Living in Buenos Aires as a digital nomad: A budget breakdown
Exploring and living in Buenos Aires as a digital nomad or slow traveler allows you to experience the city’s diverse neighborhoods. It also helps you manage your budget effectively. Here’s a detailed look at rental options, costs, and highlights in some of the most popular areas.

Rent & Accommodation
Buenos Aires rental options by neighborhood
Palermo | Recoleta | San Telmo | Belgrano | |
Studio/1 Bedroom | Studio/1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 1 Bedroom | |
Airbnb | $800 – $1,300 | $1,200 – $1,800 | $900 – $1,200 | $1,000 – $1,200 |
Temp Real Estate Company | $800 – $1,300 | $1,200 – $1,800 | $900 – $1,200 | $1,000 – $1,200 |
Co-Living | $400 – $1,200 | $350 – $500 | $1,000 – $1,200 |
Buenos Aires Co-Living options by neighborhood
Palermo | Recoleta | San Telmo |
Nova Co-Living | Co Dreamers Co-Living | Vibrant Co-Living |
Prices vary depending on private or shared rooms. Co-Living also includes co-working space and networking events among other services.
Deposits & Payments
- When renting a temporary place through a real estate company, they ask for a one-month security deposit. This deposit is refunded when leaving if there are no damages.
- Utilities can or may not be included, or be partially included. Ask in advance to avoid any surprises.
- Some rental companies accept only cash in USD, so plan accordingly.
- Co-Living spaces: they may ask for a deposit as well, but it depends on each place.
Highlights by neighborhood
Palermo
- Proximity to tourist spots like the Botanical Garden and Bosques de Palermo.
- Lively nightlife, abundant cafes, restaurants, and co-working spaces.
- Daily conveniences like grocery stores, gyms, and public transport within walking distance.
Recoleta
- Beautiful parks, museums, architecture, and a more residential vibe.
- Ideal for digital nomads seeking a quieter lifestyle or slow travelers with families looking for something with all amenities.
- Well-connected by public transportation.
San Telmo
- Cobblestone streets, antique markets, and a bohemian cultural scene.
- A mix of traditional Buenos Aires charm and modern conveniences.
- Ideal for digital nomads who love history and local culture.
Belgrano
- Green parks, a quieter atmosphere, and a family-friendly vibe.
- Great for digital nomads looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
- Local amenities like cafes, grocery stores, and gyms are easily accessible.
💡 Tip: It’s always a good idea to check the prices, as they can vary significantly over time.

PALERMO

RECOLETA

BELGRANO

SAN TELMO
📍 What’s the best neighborhood option for me? Click here for more information
Food & Groceries
These prices are based on my shopping by February 2025.
Pantry | Beverage | Snacks | Fruits & Veggies | Meat & Proteins |
Alfajor Cachafaz (Pack of 6): $10.00 | Water (1l): $1.19 | Dulce de Leche (440g): $4.24 | 4 Apples: $2.03 | Steak (1kg): $9.32 |
Ketchup (500ml): $2.54 | Coca-Cola Zero (2L): $1.72 | Chips (275g): $4.07 | Strawberries (500g): $5.08 | Ground Beef (1kg): $8.47 |
Baguette: $1.02 | Orange Juice (1l): $2.03 | Bananas (1kg): $1.27 | Chicken Breasts (2 pieces): $12.71 | |
Tortillas: $2.12 | Beer (6-pack): $9.92 | Onions (1kg): $0.68 | Eggs (12-pack): $3.39 | |
Tomato Sauce (500ml): $1.53 | Malbec Wine (Bottle): $7.17 | Tomatoes (1kg): $3.39 | ||
Chips (275g): $4.07 | Milk (1l): $1.69 | Carrots (1kg): $0.86 | ||
Olive Oil (500ml): $12.71 | ||||
Kellogg’s Cereal (240g): $2.14 | ||||
Rice (500g): $1.19 | ||||
Spaghetti: $1.50 |
Cooking at Home vs. Eating Out in Buenos Aires
- Cooking at home can be significantly cheaper, especially for meat and fresh produce. A homemade meal with beef or pasta can cost less than $10 per person.
- Eating out offers convenience and variety, with meals ranging from $2.50 for a quick empanada to $20+ for a full meal at a mid-range restaurant.
đź’ˇ Tip: Shopping at local verdulerĂas (fruits and vegetables) often provides better prices. Local ferias (street markets) also offer better deals than supermarkets for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Food Prices for Eating Out in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires offers a wide range of dining options, from budget-friendly bites to high-end restaurants. Here’s a breakdown of typical food prices to help you plan:
Empanadas: Approximately $2.54 each. Popular flavors include beef, chicken, and ham & cheese. |
Large Margherita Pizza at GuerrĂn: Around $11.86 GuerrĂn is an iconic pizzeria on Corrientes Avenue, known for its thick-crust style. |
Milanesa with a Side: In a restaurant: About $12.71 In a deli: About $8.47 Typically served with mashed potatoes, fries, or a simple salad. |
Beef in a Restaurant (ex. Lo de Jaime): Bife de chorizo or asado: Approximately $18.64 + $4.24 for a side Soft Drink: Approximately $4.24 Lo De Jaime is a medium-priced spot known for an authentic Argentine steakhouse. |
Cocktail in a Bar in Palermo Soho: Around $5.08 Trendy bars in Palermo serve classic cocktails like fernet and cola, Negroni, and caipirinhas. |
La Cabrera Restaurant (High-end): Dinner for two: It can be over $100. It is famous for its generous portions. A variety of side dishes is included. |
đź’ˇ Tips:
- Buy local in your neighborhood verduleria or farmers market. You are not just helping locals. You are also buying fresh fruits and vegetables for a cheaper price.
- If you want great exotic fruits, vegetables, and Asian groceries at reasonable prices go to Chinatown in Belgrano.
- Cash is King: Many small verdulerĂas and market stalls only accept cash. Some even offer discounts for paying in cash instead of cards.
- At restaurants, a 10% tip is considered appropriate.




Health Insurance
Finding the right health insurance in Buenos Aires can be straightforward if you understand your options. Foreigners can choose from public healthcare, private insurance, or international health plans based on their needs and budget.
Public Healthcare (Free and Accessible for Everyone)
- How It Works: Argentina’s public healthcare system is open to both locals and foreigners. Tourists are also included. No insurance or documentation is required. Public hospitals provide a range of services, such as emergency treatment, consultations, surgeries, and prescriptions, all at no cost.
- Drawbacks: Public hospitals can be crowded, with limited access to specialists and resources. It might not be the best choice for those seeking specialized or ongoing treatment.
Private Health Insurance
- Private health plans offered by companies like OSDE and Swiss Medical provide access to top-tier private hospitals and clinics. They offer shorter wait times and higher-quality facilities.
- Coverage options include outpatient visits, specialists, surgeries, dental care, and mental health services. Monthly premiums range from $50 to $300+, depending on the plan and age of the insured.
- Some insurers may cover pre-existing conditions after a specified waiting period.
International Health Insurance
- How It Works: Many slow travelers and digital nomads prefer international health insurance options. Options like SafetyWing or World Nomads offer flexibility. They provide the ability to get care both in Argentina and abroad.
- Key Benefits: These plans often include emergency care, hospital stays, and telemedicine services. They offer coverage for multiple countries, making them ideal for frequent travelers.
- Cost: Premiums usually range from $50 to $200 per month, based on coverage levels and age.
Requirements for Foreigners
- Public Healthcare: No residency or local ID (DNI) is required—simply go to a public hospital for care.
- Private Insurance: Most providers need a passport, proof of address, and a health questionnaire. Some plans impose a waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
- International Plans: Typically you need only a passport and an online application.
I believe that traveling with health insurance is essential. It gives you peace of mind knowing that, no matter what happens, you’ll be covered. Selecting the right insurance plan depends on your budget, how often you travel, and the level of coverage you need.
Transportation
Cost of Public Transportation: Subte, Buses, Taxis, Uber
Sube card
Buy your card to travel on buses, trains, subways, metro buses, and trolleybuses.
How much does it cost?
The card costs $1,26.
How do I get it?
- You can buy it online or at SUBE Points.
- Load your card via home banking, e-wallets, or ATMs. Confirm the balance at an Automatic Terminal. You can also use the SUBE app.
- You can buy the SUBE card at authorized points of sale. These include kiosks, train and subway stations, lottery agencies, and post offices. You can also load it at these locations.
Taxis
The fare is determined by the taximeter, which adds up the starting fare, distance traveled, and waiting time.
- Rate: $1,62 at the start of the ride. It is $0,16 for every 200 meters traveled. The same rate applies per minute of waiting if the vehicle is stopped.
- Extra charges: Trips outside Buenos Aires without a return to the city in the same taxi may include a surcharge. This surcharge is for the return journey.
- Night Rate: A 20% surcharge applies between 10 PM and 6 AM.
- Luggage: Drivers transport hand luggage for free and one suitcase or package not exceeding 0.90 x 0.40 x 0.30 meters. For each additional item, they can charge an amount equivalent to five units on the meter.
Uber
Uber in Buenos Aires is very affordable. A ride from Ezeiza Airport to downtown costs approximately $20 to $30, depending on the time of the day. Within the city, fares can vary; for instance, a ride from Puerto Madero to Palermo costs around $12. Shorter trips are even cheaper and considered safer than taxis.
Walking
There’s no better way to discover a city’s hidden gems and truly get to know it than by exploring on foot. Each neighborhood offers something unique, and if you pay attention, you might be surprised by what you discover. I always try to walk as much as I can.
Ecobici – The City’s Bike Rental System
Buenos Aires has a bike rental system called Ecobici. It is extensive and free for locals on weekdays. For foreigners, there is a cost.
How to Use Ecobici:
- Choose your pass: Select it through the app to start riding.
- Pick up a bike: Go to a station. Unlock the bike using the QR code on the handlebar. Alternatively, enter the code generated by the app on the keypad to the left of the dock. Wait for the green light and take the bike by the handlebar while lifting the seat.
- Return the bike: Drop it off at any station. Dock it in an available slot. Lift it slightly to secure it properly. Wait for the sound signal and green light confirming the return.
Find all the stations on the app or here
Popular Neighborhoods for Walking and Biking:
Palermo
- On Foot: Explore parks like Bosques de Palermo, trendy spots in Soho and Hollywood, and charming cafes and boutiques.
- By Bike: Well-marked bike lanes and plenty of Ecobici stations make it a pleasure to ride around.
Recoleta
- On Foot: Historic buildings, museums, and the Recoleta Cemetery create a European vibe.
- By Bike: Ride along Avenida Libertador or around Plaza Francia with ease.
San Telmo
- On Foot: Cobblestone streets, antique shops, and tango performances in plazas.
- By Bike: Cobblestones can be bumpy, but Ecobici stations are available for short rides.
Puerto Madero
- On Foot: Stroll along the beautiful waterfront promenades and cross the iconic Puente de la Mujer.
- By Bike: Smooth paths and minimal traffic make it ideal for biking.
Microcentro
- On Foot: Best explored on foot, with historic landmarks and pedestrian streets like Florida.
- By Bike: There are dedicated bike lanes but traffic can be heavy.
Belgrano
- On Foot: Leafy streets, cozy cafes, and spots like Chinatown.
- By Bike: Bike lanes and Ecobici stations make it easy to explore.


Co-Working & Internet
Palermo: Co-Working Space
Huerta Coworking: A modern space with a garden and organic coffee.
Cafés with Good Wi-Fi
- Feca Fragata: Known for specialty coffee and fast Wi-Fi.
- MalvĂłn: A bakery-style spot with a quiet space for work.
- La Noire Café: Elegant and cozy, with reliable Wi-Fi and a great coffee selection.
Recoleta: Co-Working Space
- Santander Work Café: A combination of a bank and workspace, offering free Wi-Fi and good coffee.
Cafés with Good Wi-Fi
- Café Martinez: A classic spot with power outlets and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Le Blé: Cozy ambiance and reliable Wi-Fi, ideal for working.
Belgrano: Co-Working Space
- Join Coworking: A modern and comfortable space with flexible options and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Cafés with Good Wi-Fi
- Usina Cafetera: Excellent coffee, pastries, and fast Wi-Fi—perfect for work.
- CĂgalo Cafe: Cozy with specialty options and fast Wi-Fi.
- Vedra Café: Offers specialty coffee, delicious pastries, and a quiet atmosphere with power outlets—ideal for working or studying.
Best Mobile Data Plans for Digital Nomads
If you’re from the US, consider using Google Fi. It has an Unlimited Plus plan that works internationally. It covers up to 3 months outside of the country while you’re traveling. The cost for 2 people is around $100. We used it and always had internet from the moment we got off the plane.
We also subscribed to Claro for one month, costing around $12.71 per month, using it mainly for basic communication with Wi-Fi at home.
eSIM Providers
- Airalo: Offers cost-effective plans connected to the Movistar Argentina network. Prices range from $6 for 1 GB (7 days) to $49 for 20 GB (30 days).
- Holafly: Provides unlimited data plans via the Claro Argentina network, with prices starting at $9.90 for 1 day and up to $89.90 for 30 days.
- Maya Mobile: Offers 30-day plans connected to Movistar, ranging from $6.99 for 1 GB to $43 for 10 GB.
Local SIM Cards
Local providers like Personal, Claro, and Movistar offer prepaid SIM cards with various data packages.
- Personal: Known for the fastest speeds, averaging 41 Mbps.
- Claro: Offers reliable 4G coverage with speeds around 20 Mbps.
- Movistar: Provides budget-friendly options with speeds averaging 17 Mbps.
Considerations
- Device Compatibility: Ensure your device is unlocked and compatible with local networks.
- Coverage: All mentioned providers offer good coverage in Buenos Aires.
- Data Sharing: If you plan to use your device as a hotspot, verify that your chosen plan allows data sharing.
eSIMs offer convenience, while local SIM cards may provide cost-effective solutions. Evaluate your data needs and duration of stay to choose the most suitable option.
Entertainment
Nightlife in Buenos Aires
- Bars and Drinks: In popular neighborhoods like Palermo or Recoleta, you can expect to pay between $7 and $12 for a crafted cocktail. A glass of local beer typically costs $4 to $7.
- Clubbing: Entrance fees for clubs range from $12–18, often including a complimentary drink. Hotspots for nightlife include San Telmo, Palermo, and the Costanera area.
- Tango Nights: Experiencing tango can vary widely, dinner shows cost around $35–60, while a visit to a traditional milonga for dancing is a budget-friendly option at $6–12.
Cultural Activities in Buenos Aires
- Museums and Exhibits: Entrance to renowned museums like MALBA or the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes usually costs $6–9. Some museums offer free access on specific days.
- Theater and Performances: Buenos Aires has an important theater scene, with tickets on Avenida Corrientes costing $9–20, depending on the play and seating options.
- Cinemas: A movie ticket generally costs around $7–12.
Local Experiences in Buenos Aires
Football Matches: Experiencing a game at iconic stadiums, such as those of Boca Juniors or River Plate, costs between $35–75.
Food Markets and Street Eats: For a taste of local flavors, street food like empanadas or choripán costs about $2–4. Dining at a traditional parrilla with a glass of wine will likely set you back $18–30 per person.
Guided Tours: Tips-based walking tours are a popular choice, while private tours typically range from $12–24.




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