Daily costs per person in Argentine pesos at the blue dollar rate. Buenos Aires is one of the best-value cities in the world for travelers paying in USD cash — world-class food and culture at remarkably low prices.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: ARS (Peso) (1 USD ≈ 1,050 ARS (blue rate))
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ARS 8,000–20,000 | ARS 30,000–70,000 | ARS 100,000+ | Hostels → boutique hotels → luxury hotels |
| Food | ARS 6,000–12,000 | ARS 18,000–35,000 | ARS 50,000+ | Street food & bodegones → parrillas → fine dining |
| Transport | ARS 500–1,500 | ARS 3,000–8,000 | ARS 15,000+ | Subte/bus → taxi/Uber → private transfers |
| Activities | ARS 0–5,000 | ARS 8,000–20,000 | ARS 40,000+ | Free sites → museums & milongas → shows & tours |
| Drinks | ARS 2,000–5,000 | ARS 6,000–15,000 | ARS 25,000+ | Vinoteca wine → bar cocktails → wine tastings |
| Daily Total | ARS 16,500–43,500 | ARS 65,000–148,000 | ARS 230,000+ | $16–41 → $62–141 → $219+ |
Money-saving tips
Blue dollar rate
Argentina has parallel exchange rates. The "blue dollar" (informal rate) gives you nearly double the official bank rate. Exchange USD cash at cuevas (informal exchange houses) on Calle Florida or use Western Union for the best rate. Never exchange at banks or airports.
Bodegón dining
Bodegones are neighbourhood restaurants serving huge portions of milanesas, pastas, and steaks for ARS 6,000–12,000. They are where porteños eat — better food at half the price of tourist restaurants. Ask your hostel for their favourite.
SUBE card
A SUBE card (ARS 3,000 from kioscos) covers metro, buses, and trains. Metro: ARS 150 per ride. Buses: ARS 100–200. Charge it at any kiosco or Subte station. Transfers get discounts within 2 hours.
Free museums
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is always free. MALBA is free Wednesdays after 5pm. Recoleta Cemetery is free. Casa Rosada tours are free on weekends. Many galleries in Palermo are free entry.
Choripán culture
The choripán (chorizo sausage in bread with chimichurri, ARS 2,000–3,500) is Argentina's national street food. Vendors on Costanera Sur and near football stadiums serve the best ones. It is a full meal for pocket change.
Malbec from vinotecas
A good bottle of Malbec costs ARS 2,000–5,000 at a vinoteca (wine shop) — the same wine is ARS 8,000–15,000 at a restaurant. Buy a bottle and enjoy it at your hostel rooftop or in a park.
