants, bars, theaters, casinos, and several sports stadiums.
Furthermore, since Mar del Plata is a tourist destination, there’s a healthy mix of ex-pats and locals, allowing for various types of socialization.
Five: Rosario
Rounding out the top five is Rosario, a popular city where you can live for just $521 per month.
The city offers a mix of riverfront, urban, and cultural amenities such as music venues, museums, art galleries, and theaters.
Rosario is also known for its shopping centers, cafes, restaurants, bars, and other entertainment destinations.
Situated on the Parana River, residents enjoy a picturesque view of the surrounding area.
Rosario is a university city, so the area has enjoyed an intellectual atmosphere for many years and has become a think tank of ideas.
Four: Cordoba
Sitting in the foothills of the Sierra Chicas, Cordoba is another popular tourist destination.
The city is one of the oldest in Argentina and features countless historical sites, colonial architecture, and cultural landmarks.
Like Rosario, Cordoba is a university city, so the town holds numerous educational activities and cultural events throughout the year.
Also, the entertainment options are diverse, with museums, music venues, art galleries, and theaters to explore.
Given its location on the Suquia River, the city also boasts outdoor recreation like hiking, trekking, kayaking, and exploring the endless picturesque landscapes in a temperate climate.
All these benefits can be available with a cost of living of only $520 per month.
Three: Buenos Aires
Known as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires boasts a cost of living of just $515 per month despite being a major international city.
Although there are certainly plenty of wealthy residents of the city, an average person can live comfortably without making a ton of money.
Buenos Aires is revered for its high quality of life, diverse culinary scene, intimate sidewalk cafes, stunning architecture, and interesting neighborhoods.
Once the sun goes down, the tango performances and other nightlife take over.
Also, the city has excellent healthcare, and there are plenty of language schools for expats who want to brush up on their Spanish.
Two: Bariloche
With a cost of living slightly less than Buenos Aires at $511 per month, Bariloche comes in second place on the list of 12 Cheapest Places to Live in Argentina.
Nestled in the Rio Negro Province, the city is best known for its breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains, lush forests, and pristine lakes.
This creates a peaceful and relaxing environment away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities.
Also, residents enjoy endless outdoor activities like biking, skiing, fishing, and boating.
The city also has many European expats, which is prevalent in daily life.
One: Mendoza
The number one cheapest place to live in Argentina is…drum roll…
Mendoza is a city famous for world-class wine production.
As envisioned, the city is surrounded by vineyards, which have produced a vibrant culinary scene and amazing restaurants.
Sitting at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, residents enjoy a beautiful backdrop daily, which results in a scenic and peaceful environment.
The city has many five-star restaurants, shopping centers, and typical urban amenities.
With a semi-arid climate and 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s the perfect place for grapes and expats to live their lives.
Mendoza is also to have a wellness-oriented lifestyle with fitness activities available year-round.
Argentina Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Argentina Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheap for Americans to live in Argentina?
Although these cities are the cheapest places to live in Argentina, when you dig into the overall cost of living in the country, you will find that you can live a comfortable, lower-stress lifestyle for 30-50 percent or cheaper than your home country.
This has made Argentina a popular destination for relocations and retirees.
Where do most Americans live in Argentina?
Around 60,000 Americans are permanent residents of Argentina, with 26,000 living in Buenos Aires, the capital city of the country.
The country also has around 400,000 residents with American ancestry, so if you are planning to move to Argentina, you won’t be far from an American.
What is the quality of life in Argentina?
In addition to the low cost of living, Argentina is renowned for its excellent quality of life due to high-quality food, excellent entertainment options, stunning scenery and outdoor activities, and relaxed culture.
Also, the majority of Argentineans report that the country has good education and healthcare systems to support their residents.
