Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Argentina Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Argentina Property Pack
Argentina has become one of Latin America's most attractive retirement destinations, combining European-style culture, world-class healthcare, and a cost of living that stretches foreign pensions much further than back home.
In this guide, we break down exactly how much money you need to retire in Argentina in 2026, covering everything from minimum survival budgets to luxury lifestyles, with real housing prices and neighborhood recommendations.
We constantly update this blog post with fresh data on housing prices in Argentina, rental costs, and retirement visa requirements, so you always have the latest numbers.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Argentina.
How much money do I need to retire in Argentina right now?
What's the absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Argentina?
The absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Argentina in 2026 is approximately 425,000 ARS (around $290 USD or €270 EUR), which is based on INDEC's official poverty line for one adult in Greater Buenos Aires.
At this minimum level, you would cover only basic food, minimal utilities, and the cheapest possible shared housing, essentially living like a low-income local household rather than a comfortable retiree.
The biggest sacrifice at this budget is that you would have no room for private healthcare, no buffer for emergencies, and would likely need to rely on the public hospital system, which can mean long wait times and Spanish-only staff.
For a foreign retiree who needs private health insurance, market-rate rent, and a small safety margin, the realistic survival floor in Argentina is closer to $900 to $1,200 USD per month (830 to 1,100 EUR).
What lifestyle do I get with $2,000/month in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, $2,000 per month (approximately 2,900,000 ARS or €1,850 EUR) gives you a comfortable middle-class lifestyle in Argentina, with enough to live well in Buenos Aires and even better in smaller cities like Córdoba or Mendoza.
For housing, you can rent a nice one-bedroom apartment in popular Buenos Aires neighborhoods like Palermo, Belgrano, or Recoleta for around $700 to $900 USD (640 to 830 EUR), which translates to approximately 1,000,000 to 1,300,000 ARS per month.
At this budget, you can enjoy regular dining out at local parrillas, a gym membership, occasional taxis or Uber rides, and weekend trips to places like Tigre or the Pampas without worrying about money.
The main limitation is that you will need to be selective about premium USD-priced services, as some foreigner-friendly landlords and international clinics price in dollars, which can eat into your budget faster than peso-denominated alternatives.
What lifestyle do I get with $3,000/month in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, $3,000 per month (approximately 4,350,000 ARS or €2,770 EUR) puts you in the upper-comfortable tier for a single retiree in Argentina, allowing premium choices without constant budget calculations.
For housing, you can rent a spacious two-bedroom apartment in desirable areas like Palermo Chico, Recoleta near Plaza Francia, or Belgrano R for around $1,100 to $1,500 USD (1,010 to 1,385 EUR), often in buildings with amenities like a pool, gym, and 24-hour security.
At this level, you can dine out frequently at top-rated restaurants in Puerto Madero or San Telmo, take weekend trips to Mendoza wine country or the beaches of Mar del Plata, and afford a higher-tier prepaga health plan that gives you access to the best private hospitals like Hospital Italiano.
The key upgrade from $2,000 is flexibility: you can absorb USD-priced rentals without stress, handle unexpected medical costs easily, and enjoy Argentina's cultural offerings like theater in Corrientes Avenue or polo matches in Pilar without watching every expense.
What lifestyle do I get with $5,000/month in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, $5,000 per month (approximately 7,275,000 ARS or €4,620 EUR) delivers a luxury-comfort lifestyle almost anywhere in Argentina, while $10,000 per month (14,550,000 ARS or €9,240 EUR) places you in the global luxury tier.
At $5,000, you can rent a premium three-bedroom apartment in Puerto Madero with river views for around $2,500 to $3,500 USD (2,310 to 3,235 EUR), or choose a beautiful house with a garden in Nordelta or San Isidro, while at $10,000 you access penthouse living or private estates in the most exclusive gated communities.
These budgets unlock experiences unique to Argentina: private estancia visits with horseback riding and asado in the Pampas, VIP access to polo tournaments, wine tours with private guides in Mendoza's Uco Valley, and fly-fishing trips in Patagonian rivers that few tourists ever see.
How much for a "comfortable" retirement in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, a comfortable retirement budget for a single person in Argentina is approximately $2,000 to $2,800 USD per month (1,850 to 2,590 EUR, or 2,900,000 to 4,070,000 ARS).
You should add a buffer of 20% (roughly $400 to $560 USD or 370 to 520 EUR monthly) to cover Argentina's regulated utility tariff changes, exchange rate fluctuations, and rent repricing that can happen quickly in this dual-currency market.
The "comfortable" tier includes expenses that the survival budget cannot cover: private prepaga health insurance costing $150 to $300 USD per month, a quality apartment in a safe neighborhood with reliable hot water and air conditioning, regular dining out, and enough flexibility for domestic travel to places like Bariloche or Iguazú Falls once or twice a year.
How much for a "luxury" retirement in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, a luxury retirement budget for a single person in Argentina is approximately $4,500 to $7,500 USD per month (4,160 to 6,930 EUR, or 6,540,000 to 10,900,000 ARS).
At this level, you can afford a stunning apartment in Puerto Madero's newest towers with full amenities (around $3,000 to $4,500 USD rent), top-tier prepaga plans with access to hospitals like Sanatorio Güemes or Hospital Alemán ($300 to $500 USD monthly), and regular fine dining at establishments like Don Julio or Tegui.
The most popular luxury retirement areas in Argentina are Puerto Madero and Palermo Chico in Buenos Aires, the wine estates around Chacras de Coria in Mendoza, and lakefront properties in Bariloche or Villa La Angostura in Patagonia.
The main advantage of a luxury budget beyond comfort is insulation from Argentina's economic volatility: you can hold your savings in dollars, absorb sudden price changes without lifestyle impact, and treat Argentina as a world-class base while traveling internationally whenever you want.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Argentina. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
What are the real monthly expenses for retirees in Argentina in 2026?
What is a realistic monthly budget breakdown by category in Argentina?
A realistic monthly budget breakdown for a comfortable single retiree in Buenos Aires in 2026 is approximately: housing $800 to $1,200 USD (740 to 1,110 EUR), utilities and internet $120 to $220 USD (110 to 200 EUR), food and groceries $450 to $700 USD (415 to 645 EUR), transportation $80 to $180 USD (75 to 165 EUR), healthcare $180 to $450 USD (165 to 415 EUR), and personal and leisure $250 to $500 USD (230 to 460 EUR).
Housing typically takes the largest share of a retiree's budget in Argentina, usually around 35% to 45% of total monthly spending, which means $800 to $1,200 USD (740 to 1,110 EUR) out of a $2,200 to $3,000 USD total budget, especially if you choose popular expat neighborhoods in Buenos Aires.
Food and groceries represent the second-largest category at around 20% to 25%, which translates to $450 to $700 USD (415 to 645 EUR) monthly if you mix home cooking with regular dining out at local restaurants.
The category that varies most based on personal lifestyle in Argentina is healthcare, because a basic prepaga plan costs around $80 to $150 USD while comprehensive coverage with top clinics can reach $300 to $450 USD, and some retirees also add international evacuation coverage which adds another $100 to $200 USD.
What fees surprise foreigners most after moving to Argentina?
The top three hidden fees that foreigners underestimate in Argentina are building fees called "expensas" (which can add $100 to $350 USD monthly on top of rent in Buenos Aires towers), strict rental deposit requirements (often two to three months' rent plus a guarantee), and the fact that public healthcare access for non-residents varies by jurisdiction and may require private coverage anyway.
When first arriving in Argentina, foreigners should budget for one-time setup costs including visa application fees of approximately 100,000 ARS ($70 USD or €65 EUR) for non-MERCOSUR applicants, document translations and apostilles ($200 to $400 USD), initial rental deposits and agency fees ($2,000 to $4,000 USD), and setting up a local bank account and phone service ($50 to $100 USD).
What's the average rent for a 1-bedroom or a 2-bedroom in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment (called "2 ambientes") in Buenos Aires is approximately 720,000 ARS ($685 USD or €630 EUR) in the peso market, while a 2-bedroom apartment (called "3 ambientes") averages around 1,000,000 ARS ($950 USD or €875 EUR).
For a 1-bedroom in Buenos Aires, the realistic range runs from 500,000 ARS ($475 USD or €440 EUR) in affordable neighborhoods like Villa Crespo or Chacarita, up to $1,400 USD (€1,290 EUR) in premium USD-priced listings in Recoleta or Palermo Hollywood.
For a 2-bedroom, you can find apartments starting at 750,000 ARS ($715 USD or €660 EUR) in middle-class areas like Caballito or Almagro, going up to $1,800 to $2,200 USD (€1,660 to €2,030 EUR) in the most desirable expat locations like Palermo Soho or Puerto Madero.
The best value neighborhoods for retirees seeking affordable rent in Buenos Aires are Villa Urquiza, Caballito, Villa Crespo, and Almagro, which offer good safety, public transport access, and authentic local atmosphere at 20% to 35% below Palermo or Recoleta prices.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the latest rent data in Argentina.
What do utilities cost monthly in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total monthly utilities cost for a typical 1-bedroom retiree apartment in Buenos Aires is approximately 150,000 to 280,000 ARS ($100 to $190 USD or €95 to €175 EUR), though this varies significantly by season due to air conditioning in summer and heating in winter.
Breaking this down, electricity typically costs 50,000 to 100,000 ARS ($35 to $70 USD or €30 to €65 EUR), water and sewer through AySA runs 15,000 to 30,000 ARS ($10 to $20 USD or €10 to €20 EUR), and natural gas for cooking and heating adds 30,000 to 80,000 ARS ($20 to $55 USD or €20 to €50 EUR) depending on usage.
Internet service in Buenos Aires costs around 25,000 to 45,000 ARS ($17 to $30 USD or €16 to €28 EUR) for plans with 100 to 300 Mbps, and a mobile phone plan runs approximately 15,000 to 30,000 ARS ($10 to $20 USD or €10 to €20 EUR) per month for reasonable data and minutes.
What's the monthly food and transportation budget for one person in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, the combined monthly food and transportation budget for one person in Buenos Aires is approximately 700,000 to 1,200,000 ARS ($470 to $810 USD or €435 to €750 EUR), depending on how often you dine out and your transportation preferences.
For groceries alone, cooking at home in Buenos Aires costs a single retiree approximately 350,000 to 550,000 ARS ($235 to $370 USD or €220 to €340 EUR) per month, with local markets and supermarkets like Carrefour or Coto offering good value for fresh produce, meats, and dairy.
Dining out regularly adds significant cost: a meal at a neighborhood parrilla runs 15,000 to 30,000 ARS ($10 to $20 USD), while mid-range restaurants average 25,000 to 50,000 ARS ($17 to $34 USD), meaning frequent dining can push your food budget to $500 to $700 USD monthly.
Public transportation via the SUBE card is extremely affordable at around 1,000 to 1,500 ARS ($0.70 to $1 USD) per subway or bus ride, making monthly transit costs just 30,000 to 50,000 ARS ($20 to $35 USD), though relying on taxis or Uber can push transportation to $150 to $180 USD monthly.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Argentina
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Can I retire in Argentina if I want to buy property in 2026?
What's the average home price in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, the median price per square meter for apartments in Buenos Aires is around 3,700,000 ARS ($2,450 USD or €2,100 EUR), which means a typical 60 to 70 square meter apartment costs approximately $145,000 to $170,000 USD (€134,000 to €157,000 EUR).
The realistic price range in Buenos Aires runs from $1,100 USD per square meter ($70,000 for a 65 sqm apartment) in affordable southern neighborhoods like Villa Lugano, up to $6,100 USD per square meter ($305,000 for a 50 sqm apartment) in premium Puerto Madero waterfront towers.
For retirees, the best value in Argentina is typically existing apartments in classic "Petit Hotel" or well-maintained older buildings in neighborhoods like Caballito, Villa Urquiza, or Belgrano, which offer more space per dollar than new construction and often have lower expensas than modern towers with pools and gyms.
Please note that you will find all the information you need in our pack about properties in Argentina.
What down payment do foreigners usually need in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, most foreigners buying property in Argentina should plan for a 100% cash purchase, as local mortgage access is limited and often unattractive for non-residents, though if financing is available the typical down payment requirement is 30% to 50% of the purchase price ($45,000 to $85,000 USD or €41,500 to €78,500 EUR for a $170,000 property).
Foreigners generally face the same legal down payment requirements as locals in Argentina, but in practice they encounter more difficulty accessing peso-denominated mortgages due to income verification challenges and the preference of most sellers for USD cash transactions, especially in Buenos Aires.
We have a document entirely dedicated to the mortgage process in our pack about properties in Argentina.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Argentina.
What's the all-in monthly cost to own in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, the all-in monthly cost to own a typical 70 square meter apartment in Buenos Aires (excluding mortgage if any) is approximately 400,000 to 850,000 ARS ($270 to $575 USD or €250 to €530 EUR), covering building fees, utilities, and local charges.
This monthly ownership cost includes building fees (expensas) of 175,000 to 500,000 ARS ($120 to $340 USD or €110 to €315 EUR) depending on building amenities, utilities of 150,000 to 280,000 ARS ($100 to $190 USD or €95 to €175 EUR), and minor local property charges.
Property taxes in Buenos Aires (ABL) are relatively modest at approximately 30,000 to 80,000 ARS ($20 to $55 USD or €20 to €50 EUR) monthly for a typical apartment, while expensas in buildings with pools, gyms, and 24-hour security can reach $250 to $350 USD alone.
The hidden ownership cost that catches new buyers in Argentina is the combination of high expensas in modern buildings and the reality that building maintenance funds are often underfunded, meaning special assessments for repairs (called "extraordinarias") can appear unexpectedly.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing the property taxes and fees in Argentina.
Is buying cheaper than renting in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, renting is typically cheaper on a monthly cash-flow basis than buying in Buenos Aires, with gross rental yields around 5% to 6% annually, meaning it takes approximately 17 to 20 years of rent to equal the purchase price of a similar property.
The break-even point where buying becomes financially equivalent to renting in Buenos Aires is typically 8 to 12 years when you factor in transaction costs (6% to 9% on purchase), ongoing ownership expenses, and the opportunity cost of tying up $150,000 or more in capital.
For retirees specifically, buying makes sense in Argentina if you plan to stay long-term (10+ years), want the psychological security of ownership, and are comfortable holding an asset in a country with historical currency volatility, while renting offers flexibility to explore different neighborhoods and an easier exit if circumstances change.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Argentina versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What visas, taxes, and healthcare costs should I plan for in Argentina in 2026?
What retirement visa options exist in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, the main retirement visa option in Argentina is the temporary residence permit as "Rentista" (passive income) or "Pensionado" (foreign pension), with government fees of approximately 100,000 ARS ($70 USD or €65 EUR) for non-MERCOSUR applicants.
To qualify for Argentina's retirement visa, you must demonstrate monthly passive income of at least 5 times the Salario Mínimo Vital y Móvil (minimum wage), which as of early 2026 means approximately 1,500,000 ARS or around $1,000 to $1,400 USD (€925 to €1,290 EUR) per month depending on minimum wage adjustments.
The typical annual visa renewal cost in Argentina is approximately 50,000 to 80,000 ARS ($35 to $55 USD or €32 to €50 EUR) for the government fee, plus potential legal assistance fees of $200 to $500 USD if you use an immigration attorney, with renewal required every year until you qualify for permanent residency after two renewals.
The most common visa mistake foreign retirees make in Argentina is underestimating documentation requirements: all foreign documents need apostilles from your home country and certified Spanish translations by a public translator in Argentina, which can take 2 to 4 weeks and cost $300 to $600 USD total.
Please note that we keep this page updated with the residency pathways in Argentina.
Do I pay tax on foreign income in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, for the first 12 months of residency most foreign retirees do not pay Argentine taxes on foreign income unless that income comes from Argentine sources, but after becoming a tax resident Argentina generally taxes worldwide income at progressive rates from 5% to 35%.
Foreign pensions, investment income, and Social Security payments are generally taxable once you become an Argentine tax resident, though savings income (interest from bank deposits) remains tax-exempt, which can benefit retirees who structure their finances carefully before triggering residency.
Argentina has tax treaties with several countries including the United States, Spain, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, which may provide relief from double taxation on pensions and certain investment income, though treaty benefits require proper documentation and filing.
The single most important tax rule foreign retirees should understand before moving to Argentina is that tax residency triggers automatically after 12 months of presence, so you should consult a tax professional before your move to structure your income sources and potentially delay residency until your finances are optimized.
What health insurance do retirees need in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, most foreign retirees in Argentina need private health insurance called "prepaga," with monthly costs ranging from $50 to $150 USD (€46 to €138 EUR) for basic plans up to $300 to $450 USD (€277 to €415 EUR) for comprehensive coverage with top hospitals, translating to approximately 75,000 to 650,000 ARS.
Foreigners can technically access Argentina's public healthcare system, but as of July 2025 visitors must present valid health insurance to enter the country, and public hospital charging policies for non-residents vary by province, so relying on "free healthcare" is risky and most expats choose prepaga coverage from providers like OSDE, Swiss Medical, Medicus, or Galeno.
A realistic total annual healthcare budget for a retiree in Argentina is approximately $3,000 to $6,500 USD (€2,770 to €6,000 EUR, or 4,350,000 to 9,450,000 ARS), which includes prepaga premiums of $1,800 to $5,400 USD, out-of-pocket copays (called "copagos") of $300 to $600 USD, and medications of $400 to $800 USD.
Buying real estate in Argentina can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Argentina, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| INDEC Canasta Básica Report | Argentina's official statistics agency setting standard poverty benchmarks. | We used the adult equivalent poverty line as the floor for survival budgets. We then scaled it for realistic retiree spending including housing and healthcare. |
| Banco Nación via Infobae | Major national outlet displaying the official bank exchange rate reference. | We used the Banco Nación rate to convert peso rents and costs into USD equivalents. We also used it to explain Argentina's dual-currency reality for foreigners. |
| UCEMA/RE/MAX Property Report | Established research source for Buenos Aires property pricing updated regularly. | We used the average USD per square meter to estimate typical apartment costs. We translated that into ownership affordability for retirement planning. |
| Argentina.gob.ar Rentista Visa | Official government page describing legal requirements and duration. | We used it to list the retirement residency pathway for passive-income foreigners. We used the "5 x minimum wage" rule as the core eligibility test. |
| Migraciones Fee Table | Official government fee schedule for residency applications and renewals. | We used it to estimate annual visa and renewal costs in pesos for non-MERCOSUR applicants. We explained the UMSM fee unit in plain English. |
| ENRE Electricity Tariffs | National electricity regulator with official tariff tables utilities bill from. | We used it to support that electricity costs shift with regulated tariff updates. We justified keeping a utilities volatility buffer in monthly planning. |
| Chequeado Healthcare Explainer | Well-known fact-checking outlet synthesizing policy changes with official sources. | We used it to explain whether foreigners can rely on free public care everywhere. We justified budgeting for private coverage even if public care exists. |
| Superintendencia de Servicios de Salud | Official regulator supervising private health insurers and obras sociales. | We used it to define what "prepaga" is and why it's the standard private option. We anchored that private health coverage is regulated, not informal. |
| iProfesional Rent Data | Major outlet explicitly reporting Zonaprop's rental dataset for Buenos Aires. | We used it for practical 2026 rent price tags by apartment type. We converted peso rents into USD equivalents for foreign retirees using bank FX. |
| ARCA (ex-AFIP) Tax Library | Tax authority's official legal library for rules and definitions. | We used it to explain when foreign income becomes taxable in Argentina. We highlighted why tax-residency planning matters before retiring. |
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Argentina compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
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