Is USD 1,000 Enough for Expats in Buenos Aires? Realistic Cost of Living Revealed!

Summary

This video explores the cost of living in Buenos Aires, providing an honest breakdown of monthly expenses for an expat. With a budget of $1,500, the expat enjoys a comfortable lifestyle, including housing, food, entertainment, affordable luxuries like cleaning and massages, and health insurance. While Buenos Aires is still affordable compared to the US, the video emphasizes that $1,000 per month would be too tight to enjoy the city’s offerings. The recommended budget for a more enjoyable experience is between $1,500 and $2,000 a month, allowing you to fully experience life in the vibrant Argentine capital.

Takeaways

• 😀 Buenos Aires offers a remarkably affordable expat lifestyle with a monthly budget of around USD 1,500.
• 😀 The cost of living can vary depending on spending habits and lifestyle choices, with food, housing, and entertainment being major expenses.
• 😀 Housing in Buenos Aires is affordable, with spacious one-bedroom apartments in desirable neighborhoods like Palermo available for around USD 825 per month.
• 😀 Food is one of the biggest splurges for expats, but Buenos Aires offers high-quality and delicious meals at a fraction of what you'd pay in other cities.
• 😀 Affordable luxuries, like hiring a cleaner (USD 10/week), are popular and provide a sense of calm and convenience.
• 😀 Health and fitness are an integral part of expat life in Buenos Aires, with activities like kickboxing, tango, yoga, and physiotherapy being easily accessible and affordable.
• 😀 Massage services in Buenos Aires are highly affordable, with rates around USD 15 for an hour, making them an accessible treat for relaxation and recovery.
• 😀 Imported goods, especially electronics, are significantly more expensive in Buenos Aires due to high import taxes, with an iPhone costing USD 2,200 locally compared to USD 800 in the US.
• 😀 Cell phone theft is a concern in Buenos Aires, so it's advised to keep phones hidden when walking around and to be cautious when checking messages in public.
• 😀 While USD 1,000/month could allow you to survive in Buenos Aires, a more comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle requires a budget of at least USD 1,500 to USD 2,000/month.

Q & A

What is the recommended budget for an expat living in Buenos Aires to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle?

The recommended budget for a comfortable lifestyle in Buenos Aires is between USD 1,500 and USD 2,000 per month. This budget allows you to experience the city's offerings without constantly worrying about money.

Is it possible to live in Buenos Aires for USD 1,000 a month?

While it is possible to survive on USD 1,000 a month in Buenos Aires, it would require significant cuts to luxuries, entertainment, and dining out. Living on this budget wouldn't allow for a comfortable or enjoyable experience.

What are the key affordable luxuries mentioned by the speaker?

The key affordable luxuries the speaker enjoys include food, cleaning services, massages, and health and fitness activities. These luxuries contribute to a more convenient and enjoyable lifestyle in Buenos Aires.

What is the cost of house cleaning services in Buenos Aires?

House cleaning services cost around USD 10 per week, which provides the speaker with a sense of calm and comfort by ensuring their space is clean and organized.

How much does a typical massage cost in Buenos Aires, according to the speaker?

A typical 60-minute massage costs around USD 15, and a 90-minute massage costs about USD 23. There is also a discount for package deals, reducing the cost to USD 12 per hour if three sessions are bought upfront.

What are the main expenses in the speaker's budget breakdown?

The main expenses in the speaker's budget are housing (USD 825), food (USD 425), entertainment (USD 50), transportation (USD 50), cleaning and massages (USD 50), health insurance (USD 50), and personal care/miscellaneous (USD 50).

How does the speaker describe the quality of food in Buenos Aires?

The speaker describes the food in Buenos Aires as some of the best, value-for-money, high-quality, and delicious food they've had anywhere in the world, making it one of their favorite splurges.

What is the situation with imported goods in Buenos Aires?

Imported goods, especially electronics like phones and laptops, are significantly more expensive in Buenos Aires compared to other countries. For example, an iPhone costs about USD 2,200 locally, whereas it costs only about USD 800 in the U.S.

Why is it important to keep your cell phone hidden in Buenos Aires?

It is crucial to keep your cell phone hidden in Buenos Aires due to the city's reputation for cell phone snatching. The speaker advises holding your phone against your body and up against a building if you need to check it in public.

What types of activities does the speaker engage in for health and fitness?

The speaker maintains an active lifestyle by engaging in kickboxing (four times a week), tango classes (twice a week), calisthenics or yoga (twice a week), and physiotherapy (once a week). These activities help maintain physical health and well-being.