Affordable Dolce Vita in Buenos Aires?

[harrisonba]

LAtoBA, I am not disputing the inflation rates over time, and I regret not being clearer on my position. What I am saying is that if someone is coming here for a relatively short-term stay (like 6 months), they should not NOT come because of fear that costs are going to double overnight.

 

[LAtoBA]

Can someone tell me good places to eat for $10-12 US? I've been to a wide range of restaurants this month and none were close to that cheap.

Beats me. Aside from your local neighborhood parilla or steak place I have no idea where all these people are eating for US $10-12 for dinner. Lunch special sure. Aside from steak and wine I don't see the cheap prices either. A bottle of soda costs AR $9-10 and a bottle of water AR$8-9 in any decent restaurant. That leaves $AR 30 for food on a US$10 budget. At a decent restaurant (that's not a neighborhood parilla) that's enough for about an appetizer or a really basic pasta dish. Parillas are only doable for so long before you start to go a bit nuts and crave variety.

I'd still say eating here is definitely cheaper than in the states, no question. But slowly but surely that gap is closing up quite nicely unfortunately.

 

[harrisonba]

Weltawelta, that is an excellent point. My costs were based on eating alone, but you can eat very well in most places if you share the portions, which are usually huge (or take half home for lunch the next day).

 

[LAtoBA]

What I am saying is that if someone is coming here for a relatively short-term stay (like 6 months), they should not NOT come because of fear that costs are going to double overnight.

I've learned something while living here. In Argentina anything's possible. Never say never.

 

[harrisonba]

Yes, I agree LAtoBA, and that's where the exit strategy comes in. I am so glad that I came here in spite of the posts about inflation and crime rates. I would have deprived myself of one of the most rewarding experiences of my life (and even if the costs were the same across the board, as they will probably eventually become, the life experience still has great value). There is never an ideal time to do things, only in hindsight.

 

[LAtoBA]

Yes, I agree LAtoBA, and that's where the exit strategy comes in. I am so glad that I came here in spite of the posts about inflation and crime rates. I would have deprived myself of one of the most rewarding experiences of my life (and even if the costs were the same across the board, as they will probably eventually become, the life experience still has great value). There is never an ideal time to do things, only in hindsight.

I have yet to see anyone telling him not to come. I do see people giving their perspective and a dose of reality....sobering or not....there's nothing wrong with that. This isn't your usual expat backpacker, this is someone who has grown accustomed to a particular lifestyle that isn't exactly compatible with bargain hunting. I think for someone with such tastes its important to let them know that gone are the days of spending AR$100 in a night with money to spare and feeling like a demigod. Reality.....going out to an upperclass club or bar in Buenos Aires you can easily spend AR$300-400 pesos in a night to experience the good life. Drinks starting at AR$40 is the norm, usually more. Lets not forget the taxi back home.

Not trying to knock anyone, just trying to give some facts.

 

[jb5]

Again, I'd say high end restaurants are much cheaper in BA. So if you're used to spending $200 per couple for a nice meal with wine in NY, Chicago, London or SF, you can do it for about half in BA. If you're spending $5mm plus for a nice house in these cities, you can buy the same for a fraction.

But booksellers saying not to worry about inflation are seriously out to lunch. There are fthe places in the world with inflation anywhere close to Argentina's! Not anywhere close!

I agree with LAtoBA, if you're trying to live a good, upper middle class life on a modest income, give this serious consideration. This used to be easy in BA but that's no longer true.

I don't think anyone disputes that living in BA can be a great adventure, but the OP appears to be asking if he can live well on a modest income. And what some of us are saying is maybe,
but it depends on what he means by live well. A few years ago on $2700 he could have had a great apartment and eaten every meal out. No more!

As LAtoBA says, $10US drinks are the norm in good bars, $50US per person is normal in good restaurants, good clothes are more than in the states........BA used to be cheap and people need to know this has changed. If that still works for them they should come, we did, but with eyes wide open about today's costs.

 

[dani28]

Just to clarify:

When I say I want to live well, it does not mean I want to live excessive or lavish, there are a FEW nice things, being single, disorganized and lets face it, downright slob, that I've grown attached to (IE: cleaning lady, eating out regularly, etc) but by no means do I expect to have the funds to be having champagne and caviar every night at the Four Seasons.

So, when searching online and seeing that I can get a very nice (even by Chicago standards) city high-rise in Palermo/Recoleta fully furnished, all extras (internet, cable TV, landline, etc) and cleaning lady twice a week included in the $1300-$1600 USD price per month, it really makes my mouth water.

 

[MizzMarr]

Dani, I think with your $2700 income plus willingness to work you will be fine. $2000 a month is enough for a single person to live rather well on here, imho. Maybe not primo luxury well, but a fine quality of life and plenty of leftover money to play with and have fun with. As others have said, you will only regret what you do not do. Come down here for six months and see if you like it. It's not for everybody, but it might be for you.

 

[tez]

A few years ago on $2700 he could have had a great apartment and eaten every meal out. No more!

Oh, come on. I live pretty darn well on less than that, and I'm a bit of a snob.