Living in Argentina: Complete Guide for Expats

Living in Argentina can be a rewarding experience with a high quality of life, particularly due to its strong healthcare system, vibrant culture, and comparatively low cost of living.

For many foreigners, living in Argentina offers access to affordable private healthcare, world-class food and wine, and a lifestyle that prioritizes social connection over work intensity. However, it is equally important to understand Argentina’s unique structural challenges before making a move.

This guide provides a realistic overview of what living in Argentina in 2025 looks like, covering daily life, cost of living, healthcare, visas, safety, the economy, and more.

Argentina continues to rank highly when it comes to lifestyle factors despite a history of economic instability, which is currently in recovery after some crucial political overhauls.

The country scores 0.849 on the Human Development Index (a score of 0.800 or above is excellent), placing it among the highest in Latin America and ahead of several emerging similar economies.

For foreigners earning income abroad, living in Argentina can offer a level of comfort that would be significantly more expensive in, say, North America or Western Europe.

Expats often mitigate negative economic effects through dollar-linked pricing, converting foreign currency into Argentine pesos outside the official government exchange rate, and making foreign income. As a result, the quality of life for expats has remained relatively stable even during economic downturns.

Culture and lifestyle

Argentina’s culture is relationship-driven and socially oriented. According to the OECD Time Use database, Argentines spend significantly more time on social interaction and leisure compared to the OECD average. Long lunches, late dinners, and frequent social gatherings are the norm.

As a result of this cultural foundation, foreigners often report easier social integration compared to other large Latin American countries, especially once they acquire a command of basic Spanish.

Climate and geography

Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world, offering diverse climates to choose from such as humid subtropical in Buenos Aires to a drier atmosphere in Mendoza.

• Buenos Aires is humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters.
• Córdoba has a moderate climate with lower humidity than other areas.
• Mendoza is drier, which is highly beneficial for its strong wine industry, and is in close proximity to the Andes, the longest mountain range in the world.

This geographic diversity allows expats to pick and choose the environment (from dense urban areas to quieter, more nature-orientated) that suits them best while still remaining in the same country.

Food and cuisine

Argentina has one of the highest beef consumption rates globally and is among the world’s top wine producers. Eating out remains affordable due to local food supply chains and strong domestic agriculture. Restaurants, cafés, and bakeries are deeply embedded in daily life and are not simply reserved for special occasions. 

Anyone intending to live in Argentina long term must apply for legal residency in the country. Residency status is essential for accessing local services such as banking, healthcare plans, employment contracts, and long-term housing.

Nationals from non-Mercosur countries must apply for a visa to live in Argentina. One of the most popular programs for moving to Argentina is the Rentista Visa.Also known as the Passive Income Visa, the Argentina Rentista Visa is designed for individuals who can demonstrate stable passive income from abroad, such as pensions, investments, or rental income. In return, applicants receive a one-year renewable temporary residency permit that can lead to permanent residency after two years of continuous residence in the country.

Argentina also allows dual citizenship, meaning naturalized citizens are not required to renounce their original nationality.

DNI process

The DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) is Argentina’s national ID card and is essential for daily life. It is required to open bank accounts, sign leases, access healthcare plans, and many other administrative procedures. 

After residency approval, DNI processing typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on location and administrative demand. Once issued, the DNI significantly simplifies living in Argentina. 

Thinking of living in Argentina long-term? Learn how the Rentista Visa can help you do so. 

Click Here

Buenos Aires is home to nearly 40% of Argentina’s population in its greater metropolitan area, making it the country’s cultural and economic heart. Daily life is highly walkable in central neighborhoods, uplifted by extensive public transport and dense commercial zones.

Cultural access is exceptional. The city hosts hundreds of theaters, museums, and cultural events annually, such as the famous Lollapalooza, contributing to its reputation as one of Latin America’s most culturally active capitals.

Córdoba provides the benefit of lower housing costs thanks to a large student population, while Mendoza attracts expats who are interested in wine tourism, outdoor activities, and prefer a quieter pace of life. Both cities offer reliable healthcare access and modern infrastructure at a lower cost than Buenos Aires does.

Public transportation in Argentina is heavily subsidized through discounts for vulnerable groups and direct operating subsidies to providers to help keep fares low despite inflation. The SUBE card (Sistema Único de Boleto Electrónico), a pre-loaded wallet for fares, allows seamless use of buses, trains, and particularly the Buenos Aires subway.

Monthly transportation costs are low compared to other countries, contributing to affordability in daily life. For example, a monthly public transport pass often costs around USD $8 to $30, much lower than the USD $100 to $150+ in many Western cities. 

Argentina consistently ranks among the lower-cost countries in South America when cost data are measured in foreign currency. Numbeo’s 2025 South America cost-of-living index places Argentina (35.7) below Uruguay (46.3) and similar to Chile (35.1), reflecting relatively affordable services, rents, and everyday expenses, especially for expats earning in USD or EUR.

Housing and real estate

Renting remains the dominant option for foreigners living in Argentina, particularly in Buenos Aires. According to cost-of-living data from international comparison platforms such as Numbeo, monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in central Buenos Aires is typically 60 to 75 percent lower than in cities like New York, London, or Madrid.

Short-term and furnished rentals are widely available, reflecting Argentina’s flexible rental market and the large number of foreign residents, students, and remote workers. This flexibility allows expats to adjust housing arrangements easily amid regulatory or economic changes.

Foreigners are legally permitted to purchase property in Argentina, and there are no restrictions on ownership based on nationality. Real estate transactions are typically conducted in US dollars, especially in Buenos Aires and other major cities. While property prices are lower than in most Western capitals, buyers are advised to conduct thorough legal due diligence due to currency regulations, title verification requirements, and differences in contract practices.

Groceries, utilities, and internet

Argentina benefits from strong domestic agricultural production, which helps keep grocery prices relatively low by regional and international standards. The country is one of the world’s leading producers of beef, wheat, corn, and wine, reducing reliance on imports for staple goods. As a result, basic food items and locally produced products are significantly cheaper than in North America and much of Europe when priced in foreign currency.

Utilities such as electricity, gas, and water are partially subsidized, although tariffs are periodically adjusted in response to inflation and fiscal policy changes. Even with adjustments, monthly utility costs for apartments in major cities typically remain lower than in most Western countries, particularly for smaller households.

Internet infrastructure is well developed in urban areas. Internet penetration exceeds 90 percent in major cities, and fixed broadband speeds are generally sufficient for remote work, video conferencing, and streaming. Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Mendoza all offer reliable connections, making Argentina a practical option for digital nomads and remote professionals.

Argentine Peso and dollarization practices

The Argentine Peso (ARS) is the official currency, but the country operates on a de facto dual-currency system, meaning a foreign currency is widely used in an economy alongside or instead of the official domestic currency. Rent, property, and savings are often priced in USD, particularly in Buenos Aires.

This dollarization practice provides informal protection against inflation but requires financial literacy and planning.

Banking for foreigners

Opening a local bank account generally requires one to have residency as well as a DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) identification document. Due to capital controls, many expats rely on international bank accounts and fintech platforms while often using cash for daily expenses.

Some great banks to consider in Argentina for your financial needs include Santander Argentina (an offshoot of one of the best banks in the world), BBVA (Banco Francés), and Banco Galicia. Top international banks like HSBC and Citibank also operate within the country.

Internet infrastructure is well developed in urban areas. Internet penetration exceeds 90 percent in major cities, and fixed broadband speeds are generally sufficient for remote work, video conferencing, and streaming. Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Mendoza all offer reliable connections, making Argentina a practical option for digital nomads and remote professionals.

Managing inflation

Inflation in Argentina is very high and persistent. Annual inflation exceeded 200% in 2023 and remained above 100% going into 2024 and 2025. Prices rise monthly, reducing purchasing power, and forcing frequent wage and price adjustments. Government reforms aim to slow inflation, but volatility remains.

Common expat strategies to manage inflation include:

• Holding savings abroad (usually in USD or EUR) to protect long-term funds from inflation and currency devaluation in Argentina. Many expats keep savings in foreign bank accounts and only transfer what they need for short-term expenses.
• Converting funds periodically rather than monthly allowing expats to take advantage of more favorable exchange conditions and reduce repeated exposure to inflation. This approach also helps avoid holding large peso balances for extended periods.
• Avoiding long-term peso exposure, as the Argentine peso tends to lose value over time. Expats typically aim to keep only enough physical pesos on hand for day-to-day spending while preserving their income and savings in stronger foreign currencies.

Public healthcare system

Argentina offers universal public healthcare, which is enshrined in law and accessible to residents and non-residents alike, regardless of nationality or immigration status. This system is funded primarily at the provincial and municipal level and provides free access to hospitals, emergency care, and many essential treatments.

Public healthcare outcomes in Argentina are strong by regional standards. The country’s life expectancy is approximately 76 years, placing it above the Latin American average and reflecting relatively good access to basic healthcare services, preventative care, and medical professionals. Argentina also has a high physician density compared to many countries in the region, contributing to broad coverage.

That said, public hospitals, especially in major cities like Buenos Aires, can experience long wait times, overcrowding, and uneven resource allocation, particularly when it comes to non-urgent or specialized procedures. For this reason, while the public healthcare system provides an important safety net, most expats do rely on private healthcare for routine and specialist care.

Private healthcare, Obras Sociales, and Prepagas

Argentina’s private healthcare system is widely regarded as one of the strongest in Latin America, particularly in large urban centers. The system operates alongside public healthcare and includes employer-based coverage (Obras Sociales) and privately purchased plans known as Prepagas.

Prepagas are the most common option for expats. They provide access to modern hospitals, short wait times, advanced diagnostics, and a wide range of specialists, often with same-week appointments. Buenos Aires, in particular, is home to several internationally accredited private hospitals, such as Hospital Italiano, Hospital Alemán, Hospital Británico, and Hospital Universitario Austra. Many Argentine physicians receive training in Europe or North America, contributing to high clinical standards.

Private facilities generally offer more personalized care, English-speaking staff in major cities, and better infrastructure compared to the public system, making them the preferred choice for foreigners and higher-income locals alike. 

Healthcare costs for expats 

Healthcare costs in Argentina are significantly lower than in the United States and many European countries, especially when measured in foreign currency. Monthly private health insurance premiums through Prepagas are typically affordable by international standards, even for comprehensive plans that include specialist care, diagnostics, and hospitalization. 

Out-of-pocket costs for consultations, tests, and procedures are also relatively low compared to North America, which is why healthcare is often cited as one of the strongest advantages of living in Argentina as an expat. For retirees, families, and digital nomads, this combination of quality, access, and affordability plays a major role in Argentina’s appeal as a long-term residence.

Argentina provides free public education at all levels, including primary, secondary, and university education, and this access extends to foreign residents as well. This policy has contributed to Argentina’s relatively high educational attainment compared to many countries in the region.

The University of Buenos Aires (UBA) is consistently ranked among the top universities in Latin America (#84 in the 2026 QS World University Rankings) and is widely recognized for its academic standards, particularly in medicine, law, engineering, and social sciences. Several other Argentine universities also attract international students due to the absence of tuition fees at public institutions.

In addition to public education, private and bilingual schools are widely available in major cities such as Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Mendoza. These schools are popular with expat families and typically follow international or dual-language curricula, offering instruction in both Spanish and English. While private education involves tuition fees, costs are generally lower than in North America or Europe.

Spanish proficiency is essential for navigating daily life in Argentina. However, the country consistently ranks high for English proficiency according to global indices such as the EF English Proficiency Index (ranking 26th worldwide in 2025). English is spoken in many professional and expat-focused environments, but most bureaucracy, healthcare services, and everyday interactions are conducted in Spanish.

Expats who invest time in learning Spanish tend to integrate more successfully and face fewer administrative and social barriers over the long term.

InterNations’ Expat Insider survey consistently shows Argentina as a mixed performer. The country scores well on quality-of-life indicators but ranks lower in categories related to finances, products, and utilities, largely due to inflation and economic volatility, which affect everyday costs and long-term planning.

While expats frequently praise Argentina’s culture, friendliness, and lifestyle value, recent surveys highlight growing challenges tied to rapid price increases. Even so, the country continues to appeal strongly for its food, social life, and overall way of living.

Social interaction plays a central role in daily life, with shared meals, cafés, and informal gatherings helping foreigners integrate more easily than in many large global cities.

Economy and job market

Argentina’s economy is historically volatile, with periods of high inflation and policy shifts. Local wages are low by international standards, which limits opportunities for foreigners seeking locally paid employment.

As a result, most expats avoid the domestic job market and tend to be employed by multinational companies or international organizations operating branches in Argentina.

Remote work and digital nomadism

Argentina has become an increasingly popular destination for remote workers and digital nomads. Urban internet penetration is high, coworking spaces are widely available, and Argentina’s time zone aligns well with North America.

For many foreigners, living in Argentina while earning abroad offers a strong lifestyle-to-cost ratio, combining affordable daily expenses with a high quality of life.

Pros

• Affordable private healthcare with high medical standards.
• Strong cultural and social life, especially in major cities.
• Low daily living costs for foreigners earning foreign income.
• Fast residency and citizenship pathways, including dual citizenship.

Cons

• High inflation, affecting prices, and savings. 
• Currency controls, complicating banking and transfers.
• Bureaucratic processes, particularly for immigration.
• Economic instability requires financial flexibility.