Argentina is the second largest country in South America and is situated in the southern part of the continent.
It is officially known as the Argentine Republic and comprises a total land space of 2,780,400 km².
As of 2022, the country has a total population of 45,195,774 residents.
The country has a gross domestic product (GDP) of around $500 US billion.
Argentina is most known for its passion for sports like soccer, its love for and skill at Tango, and Mate culture.
The country is characterized by beautiful natural landscapes and vibrant cities, exceptional wine, food, and landmarks.
English is not the most widely spoken language.
In fact, only a small percentage of the population speaks it as a first language.
The official language is Spanish.
This is one of the safest countries in South America but the country does still experience petty crime.
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10 Safest Cities in Argentina
The following information is primarily based on reviews by visitors and tourists to the country.
Having said that, it is wise to keep in mind, that caution should be practiced at all times when visiting a foreign country.
Never travel alone, stay out of dark areas or areas known as crime hotspots, and always remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
1. Buenos Aires
The capital city is one of the safest cities in South America.
The monthly estimated income for a single person to live a relatively comfortable life is around $500 and the average rental is approximately $130 per month.
The city is a multicultural hub and offers great nightlife, a rich history to be discovered, and outstanding wine and food.
For the current period, the city reported on average about 6.4 homicides per 100,000 residents.
This city, like most metropolitan cities in South America, has a substantial unequal economic situation, and what is known as crime pockets.
These are neighborhoods that have high crime levels.
You could be walking from an affluent neighborhood straight into a crime-ridden area.
Poverty and unemployment are on the rise and so is crime.
The most common type of crime is mugging, pick-pockets, purse snatching, and scam artists.
2. Salta
This is another beautiful city.
The average cost of living per month is around $330 and the average rental cost is approximately $100.
This is a relatively safe city but there are instances of gang violence in poorer areas of the city.
This city is in the northwest of the country.
The area is defined by its beautiful, rugged outdoors and beautiful scenery.
The city is in the second largest wine region of the country.
Tourism is the biggest industry in Salta.
While there is not a major concern with regard to violent crime, the city is known for other types of crime such as corruption and bribery.
There is a moderate concern about violent crime though, especially in terms of armed robbery and assault.
Drug usage is rather high in Salta, which may lead to other forms of crime, such as theft.
In addition, property crime includes a moderate amount of vandalism.
It is much safer to walk alone during the day than it is to walk alone during the night in Salta.
3. Cordoba
Cordoba is the capital city of Cordoba Province.
This city is also the second most populous city in Argentina.
The cost of living in Cordoba is relatively low.
The average income for a single person to live fairly comfortably is around $200 per month and the average cost of rental is approximately $60 per month.
The risk for women traveling in this city is fairly low.
Of course, a fair amount of caution still needs to be exercised in this city as there are high risks of other types of crime such as pickpocketing, scam artists, as well as muggings.
Property crimes such as robbery, break-ins, and vandalism are somewhat of a concern.
Street muggings are a bit of a concern in this city as well.
In terms of overall safety compared to other cities in South America, and Argentina specifically, this country is relatively safe.
4. Puerto Iguazu
This city epitomizes green living with nature right on your doorstep.
It is located in the far most northeastern part of the country and is the gateway to Iguazú Falls.
The beautiful and world-renowned waterfall is situated in Iguazú National Park.
The monthly cost of living averages around $550 and the monthly rental fee is about $250 in this city.
While this city is relatively safe, it is not completely without crime, and those visiting or living here should take reasonable caution, as in any city in South America.
The most common types of crime are petty crimes such as scam artists and pick-pockets.
There are reports of burglaries, robberies, and theft.
However, these are not as prevalent as petty crimes.
5. Mar del Plata
This beautiful resort town is another fairly safe city in Argentina.
This is a beautiful tourist destination.
The cost of living in Mar del Plata is around $650 per month, while a rental may work out to approximately $100.
The city, however, has seen a spike in crime in recent years.
Visitors are advised to exercise caution when traveling to this city.
Most of the tourist destinations are fairly safe but there have been several situations of petty crime such as pick-pocketing, scams, and theft.
The theft of cars also seems to be prevalent in this city.
Property crime is the most common and serious crime in Mar del Plata apart from petty crime.
In addition, depending on which area of the city you frequent, assault and robbery may also be a concern.
6. Mendoza
Mendoza produces the bulk of the wine in Argentina.
If you love wine, then this is the city for you.
The approximate cost of living in Mendoza is around $500, while the average rental will work out just below $90 a month.
Overall, the city is fairly safe.
Again, reasonable caution should always be practiced.
The city has a good police presence, which adds to the feeling of general safety.
You will notice police traveling by foot, car, bike, and even horse throughout the city.
However, theft, pick-pocketing, and purse snatching have been a common occurrence in the city due to rising poverty levels in poorer areas.
Remain vigilant during the early afternoon as police tend to take a “siesta” as all civilians do and petty crime is sure to be on the rise during this time.
Women, especially, should take precautions in this city and never travel alone.
7. Ushuaia
Ushuaia is the southern-most city in the world, situated in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago.
The average cost of living in this city is around $520 a month, while the average rental is approximately $140.
Ushuaia is generally a safe city to live in with regards to property and violent crime.
You may find that the locals are very friendly and welcoming with very few reports of crime.
The downside, though, is that English is hardly spoken in this city.
The most dangerous aspect of this city is the roads leading to the city.
These roads are not in ideal condition and may be quite treacherous to travel on.
8. La Plata
La Plata is known as a student city.
The average cost of living in the city is around $500 and the average rental is $95.
This is a planned city that may not be as cosmopolitan as other bigger cities, but it does offer old-world grandeur.
There is a need to practice caution though, as muggings and robberies are quite high in the city.
Vandalism and theft are also causes of concern.
However, when keeping to well-lit areas, avoiding travel at night, and remaining vigilant, it should be a fairly safe place to visit or live.
It may also be best to avoid the use of public transportation in this city.
Keep in mind that this is a very big city.
You could easily walk from a safe neighborhood into a very unsafe one.
It is best to know someone from the city before traveling to the city to give advice on the safe areas.
9. Bariloche
This is a beautiful city with Alpine scenery.
The average cost of living is around $1,000 while the average rental is about $400.
This city is generally a safe city to live in and visit.
However, snatch and grabs, muggings, and scam artists are a common occurrence and tourists are the number one target.
There are other types of property crime that are prevalent in this city, as well as vandalism and theft.
Assault and robbery are also a cause for concern but are not rated as very common or serious.
The most common type of crime in this city is corruption and bribery.
10. El Calafate & El Chalten
This compact city is located in the Patagonia region.
The cost of living in this city is around $600 per month, while the average rental is $150.
This is quite possibly considered to be the safest city in Argentina, with very little crime and crime against tourists is almost non-existent.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Argentina
The following safety tips should help you when traveling to or visiting Argentina.
- Always remain aware of your surroundings when using an ATM.
- Never leave valuables in a car.
- Women should preferably not travel alone, especially when hiking or outdoors.
- Always remain vigilant of pick-pockets, no matter where you are traveling.
- Never leave a purse hanging over a chair. Keep it in front of you at all times.
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
What food is Argentina known for?
- Empanadas
- Chimichurri
- Choripán
- Media Luna
What is the most famous landmark in Argentina?
There are a few but Tren a las Nubes is one of them.
What wine is Argentina known for?
It is most well known for Malbec.
Found my hometown! Proud to be from Buenos Aires. My mom is originally from here and I really wanna visit soon.
Planning to go here for our 10th wedding anniversary. I can’t wait to roam around knowing that my wife and I will be safe.