I live for under $1000 a month in a beautiful area of BA. $400 a month for my nice apartment on the 14th floor. And I go out to each almost every single day and take uBers often. If you learn how to find deals you can as well. Most importantly you have to know how, when, and where to make adjustments!
Great reply! Sounds like you have got it together better than Nomadic Fire. But a crucial, crucial question: What has the REAL DIFFERENCE been Before & After Millei, for expats with pension income or nomad revenue IN A STABLE CURRENCY! (I totally understand how difficult the economic upheaval has been for locals, but expats are INSULATED from this, and should even benefit to the extent that local prices for local goods tend to be sticky in peso terms.) Nomadic Fire seems to draw the opposite conclusion?!? I just do not understand their reasoning, which runs counter to my experience of Exchange Rate Turmoil in places like Venezuela or Myanmar.)
Thanks for the feedback. Curious, what do you think is still the best value in Buenos Aires? Ironically for me, it's the high-end dining options. Not that I eat these daily, but I think that expensive restaurants know they can't raise prices any higher, so while my midrange menu del dia places have popped their prices 50%, "expensive" restaurants have capped their increases.
That's awesome! You're gonna have a blast. Did you already watch our Buenos Aires guide on exchanging money? Getting USD for rent was a big learning experience for use when we first arrived. m.ruclips.net/video/daxGQUG5OkI/видео.html
My wife and I have been in Buenoa Aires for 6 weeks. Palermo is amazing. Just been walking for hours everyday and eating. Good place to escape if you need to save money, while the market recovers. Good information. Many times a DNI is asked for on a form. Seems its not easy for a expat to get one. Any thoughts on DNI? We plan on being hear for a year.
I lived in Buenos Aires for nearly 10 years. For me, I need a passive income of 1500 to 2000 per month. You can live very comfortable on this amount of money 💰. You still get a one bedroom apartment for around 600 dollars with everything included in a great neighborhood. You can get all your food for around 200 dollars a month.
I agree. Few capital cities in the world get you the level of Buenos Aires for food, culture, arts, and entertainment for that value. Does that $600 housing number you use include utilities and furniture?
@nomadicfire Yes, I was last in Buenos Aires on 2022 for the World Cup when Argentina won the World Cup. it was awesome. I rented a great one bedroom apartment in San Telmo. Everyone I needed was within walking distance of my apartment, and it included everything WiFi, electricity, gas, and air-conditioning, and it was furnished. If you do some research and rent directly from an owner and pay in Argentina pesos and can pay in advance, you can even get a better deal.
Thank you very much, this information is very clear, except that I did not understand if the food budget was for one or two people but I saw your answer below
Excellent video. We were in BA last December when the change of government took place. The first day I was off to Freddy's in the San Telmo Market for a choripan and beer that came in under $2. Two days after Milei took office the price shot up closer to $4. If you have the luxury of USD, as you say, life is still very good, if more expensive than previously. Palermo, Ricoletta, and Belgrano are over the top areas of beautiful architecture, parks, and delicious food. And yes, the people were generally friendly and gentle with novice spanish speakers.
@@nomadicfire We loved all of them. We stayed in Ricoletta close to the cemetary. Belgrano was significantly more green and quiet, but perhaps a little too far for walking down to Casa Rosada. Ricoletta seemed close to the parks and museums on the east side and still walkable to the center in an hour. We'd really liked BA enough to give serious thought to moving there, but the lack of a tax treaty seems problematic and I haven't been able to get a firm read as to whether my government pension and social security would be double taxed. Our solution may be to split our time and slow travel through other parts of the world and avoid tax residency. BTW we ate at La Cabrera for the early seating at 40% off. We thought the steak, chorizo, and malbec were excellent and ridiculously inexpensive with the discount.
I’m in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Life is much more affordable 5hrs away from the capital. I’m a 100% VA recipient. As a 44yr old single man, I feel super rich with $3,737.00 USD every month. Steaks are $2.50 each, and wine is $3 bottle. NEVER GOING BACK TO LAS VEGAS.
I live confortably for 500$ a month in buenos aires. It you want to spend 10 000$ it's absolutely possible as well. But for a single person 500$ is absolutely doable.
$500 in Buenos Aires capital is not enough for a single foreigner/expat. We pay double the rent, and we don't have access to long term leasing. A tiny studio apartment is around $380-500 a month. And that's only rent...
@@nomadicfire From Sweden. Just staying a few months. But hostel is 10000 a night with breakfast. I eat out for 3900 almost daily. I buy about 3 bottles of wine for 6000/bottle each week. On average 3000 on the metro and 4000 on mandarins and 4000 for washing clothes weekly . I use a total of less than 20k a day which includes living expenses which adds up to 500 USD a month if using dólar blue. Not including travel insurance which for me adds another 80 USD a month and I have not bought clothes etc. Also not including computer/cellphone etc that would add a cost if living here permanent since at some point you would need to buy a new.
@@the.marcosison Breakfast is included in price for the hostel so should have some value. I would say that apart from that I spend like 8000 arg on food including wine per day. A meal where I usually eat is at 3900 including soda. So about 7 dólar a day on food/wine apart from breakfast. The price at the restaurant 3900 is probably like 3 euro.
Does your rental costs factor in long term or short term rental expenses? Just curious how easily I (traveling solo) can find a $800/mo rental if I'm only there for a few months.
Medium Term? You'll usually get a price break at 3 and 6 months. Though note that most landlords were asking for the entire payment, including deposits upfront.
These are usually very neighborhood specific. What neighborhood are you located? My goto butcher is a couple blocks from the Carranza metro stop in Palermo Hollywood.
@@Gigi-rg7xy Where you shop will most likely revolve around where you choose to live. I love all the mom and pop neighborhood vendors in Buenos Aires for grocery shopping. If you haven't watch our videos on best neighborhoods for first time visitors, check those out. Palermo Hollywood is my fav. ruclips.net/video/kCX0KAbmvYU/видео.htmlsi=ZTgk1lTFJuV0dSPa
I live in Cordoba and all day, every day its busy in restaurants and fast food restaurants and all kind of stores and supermarkets ...Those are not cheap anymore at all but it seems to me that a lot of Argentinians are def spending 1000 a month. I'm always wondering how so many Argentinians can still afford all that if they just make 600-1000 dollars a month...???
@@peterpeter8217 The same people don't do it every day. Also a lot of those people represent a small fraction of the population with money who can patronise restaurants
I could recommend the Coghlan and Belgrano neighborhoods, which are close to Palermo and are cheap (rent is around US$350 per month). Another could be Montserrat and Villa Devoto but in the case of Devoto it is quieter than Palermo and it is for people who love parks because there are many there.
There are few city's that can match the amount of green space and trees in Buenos Aires. It's awesome. I've never explored Devoto much. How is the food scene?
@@nomadicfire There are many cafes, boulangeries and restaurants, BUT fewer Asian food restaurants (it doesn't matter if you want kebab, Korean or Japanese food, Palermo has more of them). It is more common to find Spaniard(galician mainly), Italian, French or even German food in that neighborhood. Mainly Spaniard cafes and Italian restaurants, there are many of them, and German pubs. The other disadvantage (this point could be an advantage depending on what you want) is that it is quieter because it is far from Palermo at exactly the opposite point. P.S: The German pubs in Devoto have fewer varieties of wiesebier but the ones they do produce are acceptably good.
@@jonhjackson7224I'm gonna have to hide this comment from my Austrian girlfriend. She would feel right at home there. 😊 Thanks for the tips. We'll have to check it out.
Higher quality of life at this moment in Argentina requires not less of U$S 2k. It's a pendular economy. Maybe you wake up tomorrow there's a runoff with the dollar and you're suddenly living in the cheapest country in Latin America. It was like that just 7 months ago. Argentina, you wouldn't understand it.
Got it.👍🏽 Can you help me understand your first sentence? I'm not reading something clearly. "Higher quality of life at this moment in Argentina requires not less of U$S 2k."
@nomadicfire Simple. You need at least $2K to maintain a living standard somewhat better than the United States. That's the whole purpose of living abroad. Less money to live a better quality of life. Did I make myself clear?
Understood now. The sentence structure just confused me. Thanks for explaining. I 100% agree with you, the whole point of moving abroad is to enjoy a better quality of life. Where we disconnect is on how much that standard of living costs.
SEA is still better value, and there is no crisis going on here. Beef might be pricier, but you get way better luxury accommodation. No commie taxation either.
I spend alot of time living in SE Asia as well. Lots to love about the region. Food is amazing and I agree cost of living offer superb value. Pros and cons in any location though. I can argue that Buenos Aires has better art, ballet, and opera than any capital city in SEA. I don't have to dodge motorbikes crossing the street. I haven't had to bribe the police here. I also don't have to deal with sex tourists. I find communication here than SEA. Not sure what you mean about "commie tax." Vietnam is very communist and Thailand now taxes foreign residents on all money brought into the country, including asset sales sold at a loss.
Why are you using 1,350 pesos/dollar which is 40% higher than today's mid-market rate is 960, which is the weakest peso in over 10 years? That's a 40% delta.
Excellent question. It is because nearly everyone uses the informal rate, not the official rate. Here is our video explaining how to get the higher "Blue dollar" rate. nomadicfire.com/exchanging-money-in-argentina
Great video! I a US/UK dual national who retired last month and relocated to Buenos Aires two weeks ago. I'm renting a studio apartment in Villa Crespo. I'm trying to obtain a DNI. I have to decide if I should get a retirement or a digital nomad visa as I am still doing remote work as an independent contractor for my former employer. I'm also looking to purchase a property once my DNI is sorted. I need an English speaking, Argentine immigration lawyer. I agree that cleaners are very cheap in Buenos Aires. Also, laundries that do service washes are so cheap, ~US$10 for two loads, that there's reason to do your own laundry. There's a gym next door to my building, but I haven't checked it out yet. As for the BA food scene, I'm vegan. So, that limits me a bit.
Sounds like you are on your way! While you don't have as many vegetarian/vegan restaurants in Villa Crespo, you'll find a decent selection in Palermo Hollywood and Soho. If you haven't watched our Buenos Aires Neighborhood videos, you should check them out.
i paid today the lowest plan of private healtcare (of the biggest healthcare insurance company), wich does not include payements to doctors. for a couple of aged people : 400 usd $ !! the peso is now 25% more expensive than in your video. i know young super educated young profesionals , working fo rmultinationals. they make 1000 us$, and cannot live as you say, it is true that restaurants, untertainement, are cheap, but if you have a car , everything changes. all in all,you can double what you say, to live badly in this hygly dangerous country, where 50% of the people are under the level of poverty, can read or write, and 20% under the level of misery (eating a litelle one time a day, living in shantitowns with 4 brcik wall, and a pastic as roof. the only one who is entering money in these houses is the 15 years kid, wich sales drugs so, yo calculation are correct for some points, but dedaly wrong for the rest !!
Hi Firebird, can you tell me why you think the peso is 25% more expensive? The midmarket blue dollar exchange rate today is only down to 1250 as of today vs. the 1350 I used in the video. Are you using the official bank rate in your calculations?
@@nomadicfire sorry, my mistake, i am not in argentina now. it is about 9% today l lived in argentina, and kept my OSDE healtcare plan, as i will go back to buenso aires,. i planned to live there again, but, due to the hyper high cost of living and the 200+ INFLATION, i will go much higher ! i know inflation is falling at full speed, but it is meseured year/year. and does not go lower than 4% a month now ((around 50% anualized), in case if Milei is 100 sucessfull in his politics, bbut he decided to keep the pesos ULTRA HIGH against the dollar this is to such a point that argentines are buyng all they can in the usa, or foreingn countries now. it is ABSOLUTELY ARTIFICIAL , AND ALREADY TRIED IN Argentina, with a super economical crack afeter the problem now, is that the country is so undebted that the is no qualifications for argentina ! this contry is not included econmically in the world the example of the cost of a IPhone was very good.
If you would have come in 2018, prices in USD were similar to now. You came here in an exceptional moment, bad econmics policies plus covid made it like that and now is going back to 2018 and before.
Thank-you for a stylish and interesting video! But... please honor me with your reasoning on the Millei Effect, as queried in my reply to EXPATditions below...
@@nomadicfire You are less than one-tenth as badly affected as the average Argentinian. Right? And local peso costs, denominated in pesos for rent, tomatoes, whatever, are Sticky (usually) and do not instantaneously float up to reflect international exchange rates. If that is true, and usually it is, then that benefits expats. (During a visit to a friend working in Barbados, decades ago, she suggested visiting Caracas, where the currency was then in similar turmoil. I stayed at the Caracas Hilton for 10 bucks a night! I just could not believe it!) But you are there on the ground in BA, and I am not, so please explain the situation carefully.
@jimmccann3856, Locals are definitely harder hit. Foreigners earning in USD, EUR, GBP, etc are better insulated from price shocks, but not 1/10. There are a few assumption your making that need clarification. The big one is rent, as that will make up 30%+ of most expat budgets. Short-term rental contracts (< 1 Year) are nearly always denominated in USD. Some landlords wouldn't even write up a contract for us longer than 3 months, as they wanted the flexibility to increase rents. Even long-term rentals are moving away from ARS contracts, as the president's recent reform removed the restriction for long-term contracts to be denominated in pesos. This year actually had the country's first bitcoin rental contract. Additionally, the informal blue dollar rate hasn't moved as fast as inflation. I don't have the exact numbers, but let me estimate to illustrate. Blue dolar started the year near 1000 ARS to 1 USD, now its at ~1250. That's something like a 25% devaluation. What is year to date inflation? I believe that even with the improvements the administration has made it's still estimated to hit 150 to 200% for the year. Does that help clarify?
Good video,--but it can be quite a bit shorter if you are appealing to expats thinking about living in BA. On the other hand,--you might make it appear that you are attracting expats to BA that will raise rents,--and have a tragic ending. Think about the Roma and Condensa in CDMX and multiple places in Portugal.
Hi Patrick, I understand your perspective, but I'm in the camp that expats make up a small % of the issue. Expats/Immigrants are always the easiest to blame, rather than the harder to solve but more significant driver of housing shortages driven by government regulation. Since you bring up Mexico City, let's use that as an example. The housing shortage in CDMX predates the gringo influx. Most folks point to the pandemic flood of Americans as the driver of Roma and Condesa housing costs. But the data suggests differently. Housing prices in Mexico City only increase by 25%, in the last 4 years, which is actually less than the previous four years. And housing prices are rising EVERYWHERE in Mexico. From 2005 to 2021 home prices jumped 247% nationally, not just the expat hubs of CDMX, Puerto Vallarta, etc.
@@nomadicfire Hi, Thank you for the response. I'll leave less nuance in the comments that follow here. You might make it appear as if you are the cause of increasing rent,--especially in the eyes of locals who look at prosperous foreigners. American influencers in CDMX had been bragging about "cheap" palaces, making it appear that caused skyrocketing rents, but some are now quieter and less visible,--from what I've seen. Poor planning and dysfunctional/gerrymandered capitalist systems are probably more responsive,--I suspect. In the case of CDMX,--it's demand and infructure issues. I lived in several cities in Costa Rica and Oaxaca, Mexico, but the deals are no longer available, and tourists certainly influence prices. I'm not blaming you for anything,--but optics matter. Anyway, thank you for making content and not locking your comments. Here's an article that may explain my comments: english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2024-03-28/gringo-go-home-mexico-citys-housing-crisis-preceds-digital-nomads.html
I do not. But there is an Argentina Expat Forum where you can ask questions and get answers from other experienced expats. nomadicfire.com/argentina-questions
Thank you for usefull Info. I am interestes about healt insurence company. And your massoer. That would be great if you share Info about it. Have a good day.
$800+ / MO. --- is like many places in the US (!) -- AND -- that makes it not really a savings for anyone 'not' from the most expensive US CITIES ? > Frankfort Ky. cost of living is just under $1500 USD / mo. for example for a single person - and a move to Argentina would not save any $ ? --- However - many areas of the Philippines offers up to a 70% lower cost of living than the US - with rent being 86% cheaper (!) and food 53% cheaper - for example. This 'could' - if need be - allow living for half of the $1500 budget !!! + Everybody speaks English are super friendly and all business signs road signs & menus - as well as legal documents - are 'all' in English. 🤔 All seemingly depends on where your coming from (?) if Argentina is a good deal or not ?
But it isn't just cost of living, but standard of living. Comparing a cosmopolitan capital city like Buenos Aires to Frankfort, KY (Population: 28,391) isn't a fair apples to apples comparison. It's a different lifestyle. The same is true for the Philippines. The Philippines is one of my home bases, so I am familiar with prices and expat life there. Comparing rural life in the province with living in a condo in BGC or Makati isn't a fair comparison. But you're not wrong. Life in the Philippines is pretty awesome.
Aside from cell phone theft, I felt Buenos Aires was extremely safe for Latin America. We walked around at night, which I wouldn't do in Medellin, Colombia or Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. However, I honestly don't think anywhere in LATAM compares favorably for Southeast Asia. Most of SEA, including Thailand just has a higher level of safety in my opinion.
For perspective, here is what I wrote about safety in my First Time in Buenos Aires article nomadicfire.com/first-time-in-buenos-aires "I found Buenos Aires to be the safest city I’ve lived in in Latin America, and the statistics back it up. Argentina ranks as Latin America’s second safest country on the 2023 Global Peace Index."
Great clarification. I am using the informal rate, not the official rate. Most foreigners, and any locals that deal with foreigners (like landlords), or locals that have foreign currency or maintain overseas bank accounts, use the higher informal rate. The blue dollar rate is a better measure of how much the USD gets you in Argentina. Here is our video explaining how to get the higher "Blue dollar" rate. nomadicfire.com/exchanging-money-in-argentina
@@nomadicfire The cost of living has nevertheless increased significantly in South America. To fire with 2000 usd/month, I think that Asia will be more accessible. But it will be difficult to obtain a visa...
I spend alot of time living in SE Asia as well. Lots to love about the region. Food is amazing and agree cost of living offers superb value. Pros and cons in any location though. I can argue that Buenos Aires has better art, ballet, and opera than any capital city in SEA. I don't have to dodge motorbikes crossing the street. I haven't had to bribe the police here. I don't have to deal with sex tourists. I also find communication here easier than any Asian country outside of the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia. Buenos Aires is definitely more expensive but for a few hundred dollars more a month I think you get some great benefits. R.E. For visas, the Philippines probably has the most liberal visa policy in the world, assuming you have a strong passport (US, EU, UK, etc.)
@@nomadicfire Thank you very much for your big feedback!!! I am a French citizen who currently lives in Spain and it is true that for me, Latin America will be easier to communicate in Spanish. I will check on LATAM countries.
@@ar2nl jajaja este no conoce latam jajaja además argentina siempre ha sido un pais caro (no puedes estar localizado al sur del mundo y ser barato por mucho tiempo).
@@ar2nl You are touchy, I am just factual, BA gets voted the best city to live in Latin America (from Mexico to Antarctica) every year by The Economist...an English publication...and other parts of Argentina probably have even a higher standard of living.....so saying that Argentina has a low quality of life is completely false unless you are compare it with the top of top....Switzerland, Austria place like that.....but in Latin America or Asia which I have been to a number of times, Argentina is probably at the top if not the best.
Argie abroad here, argentina does not have a "low" quality of life. Yes, compared to Europe or most of the 1st world it might seem low, but compared to neighboring countries it's actually quite high at least in Capital Federal. I would go as far as to say some "1st world" countries fake their high standard of living and you can actually find a higher quality of life in Argentina. The food, the weather and the social life is certainly better than the UK, Eastern Europe and some of the US. And if you are living as an "expat" like this guy, you are definitely getting a good deal as long as you keep yourself out of the dangerous areas and don't act too flashy
I live for under $1000 a month in a beautiful area of BA.
$400 a month for my nice apartment on the 14th floor.
And I go out to each almost every single day and take uBers often.
If you learn how to find deals you can as well.
Most importantly you have to know how, when, and where to make adjustments!
I did not include health insurance since it's not 100% necessary in Argentina. Reason being specialist visits are affordable.
Sounds like you have a great set up.
@@nomadicfire you're right on your statement. And he is right too, if you live like a local (ej. rent)
@@stargenta It's great when people on social media can have different opinions and still respect each other's perspective 😊😊😊
Great reply! Sounds like you have got it together better than Nomadic Fire. But a crucial, crucial question: What has the REAL DIFFERENCE been Before & After Millei, for expats with pension income or nomad revenue IN A STABLE CURRENCY! (I totally understand how difficult the economic upheaval has been for locals, but expats are INSULATED from this, and should even benefit to the extent that local prices for local goods tend to be sticky in peso terms.) Nomadic Fire seems to draw the opposite conclusion?!? I just do not understand their reasoning, which runs counter to my experience of Exchange Rate Turmoil in places like Venezuela or Myanmar.)
As a single, expat living in Buenos Aires Capital I must say this info is very accurate. Thank you
Thanks for the feedback. Curious, what do you think is still the best value in Buenos Aires? Ironically for me, it's the high-end dining options. Not that I eat these daily, but I think that expensive restaurants know they can't raise prices any higher, so while my midrange menu del dia places have popped their prices 50%, "expensive" restaurants have capped their increases.
Thanks for these videos inspired me, Just arrived in Beunos Aires this week.
That's awesome! You're gonna have a blast. Did you already watch our Buenos Aires guide on exchanging money? Getting USD for rent was a big learning experience for use when we first arrived.
m.ruclips.net/video/daxGQUG5OkI/видео.html
My wife and I have been in Buenoa Aires for 6 weeks. Palermo is amazing. Just been walking for hours everyday and eating. Good place to escape if you need to save money, while the market recovers.
Good information. Many times a DNI is asked for on a form. Seems its not easy for a expat to get one.
Any thoughts on DNI? We plan on being hear for a year.
DNI only comes with legal residency. It's a pain in the butt because many online payment systems require a DNI.
I lived in Buenos Aires for nearly 10 years. For me, I need a passive income of 1500 to 2000 per month. You can live very comfortable on this amount of money 💰. You still get a one bedroom apartment for around 600 dollars with everything included in a great neighborhood. You can get all your food for around 200 dollars a month.
I agree. Few capital cities in the world get you the level of Buenos Aires for food, culture, arts, and entertainment for that value. Does that $600 housing number you use include utilities and furniture?
@nomadicfire Yes, I was last in Buenos Aires on 2022 for the World Cup when Argentina won the World Cup. it was awesome. I rented a great one bedroom apartment in San Telmo. Everyone I needed was within walking distance of my apartment, and it included everything WiFi, electricity, gas, and air-conditioning, and it was furnished. If you do some research and rent directly from an owner and pay in Argentina pesos and can pay in advance, you can even get a better deal.
Thank you very much, this information is very clear, except that I did not understand if the food budget was for one or two people but I saw your answer below
Thanks for the feedback. I'll have to clarify better next time. But yes, these budget numbers are for one person.
Excellent video. We were in BA last December when the change of government took place. The first day I was off to Freddy's in the San Telmo Market for a choripan and beer that came in under $2. Two days after Milei took office the price shot up closer to $4. If you have the luxury of USD, as you say, life is still very good, if more expensive than previously. Palermo, Ricoletta, and Belgrano are over the top areas of beautiful architecture, parks, and delicious food. And yes, the people were generally friendly and gentle with novice spanish speakers.
Now I am really in the mood for a chori and beer. Out of Palermo, Recoleta, or Belgrano, which was your favorite?
@@nomadicfire We loved all of them. We stayed in Ricoletta close to the cemetary. Belgrano was significantly more green and quiet, but perhaps a little too far for walking down to Casa Rosada. Ricoletta seemed close to the parks and museums on the east side and still walkable to the center in an hour. We'd really liked BA enough to give serious thought to moving there, but the lack of a tax treaty seems problematic and I haven't been able to get a firm read as to whether my government pension and social security would be double taxed. Our solution may be to split our time and slow travel through other parts of the world and avoid tax residency. BTW we ate at La Cabrera for the early seating at 40% off. We thought the steak, chorizo, and malbec were excellent and ridiculously inexpensive with the discount.
@@David-os9ejYes!!! I wish more places would give the early-bird dinner discount. Those 10 pm dinners were hard for my Austrian girlfriend😂
I’m in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Life is much more affordable 5hrs away from the capital. I’m a 100% VA recipient. As a 44yr old single man, I feel super rich with $3,737.00 USD every month. Steaks are $2.50 each, and wine is $3 bottle. NEVER GOING BACK TO LAS VEGAS.
NICE! What's it like there off-season?
I live confortably for 500$ a month in buenos aires. It you want to spend 10 000$ it's absolutely possible as well. But for a single person 500$ is absolutely doable.
That's awesome. You found some good deals. Are you local or from the US or EU?
$500 in Buenos Aires capital is not enough for a single foreigner/expat. We pay double the rent, and we don't have access to long term leasing. A tiny studio apartment is around $380-500 a month. And that's only rent...
@@nomadicfire
From Sweden. Just staying a few months. But hostel is 10000 a night with breakfast. I eat out for 3900 almost daily. I buy about 3 bottles of wine for 6000/bottle each week. On average 3000 on the metro and 4000 on mandarins and 4000 for washing clothes weekly . I use a total of less than 20k a day which includes living expenses which adds up to 500 USD a month if using dólar blue. Not including travel insurance which for me adds another 80 USD a month and I have not bought clothes etc. Also not including computer/cellphone etc that would add a cost if living here permanent since at some point you would need to buy a new.
@@chicanicajfcp am I correctly understanding that you spend about 3 Euro a day for food?
@@the.marcosison
Breakfast is included in price for the hostel so should have some value. I would say that apart from that I spend like 8000 arg on food including wine per day. A meal where I usually eat is at 3900 including soda. So about 7 dólar a day on food/wine apart from breakfast. The price at the restaurant 3900 is probably like 3 euro.
thank you for those very useful information!
Glad you found it useful. Which of the prices did you find surprising or most useful?
Does your rental costs factor in long term or short term rental expenses? Just curious how easily I (traveling solo) can find a $800/mo rental if I'm only there for a few months.
Medium Term? You'll usually get a price break at 3 and 6 months. Though note that most landlords were asking for the entire payment, including deposits upfront.
Good stuff!
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video!! Can you recommend your favorite butcher shop in BA?
These are usually very neighborhood specific. What neighborhood are you located? My goto butcher is a couple blocks from the Carranza metro stop in Palermo Hollywood.
@@nomadicfire Thanks for the tip. I'm planning on moving there in a few months and just making a list of places to go to and shop from.
@@Gigi-rg7xy Where you shop will most likely revolve around where you choose to live. I love all the mom and pop neighborhood vendors in Buenos Aires for grocery shopping. If you haven't watch our videos on best neighborhoods for first time visitors, check those out. Palermo Hollywood is my fav.
ruclips.net/video/kCX0KAbmvYU/видео.htmlsi=ZTgk1lTFJuV0dSPa
You can live on a lot less than u$s 1,000 if you live like an Argentine. Few people from your country will want to do that.
Agreed. Most would not.
Living like an argentine under $1k dollars is living a miserable life.
@@jcm21354 Most Argentines do not earn anywhere near u$s 1000 a month!
I live in Cordoba and all day, every day its busy in restaurants and fast food restaurants and all kind of stores and supermarkets ...Those are not cheap anymore at all but it seems to me that a lot of Argentinians are def spending 1000 a month. I'm always wondering how so many Argentinians can still afford all that if they just make 600-1000 dollars a month...???
@@peterpeter8217 The same people don't do it every day. Also a lot of those people represent a small fraction of the population with money who can patronise restaurants
I could recommend the Coghlan and Belgrano neighborhoods, which are close to Palermo and are cheap (rent is around US$350 per month).
Another could be Montserrat and Villa Devoto but in the case of Devoto it is quieter than Palermo and it is for people who love parks because there are many there.
There are few city's that can match the amount of green space and trees in Buenos Aires. It's awesome. I've never explored Devoto much. How is the food scene?
@@nomadicfire There are many cafes, boulangeries and restaurants, BUT fewer Asian food restaurants (it doesn't matter if you want kebab, Korean or Japanese food, Palermo has more of them).
It is more common to find Spaniard(galician mainly), Italian, French or even German food in that neighborhood.
Mainly Spaniard cafes and Italian restaurants, there are many of them, and German pubs.
The other disadvantage (this point could be an advantage depending on what you want) is that it is quieter because it is far from Palermo at exactly the opposite point.
P.S: The German pubs in Devoto have fewer varieties of wiesebier but the ones they do produce are acceptably good.
@@jonhjackson7224I'm gonna have to hide this comment from my Austrian girlfriend. She would feel right at home there. 😊 Thanks for the tips. We'll have to check it out.
It certainly was last year - but now, with this *Mileise...*
I tell my friends it's affordable here. You still get good value, but it's no longer "Vietnam-cheap"
Great video
Thanks! Does that flag mean you are currently in Colombia?
Higher quality of life at this moment in Argentina requires not less of U$S 2k. It's a pendular economy. Maybe you wake up tomorrow there's a runoff with the dollar and you're suddenly living in the cheapest country in Latin America. It was like that just 7 months ago. Argentina, you wouldn't understand it.
To clarify, did you mean "not" or "a lot"?
@nomadicfire Not. Argentina is not cheap, right now.
Got it.👍🏽 Can you help me understand your first sentence? I'm not reading something clearly.
"Higher quality of life at this moment in Argentina requires not less of U$S 2k."
@nomadicfire Simple. You need at least $2K to maintain a living standard somewhat better than the United States. That's the whole purpose of living abroad. Less money to live a better quality of life. Did I make myself clear?
Understood now. The sentence structure just confused me. Thanks for explaining. I 100% agree with you, the whole point of moving abroad is to enjoy a better quality of life. Where we disconnect is on how much that standard of living costs.
Awesome Vid-nice work!
Glad you enjoyed it
is the $1500 covers the expenses for two of you ?
Just one person. Though housing could obviously be shared, the budget only includes food, entertainment, insurance, etc. for one person.
SEA is still better value, and there is no crisis going on here. Beef might be pricier, but you get way better luxury accommodation. No commie taxation either.
I spend alot of time living in SE Asia as well. Lots to love about the region. Food is amazing and I agree cost of living offer superb value. Pros and cons in any location though.
I can argue that Buenos Aires has better art, ballet, and opera than any capital city in SEA. I don't have to dodge motorbikes crossing the street. I haven't had to bribe the police here. I also don't have to deal with sex tourists. I find communication here than SEA.
Not sure what you mean about "commie tax." Vietnam is very communist and Thailand now taxes foreign residents on all money brought into the country, including asset sales sold at a loss.
Why are you using 1,350 pesos/dollar which is 40% higher than today's mid-market rate is 960, which is the weakest peso in over 10 years? That's a 40% delta.
Excellent question. It is because nearly everyone uses the informal rate, not the official rate. Here is our video explaining how to get the higher "Blue dollar" rate.
nomadicfire.com/exchanging-money-in-argentina
What will be the cost in some of the neighbor countries capital, like Santiago de Chile or Montevideo Uruguay?
I haven't lived in either location enough to form an opinion. I do believe both capitals are more expensive.
Great video! I a US/UK dual national who retired last month and relocated to Buenos Aires two weeks ago. I'm renting a studio apartment in Villa Crespo. I'm trying to obtain a DNI. I have to decide if I should get a retirement or a digital nomad visa as I am still doing remote work as an independent contractor for my former employer. I'm also looking to purchase a property once my DNI is sorted. I need an English speaking, Argentine immigration lawyer. I agree that cleaners are very cheap in Buenos Aires. Also, laundries that do service washes are so cheap, ~US$10 for two loads, that there's reason to do your own laundry. There's a gym next door to my building, but I haven't checked it out yet. As for the BA food scene, I'm vegan. So, that limits me a bit.
Sounds like you are on your way! While you don't have as many vegetarian/vegan restaurants in Villa Crespo, you'll find a decent selection in Palermo Hollywood and Soho. If you haven't watched our Buenos Aires Neighborhood videos, you should check them out.
😂vegan moves to Argentina 😂😂...
@@nomadicfire What about the DNI?
DNI comes with legal residency. You'll need to finish your visa process first.
Very good video
Thanks. Was there anything that surprised you?
i paid today the lowest plan of private healtcare (of the biggest healthcare insurance company), wich does not include payements to doctors. for a couple of aged people : 400 usd $ !!
the peso is now 25% more expensive than in your video.
i know young super educated young profesionals , working fo rmultinationals. they make 1000 us$, and cannot live as you say,
it is true that restaurants, untertainement, are cheap, but if you have a car , everything changes.
all in all,you can double what you say, to live badly in this hygly dangerous country, where 50% of the people are under the level of poverty, can read or write, and 20% under the level of misery (eating a litelle one time a day, living in shantitowns with 4 brcik wall, and a pastic as roof.
the only one who is entering money in these houses is the 15 years kid, wich sales drugs
so, yo calculation are correct for some points, but dedaly wrong for the rest !!
Hi Firebird, can you tell me why you think the peso is 25% more expensive? The midmarket blue dollar exchange rate today is only down to 1250 as of today vs. the 1350 I used in the video.
Are you using the official bank rate in your calculations?
@@nomadicfire sorry, my mistake, i am not in argentina now. it is about 9% today
l lived in argentina, and kept my OSDE healtcare plan, as i will go back to buenso aires,.
i planned to live there again, but, due to the hyper high cost of living and the 200+ INFLATION, i will go much higher ! i know inflation is falling at full speed, but it is meseured year/year.
and does not go lower than 4% a month now ((around 50% anualized), in case if Milei is 100 sucessfull in his politics, bbut he decided to keep the pesos ULTRA HIGH against the dollar
this is to such a point that argentines are buyng all they can in the usa, or foreingn countries now.
it is ABSOLUTELY ARTIFICIAL , AND ALREADY TRIED IN Argentina, with a super economical crack afeter
the problem now, is that the country is so undebted that the is no qualifications for argentina ! this contry is not included econmically in the world
the example of the cost of a IPhone was very good.
If you would have come in 2018, prices in USD were similar to now. You came here in an exceptional moment, bad econmics policies plus covid made it like that and now is going back to 2018 and before.
Thanks for the insight. What would be your "guess" to how pricing will look 3 years from now?
@@nomadicfire - In 3 years time with president Milei in office inflation rates will be like in the US and the country's economics booming.
For the country's sake 🤞🏽
Thank-you for a stylish and interesting video! But... please honor me with your reasoning on the Millei Effect, as queried in my reply to EXPATditions below...
If I understood your question correctly, you were curious why I, as a foreigner with US income, feel affected by Argentina inflation, is that correct?
@@nomadicfire You are less than one-tenth as badly affected as the average Argentinian. Right? And local peso costs, denominated in pesos for rent, tomatoes, whatever, are Sticky (usually) and do not instantaneously float up to reflect international exchange rates. If that is true, and usually it is, then that benefits expats. (During a visit to a friend working in Barbados, decades ago, she suggested visiting Caracas, where the currency was then in similar turmoil. I stayed at the Caracas Hilton for 10 bucks a night! I just could not believe it!) But you are there on the ground in BA, and I am not, so please explain the situation carefully.
@jimmccann3856, Locals are definitely harder hit. Foreigners earning in USD, EUR, GBP, etc are better insulated from price shocks, but not 1/10. There are a few assumption your making that need clarification. The big one is rent, as that will make up 30%+ of most expat budgets.
Short-term rental contracts (< 1 Year) are nearly always denominated in USD. Some landlords wouldn't even write up a contract for us longer than 3 months, as they wanted the flexibility to increase rents. Even long-term rentals are moving away from ARS contracts, as the president's recent reform removed the restriction for long-term contracts to be denominated in pesos. This year actually had the country's first bitcoin rental contract.
Additionally, the informal blue dollar rate hasn't moved as fast as inflation. I don't have the exact numbers, but let me estimate to illustrate. Blue dolar started the year near 1000 ARS to 1 USD, now its at ~1250. That's something like a 25% devaluation.
What is year to date inflation? I believe that even with the improvements the administration has made it's still estimated to hit 150 to 200% for the year.
Does that help clarify?
Good video,--but it can be quite a bit shorter if you are appealing to expats thinking about living in BA. On the other hand,--you might make it appear that you are attracting expats to BA that will raise rents,--and have a tragic ending. Think about the Roma and Condensa in CDMX and multiple places in Portugal.
Hi Patrick, I understand your perspective, but I'm in the camp that expats make up a small % of the issue. Expats/Immigrants are always the easiest to blame, rather than the harder to solve but more significant driver of housing shortages driven by government regulation. Since you bring up Mexico City, let's use that as an example.
The housing shortage in CDMX predates the gringo influx. Most folks point to the pandemic flood of Americans as the driver of Roma and Condesa housing costs. But the data suggests differently. Housing prices in Mexico City only increase by 25%, in the last 4 years, which is actually less than the previous four years.
And housing prices are rising EVERYWHERE in Mexico. From 2005 to 2021 home prices jumped 247% nationally, not just the expat hubs of CDMX, Puerto Vallarta, etc.
@@nomadicfire Hi, Thank you for the response. I'll leave less nuance in the comments that follow here. You might make it appear as if you are the cause of increasing rent,--especially in the eyes of locals who look at prosperous foreigners. American influencers in CDMX had been bragging about "cheap" palaces, making it appear that caused skyrocketing rents, but some are now quieter and less visible,--from what I've seen. Poor planning and dysfunctional/gerrymandered capitalist systems are probably more responsive,--I suspect. In the case of CDMX,--it's demand and infructure issues. I lived in several cities in Costa Rica and Oaxaca, Mexico, but the deals are no longer available, and tourists certainly influence prices. I'm not blaming you for anything,--but optics matter. Anyway, thank you for making content and not locking your comments. Here's an article that may explain my comments: english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2024-03-28/gringo-go-home-mexico-citys-housing-crisis-preceds-digital-nomads.html
I'm 5 yes older but looking to live in a beautiful place like Buenos Aires...do you offer consulting?
I do not. But there is an Argentina Expat Forum where you can ask questions and get answers from other experienced expats.
nomadicfire.com/argentina-questions
Thank you for usefull Info. I am interestes about healt insurence company. And your massoer. That would be great if you share Info about it. Have a good day.
For insurance, do you maintain health insurance in your home country or would this be your only health insurance?
This will be my only insurence
In that case, the prices would be higher. You can get free quotes and see the cost range here
link.nomadicfire.com/expat-insurance
Also check out this guide on the options I choose to reduce my insurance costs
nomadicfire.com/cost-of-expat-health-insurance
$800+ / MO. --- is like many places in the US (!) -- AND -- that makes it not really a savings for anyone 'not' from the most expensive US CITIES ? > Frankfort Ky. cost of living is just under $1500 USD / mo. for example for a single person - and a move to Argentina would not save any $ ? --- However - many areas of the Philippines offers up to a 70% lower cost of living than the US - with rent being 86% cheaper (!) and food 53% cheaper - for example. This 'could' - if need be - allow living for half of the $1500 budget !!! + Everybody speaks English are super friendly and all business signs road signs & menus - as well as legal documents - are 'all' in English. 🤔 All seemingly depends on where your coming from (?) if Argentina is a good deal or not ?
But it isn't just cost of living, but standard of living. Comparing a cosmopolitan capital city like Buenos Aires to Frankfort, KY (Population: 28,391) isn't a fair apples to apples comparison. It's a different lifestyle.
The same is true for the Philippines. The Philippines is one of my home bases, so I am familiar with prices and expat life there. Comparing rural life in the province with living in a condo in BGC or Makati isn't a fair comparison.
But you're not wrong. Life in the Philippines is pretty awesome.
How safe is it compared to Bangkok, in your opinion?
Aside from cell phone theft, I felt Buenos Aires was extremely safe for Latin America. We walked around at night, which I wouldn't do in Medellin, Colombia or Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
However, I honestly don't think anywhere in LATAM compares favorably for Southeast Asia. Most of SEA, including Thailand just has a higher level of safety in my opinion.
@@nomadicfire thanks really appreciate your opinion 🙏
For perspective, here is what I wrote about safety in my First Time in Buenos Aires article
nomadicfire.com/first-time-in-buenos-aires
"I found Buenos Aires to be the safest city I’ve lived in in Latin America, and the statistics back it up. Argentina ranks as Latin America’s second safest country on the 2023 Global Peace Index."
Caballito is a cool area.
It is. Definitely up and coming and good value to be found.
1usd = 958 pesos
Great clarification. I am using the informal rate, not the official rate. Most foreigners, and any locals that deal with foreigners (like landlords), or locals that have foreign currency or maintain overseas bank accounts, use the higher informal rate. The blue dollar rate is a better measure of how much the USD gets you in Argentina.
Here is our video explaining how to get the higher "Blue dollar" rate.
nomadicfire.com/exchanging-money-in-argentina
Not when u use the dollar blue rate....
ref
? Sorry. I don't follow. 🤔
@@nomadicfire The cost of living has nevertheless increased significantly in South America. To fire with 2000 usd/month, I think that Asia will be more accessible. But it will be difficult to obtain a visa...
I spend alot of time living in SE Asia as well. Lots to love about the region. Food is amazing and agree cost of living offers superb value. Pros and cons in any location though.
I can argue that Buenos Aires has better art, ballet, and opera than any capital city in SEA. I don't have to dodge motorbikes crossing the street. I haven't had to bribe the police here. I don't have to deal with sex tourists. I also find communication here easier than any Asian country outside of the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Buenos Aires is definitely more expensive but for a few hundred dollars more a month I think you get some great benefits.
R.E. For visas, the Philippines probably has the most liberal visa policy in the world, assuming you have a strong passport (US, EU, UK, etc.)
@@nomadicfire
Thank you very much for your big feedback!!! I am a French citizen who currently lives in Spain and it is true that for me, Latin America will be easier to communicate in Spanish. I will check on LATAM countries.
Argentina is bloody expensive now, one of the most expensive countries in Latin America with a low quality of life, why bother?
Low quality of life in Argentina??? Compared to what??? Disneyland???
@@peterp7541 hahaha, a bit touchy? Nah, compared to any Latin American country, Im not even speaking about Asia which so much better and cheaper!
@@ar2nl jajaja este no conoce latam jajaja además argentina siempre ha sido un pais caro (no puedes estar localizado al sur del mundo y ser barato por mucho tiempo).
@@ar2nl You are touchy, I am just factual, BA gets voted the best city to live in Latin America (from Mexico to Antarctica) every year by The Economist...an English publication...and other parts of Argentina probably have even a higher standard of living.....so saying that Argentina has a low quality of life is completely false unless you are compare it with the top of top....Switzerland, Austria place like that.....but in Latin America or Asia which I have been to a number of times, Argentina is probably at the top if not the best.
Argie abroad here, argentina does not have a "low" quality of life. Yes, compared to Europe or most of the 1st world it might seem low, but compared to neighboring countries it's actually quite high at least in Capital Federal. I would go as far as to say some "1st world" countries fake their high standard of living and you can actually find a higher quality of life in Argentina. The food, the weather and the social life is certainly better than the UK, Eastern Europe and some of the US. And if you are living as an "expat" like this guy, you are definitely getting a good deal as long as you keep yourself out of the dangerous areas and don't act too flashy