Expatriate Spotlight on Buenos Aires in Argentina

Argentina is in Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay.  Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina, translated meaning “Land of Silver”.

It is a land of extremes, and boasts the highest literacy rate in South America, the highest point in the Southern Hemisphere – Mount Aconcagua (6,962m) and the lowest point – Laguna del Carbon (-105 m).
You land in Argentina at Airopuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarini, about a 45 minute drive from downtown Buenos Aires.

From the Tigre region with its casino, amusement park and river boat trips, to the famous Boca neighborhood with decorated stucco walls in rainbow colours, tango dancers spinning on cobblestone streets and the roaming musicians competing for attention, Buenos Aires is filled with exciting entertainment.

Buenos Aires has an overall cost of living index, which equates it with low cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Buenos Aires is currently ranked 227 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 300 international locations.


Hardship compared to Lyon, France:
Lyon, France is ranked as a minimal hardship location with a hardship premium of 10%. Buenos Aires is ranked as a some hardship location with a hardship index of 20%.  The relative difference in hardship premium (i.e. Host Location Premium minus Home Location Premium) is 10%.
Buenos Aires cost of living* compared to Lyon, France:

•    Alcohol & Tobacco is more expensive
•    Clothing is cheaper
•    Communication is more expensive
•    Education is cheaper
•    Furniture & Appliances is cheaper
•    Groceries is cheaper
•    Healthcare is cheaper
•    Household is cheaper
•    Miscellaneous is cheaper
•    Personal Care is cheaper
•    Recreation & Culture is cheaper
•    Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels is cheaper
•    Transport is cheaper

*As at 1 April 2011


The overall weighted cost of living difference between Lyon, France and Buenos Aires is -21.85%

Salary Purchasing Power Parity (SPPP)

The SPPP report calculates how much you need to earn in another location to compensate for a higher cost of living, hardship, and the exchange rate, in order to have the same relative spending power and as a result have a similar standard of living as you have in your current location.

The following exchange rates have been used:
5.5940 Argentine Peso (ARS ) to 1 Euro (EUR )
0.1788 Euro (EUR) to 1 Argentine Peso (ARS )

A person would require a salary of 88,151.83 Euro (EUR) which is 493,121.34 Argentine Peso’s (ARS) in Buenos Aires to have the same standard of living as currently enjoyed in Lyon, France on a salary of 100,000.00 Euro (EUR). This salary compensates for the overall cost of living difference of -21,8482%, the hardship difference of 10%, and the exchange rate.


SPPP Formula :
Home / Current Location salary 100,000.00 EUR
+ Cost of living difference -21.8482% = -21,848.17 EUR
+ Hardship difference of 10% = 10,000 EUR

TOTAL of 88,151.83 EUR
x Exchange Rate of 5.5940
= 493,121.34 ARS

For the full cost of living rankings for April 2011 go here

Retire to a low cost of living country

Picture this. It's 2024, and you have been retired for several years now. You are up early for a light breakfast and head out on your way to the golf course while your significant other heads for the mall. But the reality is that you work at the local pro shop, and your partner works in a bookshop in an effort to supplement your retirement funds and make the money last another 30 years.

If you are a Boomer (born between the end of WW2 and 1960) your challenge is to stretch a lifetime of savings and convert it to a stream of income. Poor investment returns in recent years, increasing life expectancies as well as rising medical costs mean those savings have to stretch further than ever before.

The bottom line is that if you're a Boomer you would be wise to figure out how to retire overseas to a lower cost of living country or you are likely to be doomed to work for the rest of your life.

Where could you retire, and live comfortably in a safe, lower cost of living country?

We have come up with what we view as the top 5 most suitable for retirement, exotic, overseas places (i.e. outside the USA, UK, and Europe), based on having a low cost of living and a reasonable quality of life (i.e. excluding high and extreme hardship locations):

Location	Quality of Life	Cost of Living Rank	Cost of Living (%) Compared to New York City
Paraguay, Asuncion	Some Hardship	276	-36.5
Argentina, Buenos Aires	Some Hardship	227	-36.1
Saint Lucia, Castries	Some Hardship	277	-35.8
Antigua and Barbuda, Saint John's	Some Hardship	243	-30.4
Seychelles, Victoria	Some Hardship	237	-30.2

Asuncion in Paraguay, Central South America, is a place of contrast between wealthy and poor. Asuncion boasts upmarket suburbs, modern shopping malls and dazzling nightclubs contrasted with shanties, fever–carrying mosquitoes, polluting buses, heat and humidity.  Asuncion’s overall cost of living is 36.5% lower than New York City. Spanish and Guarani are the prominent languages spoken, while the major religion is Christianity.

Buenos Aires in Argentina, Southern South America, is a cosmopolitan metropolis with designer boutiques, stunning neighbourhoods and parks and its share of downtrodden areas and tatty streets.  Buenos Aires

cost of living is 36.1% lower than New York City. Spanish is the prominent language spoken, while the major religion is Christianity.

Castries in Saint Lucia, an island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, is extremely small and relies on tourism, banana production, and light manufacturing. There are approximately 40 hotels and many shops selling goods to tourists. Castries cost of living is 35.8% lower than New York City. English (official) and French Patois are the prominent languages spoken, while the major religion is Christianity.

St John’s on the island of Antigua, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, is green. Two-thirds of it is parkland and sublime beaches, excellent for hiking and snorkelling. The environment is beautifully preserved, with limited development.  St John’s cost of living is 30.4% lower than New York City. English is the prominent language spoken, while the major religion is Christianity.

Victoria in the Seychelles, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar, has the feel of a small provincial town set against a backdrop of majestic hills that seem to fall into the blue sea. Victoria’s cost of living is 30.2% lower than New York City. English, French and Creole are the prominent languages spoken, while the major religion is Christianity.

These are just five possible locations that we identified. There are so many more places you could consider retiring to, with a much lower cost of living. For a detailed cost of living rank for all 300 locations click here.

Argentina, Buenos Aires - Cost of Living 2010

The economy of Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector and a diversified industrial base. Historically, however, Argentina's economic performance has been very uneven, in which high economic growth alternated with severe recessions, particularly during the late twentieth century. Early in the twentieth century it was one of the richest countries in the world, though it is now an upper-middle income country.


Buenos Aires is the financial, industrial, commercial, and cultural hub of Argentina. Its port is one of the busiest in South America; navigable rivers by way of the Rio de la Plata connect the port to north-east Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. As a result it serves as the distribution hub for a vast area of the south-eastern region of the continent. Tax collection related to the port has caused many political problems in the past.


Buenos Aires has an overall cost of living index which equates it with low cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Buenos Aires is currently ranked 261 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations. 


The cost of living overview for each of the 13 Basket Groups is as follows:
Read More

Argentina, Buenos Aires Cost of Living April 2010

Country Full Name: Argentine Republic

Location: Argentina is in Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay.

Country Climate: Mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest.

Country Terrain: Rich plains of the Pampas in northern half, flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western border.

Major Languages: Spanish

Major Religions: Christianity

Country Population: 39.7 million (2008 est.) 40.1 million (2009 est.)

Country Economy: The economy of Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector and a diversified industrial base. Historically, however, Argentina's economic performance has been very uneven, in which high economic growth alternated with severe recessions, particularly during the late twentieth century. Early in the twentieth century it was one of the richest countries in the world, though it is now an upper-middle income country.

Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Country Inflation: 8.6% (2008 est.) 5.6% (2009 est.)

City: Buenos Aires is the capital, and largest city, of Argentina, currently the second-largest metropolitan area in South America, after São Paulo.

City Economy: Buenos Aires is the financial, industrial, commercial, and cultural hub of Argentina. Its port is one of the busiest in South America; navigable rivers by way of the Rio de la Plata connect the port to north-east Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. As a result it serves as the distribution hub for a vast area of the south-eastern region of the continent. Tax collection related to the port has caused many political problems in the past.

Cost of Living

Buenos Aires has an overall cost of living index which equates it with low cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Buenos Aires is currently ranked 279 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

For more info on Argentina, Buenos Aires Cost of Living

Argentina, Buenos Aires Cost of Living April 2010

Country Full Name: Argentine Republic.

Location: Argentina is in Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay.

Country Climate: Mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest.

Country Terrain: Rich plains of the Pampas in northern half, flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western border.

Major Languages: Spanish.

Major Religions: Christianity.

Country Population: 39.7 million (2008 est.) 40.1 million (2009 est.).

Country Economy: The economy of Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector and a diversified industrial base. Historically, however, Argentina's economic performance has been very uneven, in which high economic growth alternated with severe recessions, particularly during the late twentieth century. Early in the twentieth century it was one of the richest countries in the world, though it is now an upper-middle income country.

Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS).

Country Inflation: 8.6% (2008 est.) 5.6% (2009 est.).

City: Buenos Aires is the capital, and largest city, of Argentina, currently the second-largest metropolitan area in South America, after São Paulo.

City Economy: Buenos Aires is the financial, industrial, commercial, and cultural hub of Argentina. Its port is one of the busiest in South America; navigable rivers by way of the Rio de la Plata connect the port to north-east Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. As a result it serves as the distribution hub for a vast area of the south-eastern region of the continent. Tax collection related to the port has caused many political problems in the past.

Cost of Living

Buenos Aires has an overall cost of living index which equates it with low cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Buenos Aires is currently ranked 279 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations.

For more information on cost of living : Argentina, Buenos Aires Cost of Living

Buenos Aires, Argentina Cost of Living January 2010

LOCATION: Argentina is in Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay.

CAPITAL CITY: Buenos Aires

LARGEST CITY: Buenos Aires

CURRENCY: Argentine Peso (ARS)

ECONOMY: Argentina's economy comprises rich natural resources, it has a highly literate population, with an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Buenos Aires is the financial, industrial, commercial, and cultural hub of Argentina. The Buenos Aires port is one of the busiest in the world and it is one of the wealthiest cities in the world.
Buenos Aires has an overall cost of living index which equates it with low cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Buenos Aires is currently ranked 270 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 276 international locations. The cost of living overview for each of the 13 Basket Groups is as follows:

Alcohol & Tobacco costs for alcoholic beverages such as alcohol at bar, beer, locally produced spirit, whiskey, and wine as well as tobacco products such as cigarettes is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 270 out of 276.

Clothing costs for clothing and footwear products such as business suits, casual clothing, childrens clothing and footwear, coats and hats, evening wear, shoe repairs, and underwear is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 260 out of 276.

Communication costs for various communication costs such as home telephone rental and call charges, internet connection and service provider fees, mobile / cellular phone contract and calls is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 262 out of 276.

Education costs such as creche / pre-school fees, high school / college fees, primary school fees, and tertiary study fees is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 274 out of 276.

Furniture & Appliance costs for furniture, household equipment and household appliances such as dvd player, fridge freezer, iron, kettle, toaster, microwave, light bulbs, television, vacuum cleaner, and washing machine is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 258 out of 276.

Grocery costs for food, non-alcoholic beverages and cleaning material items such as baby consumables, baked goods, baking, canned foods, cheese, cleaning products, dairy, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fruit juices, meat, oil & vinegars, pet food, pre-prepared meals, sauces, seafood, snacks, soft drinks, spices & herbs is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 276 out of 276.

Healthcare costs for general healthcare, medical and medical insurance such as general practitioner consultation rates, hospital private ward daily rate, non-prescription medicine, and private medical insurance / medical aid contributions is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 270 out of 276.

Household costs for housing, water, electricity, household gas, household fuels, local rates and residential taxes such as house / flat mortgage, house / flat rental, household electricity consumption, household gas / fuel consumption, household water consumption, and local property rates / taxes / levies is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 157 out of 276.

Miscellaneous costs related to stationary, linen and general goods and services such as domestic help, dry cleaning, linen, office supplies, newspapers and magazines, and postage stamps is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 265 out of 276.

Personal Care costs for personal care products and services such as cosmetics, hair care, moisturizer / sun block, nappies, pain relief tablets, toilet paper, toothpaste, and soap / shampoo / conditioner is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 254 out of 276.

Recreation and Culture costs such as books, camera film, cinema ticket, DVD and CDs, sports goods, and theatre tickets is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 232 out of 276.

Restaurants, Meals Out and Hotel costs such as business dinner, dinner at a restaurant (non fast food), hotel rates, take away drinks and snacks (fast food) is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 275 out of 276.

Transport costs for public transport, vehicle costs, vehicle fuel, vehicle insurance and vehicle maintenance such as hire purchase / lease of vehicle, petrol / diesel, public transport service maintenance, tires, vehicle Insurance, and vehicle purchase is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 231 out of 276.

Your exact customized cost of living index for Buenos Aires is based on which of the above basket groups as well as the comparison location you select in the Calculators.

In terms of the hardship people are likely to experience, assessed in global terms, Buenos Aires is ranked as a high degree of hardship location with a hardship index of 30%.

Your exact customized hardship index premium for Buenos Aires is based on the comparison location that you select in the Calculators.
Source: http://www.xpatulator.com/outside.cfm?lid=7

Argentina Cost of Living

Argentina cost of living is ranked a low cost of living location.

Argentina is in Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay.

CAPITAL CITY: Buenos Aires

LARGEST CITY: Buenos Aires

CURRENCY: Argentine Peso (ARS)

ECONOMY: Argentina's economy comprises rich natural resources, it has a highly literate population, with an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Buenos Aires is the financial, industrial, commercial, and cultural hub of Argentina. The Buenos Aires port is one of the busiest in the world and it is one of the wealthiest cities in the world.

COST OF LIVING OVERVIEW: Buenos Aires has an overall cost of living index which equates it with Low Cost of Living Locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Buenos Aires is currently ranked 252 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 276 international www.xpatulator.com locations. The exact customised cost of living index for Buenos Aires is based on the Basket Groups that you select in the Calculators.

In terms of the relative hardship people are likely to experience, assessed in global terms, Buenos Aires is ranked as a high degree of hardship location. The exact customised hardship index premium for Buenos Aires is based on the comparison location that you select in the Calculators.

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