How much do things cost in Buenos Aires? Is Buenos Aires cheap?

Compared to other major cities around the world, yes, it is cheap. In this article we’ll look at the costs of common items to give you an idea how much things cost in Buenos Aires.

But first, a little history. 

Buenos Aires wasn’t always a cheap tourist destination. In fact, prior to Argentina’s economic crisis in 2001-2002, it was darn right expensive. Prior to that the Argentine peso was pegged to the US dollar. In other words, one peso was worth exactly one dollar. But then the crisis hit and the government could no longer support the peso and practically overnight its value dropped from 1 dollar to 0.2 dollar. It was calamity for many Argentines but proved to be a boon to tourism.

Here’s how the peso compares to common currencies today (as of this writing):

• 1 US dollar =  3.5 Argentine pesos
• 1 Euro = 4.5 Argentine pesos
• 1 British Pound = 5.0 Argentine pesos
• 1 Canadian dollar = 2.8 Argentine pesos
• 1 Australian dollar = 2.3 Argentine pesos

But Buenos Aires is not as cheap as it was just a couple years ago. The inflation rate is high, estimated at 20 to 25% per year. So prices are rising fast.

Now, as promised, let’s look at some typical prices, converted to USD.

Accommodations

• Condo (furnished rental, 1 bedroom, Palermo) $250/week
• Condo (purchase, 1 bedroom, 60 sq. m., Palermo) $120,000
• Hostel $25/night
• Hotel (3 stars) $80/night
• Hotel (5 stars) $300/night

Entertainment

• DVD rental $1.50
• Movie ticket $6

Groceries

• Beer (1 can, local) $0.50
• Cheese (500g, queso por salut) $3.50
• Cigarettes (pack of 20) $1.25
• Milk (1 liter) $0.90
• Strawberries (500g) $1.50
• Toothpaste $2
• Wine (bottle, local) $2.50
• Yogurt (single serving) $0.35

Restaurants

• Breakfast (coffee, toast, orange juice) $3.40
• Cafe latte $1.20
• Empanadas (2) $1.10
• Pizza (large) $6
• Steak and fries $6.75
• Wine (glass, house wine) $2

Shopping

• Jeans $25
• T-shirt $3.50

Services

• Maid (2 hours) $8
• Spanish tutor (private) $7.50/hour

Tango

• Milonga (with lesson) $4.30
• Tango show (with dinner) $85
• Tango lesson (group) $4.30
• Tango lesson (private) $40/hour

Transportation

• Bus $0.25
• Subway $0.25
• Taxi (airport to Recoleta) $27
• Taxi (Palermo to Micro Centro, 4km) $3.50

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