Cost Planner

Living Costs in Argentina for Students

Plan your budget effectively with this comprehensive breakdown of living expenses for international students in Argentina. From accommodation and food to transportation and recreation, understand the real costs of studying in Argentina.

Basic Monthly Costs for One Adult, Greater Buenos Aires

Monthly

Basic foodARS 239,058

Basic food plus other basic goods and servicesARS 528,319

Monthly Total:ARS 528,319 a month (Argentine pesos, ARS): basic food plus other basic goods and services

Costs for one adult in Greater Buenos Aires in September 2026, from the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC). Rent is not included.

Monthly Costs for One Adult

Monthly figures for one adult in Greater Buenos Aires. Your own costs depend on your city, home and habits.

Accommodation

RentAgreed with the landlord

Rent can be set in pesos or in a foreign currency.

Housing

Rent is not in these figures. See our accommodation page for how rents work.

Food

Basic food only, one adult, Greater Buenos Aires, September 2026ARS 239,058 a month

Basic food only, for one adult.

Food, Goods and Services

Basic food plus other basic goods and services, one adult, September 2026ARS 528,319 a month

The cost of basic food plus other basic goods and services for one adult in Greater Buenos Aires. Rent is not included.

Money Tips

Simple ways to manage money in Argentina.

Banking and Budget

Open a free peso savings account. Banks are not allowed to charge immigrants fees to open it or keep it open.
Keep part of your budget for price rises during the year.

Fees to Plan For

Costs that students often forget to plan for.

Visa and Papers

Student visa

USD 250 + USD 600 (US dollars)

The consular fee is USD 250. The migration fee is USD 600 for citizens of countries outside Mercosur (a trade group of South American countries), such as India and Pakistan. Pay the migration fee only when the consulate tells you to. Each fee is paid once.

Yearly residence extension

100 migration units (ARS 1,000 each)

100 migration units (UMSM) for citizens of countries outside Mercosur, at ARS 1,000 per unit.

Change of address on your DNI (Argentina's national identity card), Buenos Aires City

ARS 20,000

The fee for foreigners. Paid by card or digital wallet, not cash.

Housing

Rent deposit

Agreed with the landlord

You and the landlord agree the deposit amount and its currency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Argentina.

How much does one person need each month in Argentina?

In September 2026, one adult in Greater Buenos Aires needed ARS 528,319 a month for basic food plus other basic goods and services. Rent is not included.

How much is food alone?

Basic food only: ARS 239,058 a month for one adult in Greater Buenos Aires in September 2026. This is not a full cost of living, and rent is not included.

Do prices change fast?

Yes. The cost of basic food, goods and services for one adult rose 38.7% year-on-year to September 2026. Prices are in Argentine pesos (ARS), so plan for prices to keep going up.