What happens if Argentina gets too expensive? What are alternative cities/countries to move to when it's overpriced in Argentina?

[MikelBedsa]

I've been hearing whispers that prices in Buenos Aires and Argentina have climbed so high that they're now rubbing shoulders with the USA. Is that for real? What's the forecast for future inflation? Milei was the supposed savior, but in the short term, it seems like things might've taken a turn for the worse.

I had this dream of retiring in Argentina, but now I'm second-guessing myself. Is Paraguay a smarter move? It's got a more friendly tax setup, after all. The uncertainty is making me rethink everything.

 

[Canada Goose]

I lived in Spain, and I'm there a lot for work. I don't really agree that Spanish people are having a tough time. Sure, it's not perfect, and the salaries might not be super high, but you can get by just fine. There's plenty of work for those willing to put in the effort. They might complain a bit, but it's usually in the company of friends, in a lively restaurant, with a full belly of delicious food and a glass of good wine in hand. They're not exactly the poster children for worldwide suffering.

I think Spain often doesn't get the credit it deserves in the international media. It's the 15th largest economy in the world, and I believe only Australia and Canada, with fewer people, are ahead. They have a great public transportation network and lots of opportunities. They must be doing something right!

You shouldn't mention Australia OR Canada in any part of this post. Canada is becoming a dump. Overprices, crime going up, and many people want to leave it. Read some of @CryptoMama7501's posts about fleeing Canada. I am also leaving Canada. Most major cities are a dump now. Crime going up and just too expensive for what you get. Bad weather too. My brother lives in Australia and it's horribly expensive.

Oh, here's the kicker – Australia has hit the ranks of the least affordable places on the planet. The real estate property prices are sky high, soaring beyond the reach of almost every young Aussie out there. It's like the dream of owning a home is turning into a wild goose chase for the younger generation. The struggle is real.

 

[Wally]

Oh, Argentina and its economy – a shining beacon of stability and predictability. It's like a thrilling roller coaster that never stops surprising you with its twists and turns. Having income in a reliable foreign currency is just a brilliant strategy for enjoying the constant excitement of economic fluctuations. And let's not forget Milei's policies, because who doesn't love a good gamble on the future of USD buying power? Sure, it might mean a reduction compared to the expat-friendly rates we enjoyed under Fernandez, but who cares about specifics and timelines? Just embrace the uncertainty and get ready for another round of economic surprises. It's like playing a never-ending game of financial roulette – so much fun!

 

[Floripa]

Rio is DEFINITELY much more expensive than Buenos Aires. No doubt about it. I really enjoy Rio but I wouldn't live there permanently. Buenos Aires is a very safe city. In Rio you have to really watch yourself at night. Most of my friends there haven't experienced crime but I was talking to my private driver when he was bringing us from Barra de Tijuca back to the airport and he told me a few years ago thieves were stopping people on the highway and robbing them.

He said that he had a cellphone and some cash but the thieves were only robbing people in nice cars which I found interesting. He told them he was a taxi driver and they told him that they weren't going to rob him. But he said nice people in nice cars were getting robbed at gunpoint.

He said that was his only robbery attempt and he didn't get robbed. I've been going there for 20 years and while I've seen crime I haven't experienced it myself except that one time when the kids were grabbing for my watch very late at night.

If you notice in Buenos Aires it is full of Brazilians because it's so cheap in Buenos Aires compared to Brazil. Going to a nice place to eat will cost you quite a bit of money in Rio. I went to a churrascaria in Rio with my family of 5 and it was about the same price as here in San Diego. Granted it was a LOT of food but still was very expensive.

There are a LOT of beautiful areas outside of Buenos Aires but I'm a big city guy. I absolutely love Buenos Aires. I'd be too bored in smaller towns. But I'm sure that some people could adjust to them. Just keep in mind some cities like Bariloche can be even more expensive than Buenos Aires.

Rio is great for a visit for me but I doubt I could live there full time. The constant need to look over your shoulder would get annoying. But every time I go I love it. I seriously doubt if anyone can't afford Buenos Aires they will be going to Rio.

This ^^^^^

I live in Brazil. Rio is an expensive city relatively speaking. São Paulo too. In both cities you really have to watch yourself, especially if you're clearly a gringo. They tend to prey more on people that don't seem like they live there. The example of the robbery and not robbing the taxi is a good one. Some thieves don't care but some just feel like the rich have so much.

Much of Brazil goes to Argentina because it's very affordable compared to Brazil. Meals at nice places are very expensive in Rio and São Paulo. You can still eat street food fairly cheap but even there it has really gone up over the years. Corn on the cob used to be very cheap at the beach and now in some areas it can be as much as $5 USD per corn. It never used to be like that. Ubers are more expensive in Rio.

It is like night and day in Rio vs. Buenos Aires. Both are great cities but very very different. Rio isn't nearly as cheap as Buenos Aires. We have seen the Real weaken here over the years. The USD is very strong approaching 5 R to $1 USD which helps if you earn USD but inflation has hit Brazil as well. It isn't a cheap destination.

 

[Betsy Ross]

I'm just curious do all of you expats live here because it's simply affordable? I'm here for the long haul even if it's more expensive and a higher cost of living. I find BA to be wonderful and I'm don't going to leave home just because it's getting more expensive.

 

[Vero]

I'm just curious do all of you expats live here because it's simply affordable? I'm here for the long haul even if it's more expensive and a higher cost of living. I find BA to be wonderful and I'm don't going to leave home just because it's getting more expensive.

Everyone has multiple reasons for choosing where they live, but the cost of the lifestyle they desire is definitely a key factor. I'm pretty sure there are many places in Argentina that are already more affordable, yet expats aren't settling there. The reality is, many people have a fixed amount of money that they can't alter, so some will need to explore different options, considering that the cost of living is doubling.

 

[Uncle Wong]

Everyone has multiple reasons for choosing where they live, but the cost of the lifestyle they desire is definitely a key factor. I'm pretty sure there are many places in Argentina that are already more affordable, yet expats aren't settling there. The reality is, many people have a fixed amount of money that they can't alter, so some will need to explore different options, considering that the cost of living is doubling.

A bunch of local expats are like bargain-hunting pros, choosing this spot because it's the thriftiest place for their fixed income. The idea of local folks getting higher paychecks, which could lead to higher prices, freaks them out. They're like, "Nope, no positive changes, please!" Vietnam also has this closed, subsidized economy vibe, though you might get a side dish of culture shock along with your budget-friendly living.

 

[Jeb Spencer]

Not all, but a bunch of these expats who go for the super budget-friendly lifestyle tend to stick together. It seems like their social circle is their main focus, and local culture doesn't really matter to them. If you're looking for consistently low costs, I wouldn't recommend putting Argentina at the top of your list.

If you're into hot and humid, try Southeast Asia. For something milder, consider the Balkans (the ones not in the EU) plus Georgia and Armenia. Other inexpensive parts of Latin America might be too sketchy for those who are extra frugal when it comes to safety.

 

[Bharat]

Not all, but a bunch of these expats who go for the super budget-friendly lifestyle tend to stick together. It seems like their social circle is their main focus, and local culture doesn't really matter to them. If you're looking for consistently low costs, I wouldn't recommend putting Argentina at the top of your list.

If you're into hot and humid, try Southeast Asia. For something milder, consider the Balkans (the ones not in the EU) plus Georgia and Armenia. Other inexpensive parts of Latin America might be too sketchy for those who are extra frugal when it comes to safety.

Southwest Asisa? Vietnam, huh? I spent a good ten years in both Thailand and Cambodia. They're way cheaper than Argentina, but you gotta be ready for a big shift in culture. Personally, I loved it. Now, I'm guessing you haven't hung around Vietnam for too long because unless you're working there, getting residency or retirement visas is a bit tricky. I've visited Vietnam many times, though. Just so you know, both Thailand and Cambodia offer retirement visas if that's your jam.

 

[LongIslander]

I for one have met many expats in BA that I just find disgusting. I would call them scavengers. They are only in Argentina because they can't afford to live in the USA. Nothing wrong with this in and of itself. Many people are on fixed incomes. But these people seem to only want to take advantage of locals misfortune and misery and exploiting low hanging opportunities without the regard to how locals are suffering.

All they care about is high blue dollar and don't want to see rising salaries or anything that would be a positive change for Argentina if it causes cost of living to rise for them drastically.

 

[Flamingo]

I for one have met many expats in BA that I just find disgusting. I would call them scavengers. They are only in Argentina because they can't afford to live in the USA. Nothing wrong with this in and of itself. Many people are on fixed incomes. But these people seem to only want to take advantage of locals misfortune and misery and exploiting low hanging opportunities without the regard to how locals are suffering.

All they care about is high blue dollar and don't want to see rising salaries or anything that would be a positive change for Argentina if it causes cost of living to rise for them drastically.

I don't know if I would call them scavengers. That seems a bit much and very harsh to describe them. I know what you mean about expats not considering locals suffering and only wanting a low cost of living. I think most people are self-interested so that isn't anything that isn't normal human nature. I don't think most people consider Argentina when they consider places to retire. Sure once you visit you know it's very nice with high quality of life for not much money. Only @Larry is the one that says it's crazy expensive.

Most of my friends in the USA only think of Mexico, Costa Rica or places close to the USA even though those places aren't too cheap now either. My friends in Mexico are complaining just like Larry does about how expensive things are becoming. The ones that own property there are fine but the ones renting are having to downsize or find places not as nice as before to afford it.

If people figure out Argentina as a place to retire they are generally fairly intelligent to read through all the BS that the media talks about Argentina. Not sure I'd label the majority as scavengers but I do agree that people should take locals more in mind. Things need to improve here.

 

[LongIslander]

I don't know if I would call them scavengers. That seems a bit much and very harsh to describe them. I know what you mean about expats not considering locals suffering and only wanting a low cost of living. I think most people are self-interested so that isn't anything that isn't normal human nature. I don't think most people consider Argentina when they consider places to retire. Sure once you visit you know it's very nice with high quality of life for not much money. Only @Larry is the one that says it's crazy expensive.

Most of my friends in the USA only think of Mexico, Costa Rica or places close to the USA even though those places aren't too cheap now either. My friends in Mexico are complaining just like Larry does about how expensive things are becoming. The ones that own property there are fine but the ones renting are having to downsize or find places not as nice as before to afford it.

If people figure out Argentina as a place to retire they are generally fairly intelligent to read through all the BS that the media talks about Argentina. Not sure I'd label the majority as scavengers but I do agree that people should take locals more in mind. Things need to improve here.

There is a fine line between wanting an affordable place and not caring about locals suffering and misery all for a strong blue dollar.

How dare these folks think it's okay to hunt for affordable living while secretly wishing the locals would toil for a measly dollar a day, just so they can bask in luxury with their social security monthly checks! It's downright exploitative, and actively contributing to keeping others in poverty while you scrape together a slightly better existence is downright repulsive. These individuals are nothing short of bottom feeders, perpetuating a system that pushes those around them further into destitution.

Lots and lots of expats just wanted Massa and CFK because they did not want to see Argentina improve. They only wanted a cheap steak and strong blue dollar.

 

[Fall]

I think possibly some Americans could move back to the USA. Yes many major metro areas are expensive but my sister lives in a rural area of Alabama and I don't think it's too expensive there. There are more and more migrants from all over South America moving to the USA in droves. If they can make it there probably Buenos Aires expats can swing it too?

 

[StatusNomadicus]

more and more migrants from all over South America moving to the USA in droves

they're not just moving to the US, they're being trafficked by NGOs and escorted by government agents. anyone see the new OMG/James O'Keefe release from Phoenix?? so crazy

https://twitter.com/x/status/1745175366610645398

 

[StatusNomadicus]

these people seem to only want to take advantage of locals misfortune and misery and exploiting low hanging opportunities without the regard to how locals are suffering.

All they care about is high blue dollar and don't want to see rising salaries or anything that would be a positive change for Argentina if it causes cost of living to rise for them drastically.

and you can read their minds? i've literally never met anyone in any of the Expat meetups that even remotely resembles that. who the f*ck are you talking about?

false premises and stupid assumptions:

1. it's the Expats' fault that locals are suffering.
2. the Expats gain some sort of sadistic enjoyment of others' suffering
3. being there in another country immersing themselves in a new language and culture is "exploiting"
4. the only priority is Blue Dollar; not the weather, not the way of life, not the peaceful/safe city, not the experience, not the access to more new places.
5. a higher Blue Dollar means a zero-sum game of median salary decrease and higher cost of living for locals.

you're a moron @LongIslander and it would be better for this forum if you'd stop making false claims about people you don't know, and whose minds you can't read. everything you have written here is wrong, speculative, and for what purpose?

 

[StatusNomadicus]

I've been hearing whispers that prices in Buenos Aires and Argentina have climbed so high that they're now rubbing shoulders with the USA. Is that for real? What's the forecast for future inflation? Milei was the supposed savior, but in the short term, it seems like things might've taken a turn for the worse.

this is wrong. it's basically just fear-porn @Wally crying that it's expensive, with zero evidence, and he ignores all of us that post proof that it isn't. here's a grocery list on Twitter for your comparison to what you think is expensive:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1746602223516164333

A bunch of local expats are like bargain-hunting pros, choosing this spot because it's the thriftiest place for their fixed income. The idea of local folks getting higher paychecks, which could lead to higher prices, freaks them out. They're like, "Nope, no positive changes, please!

this is a very stupid take, detracting from your otherwise logical comments. of course Expats choose low prices; that's the definition of an Expat! but to make it a zero-sum game where some evil Expats are gleefully watching locals have 50% poverty is stupid. this makes it seem like any of us would be sadistic like that...i've never met a single person even close to that level of psychopathy who is living abroad.

There is a fine line between wanting an affordable place and not caring about locals suffering and misery all for a strong blue dollar.

How dare these folks think it's okay to hunt for affordable living while secretly wishing the locals would toil for a measly dollar a day, just so they can bask in luxury with their social security monthly checks! It's downright exploitative, and actively contributing to keeping others in poverty while you scrape together a slightly better existence is downright repulsive. These individuals are nothing short of bottom feeders, perpetuating a system that pushes those around them further into destitution.

Lots and lots of expats just wanted Massa and CFK because they did not want to see Argentina improve. They only wanted a cheap steak and strong blue dollar.

is there one piece of truth in this idiotic rambling? this is what you are suggesting as well, @Uncle Wong yet @LongIslander is full-blown stupid. i've already addressed these moronic claims above. i would bet all my savings that not a single Expat on this forum would choose a future where they save a couple bucks on steaks in exchange for poverty and destitution in Buenos Aires. but again, @LongIslander and @Avocado have very evil ulterior motives for this forum, and if you haven't Muted them already, you'll have a much better experience (and you won't get stupider reading their writing)

 

[Katherina]

this is wrong. it's basically just fear-porn @Wally crying that it's expensive, with zero evidence, and he ignores all of us that post proof that it isn't. here's a grocery list on Twitter for your comparison to what you think is expensive:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1746602223516164333

this is a very stupid take, detracting from your otherwise logical comments. of course Expats choose low prices; that's the definition of an Expat! but to make it a zero-sum game where some evil Expats are gleefully watching locals have 50% poverty is stupid. this makes it seem like any of us would be sadistic like that...i've never met a single person even close to that level of psychopathy who is living abroad.


is there one piece of truth in this idiotic rambling? this is what you are suggesting as well, @Uncle Wong yet @LongIslander is full-blown stupid. i've already addressed these moronic claims above. i would bet all my savings that not a single Expat on this forum would choose a future where they save a couple bucks on steaks in exchange for poverty and destitution in Buenos Aires. but again, @LongIslander and @Avocado have very evil ulterior motives for this forum, and if you haven't Muted them already, you'll have a much better experience (and you won't get stupider reading their writing)

But are you trying to say there is no inflation? I notice things more expensive vs. a few months ago. Prices definitely have been going up. I just saw a post on a restaurant and there was clear inflation going on.

 

[LongIslander]

this is wrong. it's basically just fear-porn @Wally crying that it's expensive, with zero evidence, and he ignores all of us that post proof that it isn't. here's a grocery list on Twitter for your comparison to what you think is expensive:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1746602223516164333

this is a very stupid take, detracting from your otherwise logical comments. of course Expats choose low prices; that's the definition of an Expat! but to make it a zero-sum game where some evil Expats are gleefully watching locals have 50% poverty is stupid. this makes it seem like any of us would be sadistic like that...i've never met a single person even close to that level of psychopathy who is living abroad.


is there one piece of truth in this idiotic rambling? this is what you are suggesting as well, @Uncle Wong yet @LongIslander is full-blown stupid. i've already addressed these moronic claims above. i would bet all my savings that not a single Expat on this forum would choose a future where they save a couple bucks on steaks in exchange for poverty and destitution in Buenos Aires. but again, @LongIslander and @Avocado have very evil ulterior motives for this forum, and if you haven't Muted them already, you'll have a much better experience (and you won't get stupider reading their writing)

I hate to be negative but are you dumb? Are you really trying to say there is no inflation here since you arrived here? I know you haven't been here long but if you are talking border run then it has to be at least a few months.

You are wrong that prices aren't increasing @StatusNomadicus! I can't believe how ridiculously high the costs in Argentina have become! It's infuriating to witness these insane price hikes wreak havoc on our daily expenses. I mean, seriously, a meal that used to be a reasonable $10 is now a whopping $22! And don't even get me started on the audacity of tuna prices shooting up from 1,900 pesos to a ridiculous 3500 pesos.

I don't know who's responsible for this mess, but it's beyond disheartening. The inflation is hitting us like a freight train, and it's downright overwhelming. And don't give me that nonsense about percentage increases – whether it's 75% or 320%, it doesn't change the fact that we're being robbed blind!

Sure, you can try to sugarcoat it with your fancy calculations. But let's face it, an 85% increase in meal costs and a 67% spike in tuna prices are still outrageous. It's ridiculous that we have to resort to these mental gymnastics just to cope with the financial turmoil caused by this absurd inflation.

Yeah, we all miss the good old days when we didn't have to empty our wallets just to put food on the table—adapting to these economic shifts? Tough is an understatement. It's a downright nightmare.

So, if anyone out there has some magical solution for dealing with these skyrocketing costs or has stumbled upon alternative shopping options that won't leave us bankrupt, spill the beans already! We're all desperate for any sliver of hope in these dark times. Let's stick together and share whatever shreds of information we have in this messed-up economy. But I hope I don't have to read more 'head in the sand' posts like no inflation going on!

 

[Betsy Ross]

I hate to be negative but are you dumb? Are you really trying to say there is no inflation here since you arrived here? I know you haven't been here long but if you are talking border run then it has to be at least a few months.

You are wrong that prices aren't increasing @StatusNomadicus! I can't believe how ridiculously high the costs in Argentina have become! It's infuriating to witness these insane price hikes wreak havoc on our daily expenses. I mean, seriously, a meal that used to be a reasonable $10 is now a whopping $22! And don't even get me started on the audacity of tuna prices shooting up from 1,900 pesos to a ridiculous 3500 pesos.

I don't know who's responsible for this mess, but it's beyond disheartening. The inflation is hitting us like a freight train, and it's downright overwhelming. And don't give me that nonsense about percentage increases – whether it's 75% or 320%, it doesn't change the fact that we're being robbed blind!

Sure, you can try to sugarcoat it with your fancy calculations. But let's face it, an 85% increase in meal costs and a 67% spike in tuna prices are still outrageous. It's ridiculous that we have to resort to these mental gymnastics just to cope with the financial turmoil caused by this absurd inflation.

Yeah, we all miss the good old days when we didn't have to empty our wallets just to put food on the table—adapting to these economic shifts? Tough is an understatement. It's a downright nightmare.

So, if anyone out there has some magical solution for dealing with these skyrocketing costs or has stumbled upon alternative shopping options that won't leave us bankrupt, spill the beans already! We're all desperate for any sliver of hope in these dark times. Let's stick together and share whatever shreds of information we have in this messed-up economy. But I hope I don't have to read more 'head in the sand' posts like no inflation going on!

There is definitely inflation going on. No doubt about it. All the restaurants I am going to are all more expensive vs. a few months ago.

But where ya buying your tuna? You can still pay 1,500 pesos per can but you have to shop around at different places now. The corner chino shop will charge 3,000 pesos but you have to look around for bargains. I'm not saying you aren't paying those prices can I saw those spikes too but hopefully they will come back down.

Lomitos de Atún en A - DIA Online - Supermercados DIA

Comprá tus Lomitos de Atún Dia en Aceite de 170 gr al mejor precio. Descubrí nuestras ofertas en conservas de pescado y realizá tu pedido a domicilio.

diaonline.supermercadosdia.com.ar

 

[old fart]

There is definitely inflation going on. No doubt about it. All the restaurants I am going to are all more expensive vs. a few months ago.

But where ya buying your tuna? You can still pay 1,500 pesos per can but you have to shop around at different places now. The corner chino shop will charge 3,000 pesos but you have to look around for bargains. I'm not saying you aren't paying those prices can I saw those spikes too but hopefully they will come back down.

Lomitos de Atún en A - DIA Online - Supermercados DIA

Comprá tus Lomitos de Atún Dia en Aceite de 170 gr al mejor precio. Descubrí nuestras ofertas en conservas de pescado y realizá tu pedido a domicilio.

diaonline.supermercadosdia.com.ar

no doubt there is inflation going on. I've seen this place get more expensive the past few months even at the blue dollar. Look at menu prices and they keep going up. Went to Kansas for my usual meal and it was much higher.

Interesting about the tuna as the price keeps flip flopping. It was about 1950 pesos a can, then went up to 3500 pesos a can and then came back down. This place is crazy.