Relocating to a new country is a big decision and you’ll want to make sure that your new home has all the amenities and conveniences you need for the lifestyle of your choice.
Expats who relocate to Argentina are drawn to the country for its glorious weather, good infrastructure and welcoming residents.
Let’s take a look at the best places to live in Argentina for immigrants, families, singles and more.
Best Places To Live In Argentina
City | Reason |
---|---|
Buenos Aires | Best for work |
Córdoba | Best for affordability |
Buenos Aires, Puerto Madero | Best for families |
Mendoza | Best for immigrants |
El Calafate | Best for retirement |
Rosario | Best for young adults |
La Plata | Best for students |
Buenos Aires | Best for food and nightlife |
Salta | Best for singles |
Buenos Aires, Palermo | Best for the LGBT+ community |
Mendoza | Best for the weather |
Mar del Plata | Best for beaches |
San Carlos de Bariloche | Best for mountains |
Best Places To Live In Argentina for Work
Buenos Aires (officially the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires) is one of the best cities in Argentina for those hoping to relocate to a new city with plenty of work opportunities.
The main work industries in Argentina are food processing (meat, fish, and grain), metalworking, and manufacturing of various goods. However, most expat working positions tend to be in the banking industry, oil and gas, and IT.
Positions in tourism and more creative positions are becoming more and more frequent as these sectors of the country increasingly develop. There is competition between expats and nationals for some lower-level jobs, so do keep this in mind when job hunting.
Córdoba is another good option for those hoping to find work; the city is home to a very old university which promotes lots of opportunities in education.
Cheapest Places To Live In Argentina
In general, Argentina is a relatively affordable country, particularly in comparison to some cities in the west, but the rates can be quite volatile so it’s always a good decision to do some research before diving into a relocation.
Córdoba is one of the best cities in Argentina for those working on a lower budget. The city is located in central Argentina in the foothills of the Sierras Chicas and is known for its stunning Spanish architecture and Jesuit Block which offers a deep dive into the country’s extraordinary history.
The cost of living is reasonable in Córdoba, and more affordable than Buenos Aires and the low cost of rent is one of the main reasons why living in this city is a good idea for those with a smaller budget.
Mendoza (officially the City of Mendoza) is another good option for those hoping to live in one of Argentina’s more affordable cities. The city has very low rent which is one of the main benefits of moving here, as well as being located right in the heart of wine country!
Best Places To Live In Argentina for Families
Buenos Aires is one of the best cities in Argentina for those hoping to relocate to the country with a family. As the most developed and modern city, life in Buenos Aires is comfortable and enjoyable.
Expenses in Buenos Aires may be more expensive than in some other Argentinian cities but costs for rent and the cost of living is generally still quite affordable.
There is good public transportation in the city is excellent and you won’t need to consider purchasing or owning a car unless you want to – public transportation runs well even in the suburbs.
Some expats choose to live in the city centre – particularly those who work in the banking or finance districts – but many families prefer to move to the more suburban areas that are quieter and closer to natural parks.
Puerto Madero is a popular district with expat families as it is the most westernised area of the city with American restaurants and shops nearby.
Mendoza is another popular choice for families due to the low cost of rent and living, the relaxed lifestyle in the city and the mild weather.
Best Places To Live In Argentina for Immigrants
The city of Mendoza is a popular choice for immigrants moving to Argentina. It’s the fourth largest city in Argentina and is located in wine country – famed for some of the world’s best wines.
There is a growing expat community in Mendoza, which is great for expats looking to meet new people or hoping to find a sense of community with their move.
The city is well connected with the Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport which offers both domestic and international flights for easy travel.
While the city has a thriving nightlife scene and all the popular conveniences of a big city, it is much slower-paced than Buenos Aires, making it ideal for expats who may not want the rush and bustle of a capital city.
Saying that Buenos Aires is a really popular choice with expats too. It has an existing immigrant community and the wealth of amenities, attractions and work opportunities make Buenos Aires a perfect spot for any immigrant.
Best Places To Live In Argentina for Retirement
Argentina is increasingly becoming a favoured hotspot among retirees due to its incredible sights and affordable housing. El Calafate is a city located near the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and is famous for being the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park.
El Calafate has a charming atmosphere, with beautiful scenery and a relaxed town-like lifestyle. The city is popular with expats, particularly those who enjoy spending time in the outdoors as there are plenty of trails for hiking and climbing in the surrounding areas.
Retiring in Argentina is a good option for those who are hoping to keep to a modest budget as rental, housing and cost of living prices are low, leaving more room for splurging on exploring everything Argentina has to offer.
Buenos Aires is another popular city for retirees, due to the size of the city and the convenience of its amenities. Expats have a range of options in Buenos Aires when it comes to housing choices which is an added benefit.
Best Places To Live In Argentina for Young Adults
For young adults who may be hoping to kickstart their professional careers or are planning to leave their parent’s home, Rosario is a great option. The city is the largest in the province of Santa Fe and is known for being a great option for creatives in particular.
Rosario has a fun atmosphere and there are plenty of small cafes and bars for young adults to meet new people and form a community. Rosario’s history is rooted in industry, but the past few years have seen an expansion of what the city has to offer.
It’s also known as being a good city for those working in the creative field, with plenty of inspiring spaces for artists to take advantage of. The cost of living in Rosario is more affordable than in Argentina’s bigger cities which may be perfect for a young adult living on a modest budget.
For young adults hoping to be closer to the beach, Mar del Plata is a good choice. This resort city on Argentina’s Atlantic coast has dozens of stunning beaches and is hugely popular with those who enjoy water sports and the relaxed beach atmosphere.
Best Places To Live In Argentina for Students
Argentina has plenty of cities that are suitable for international students. While Buenos Aires may be the first one to pop to mind, there are a few cities with less crowding and more affordable living costs – La Plata is one of these cities.
La Plata is located in the Buenos Aires province and is near Buenos Aires. It’s a planned city that is popular with students as it’s easy to navigate and is home to three major universities: La Plata National University, Notarial Argentina University and the Catholic University of La Plata.
La Plata National University is a particularly important Argentinian university as it is one of the top educational facilities in Argentina. As a result, many students flock to La Plata.
Buenos Aires is another good choice for international students and there are many international schools here which provide a range of study courses and options.
Best Places To Live In Argentina for Food and Nightlife
The food capital of Argentina is Buenos Aires, and the city has been increasing its culinary presence on a global scale for the past few years. Like many cuisines, Argentinian cuisine is a blend of cultures, taking influence from the Indigenous people of Argentina, plus Mediterranean and Spanish influences.
One of the most famous dishes in Argentina is asado which is commonly known in English as a barbecue and also known in South American cuisine as parrillada. It typically involves many kinds of meat and there are plenty of restaurants in Buenos Aires that serve up the dish – Chacarita and Palmero are two favoured districts for foodie lovers.
Buenos Aires is also famous for its parillas (steak houses).
Buenos Aires is also one of the best cities in Argentina for nightlife; there are plenty of ‘mainstream’ clubs with lots of Western music choices, as well as more off-the-beaten-track venues such as jazz bars or underground music scenes.
Best Places To Live In Argentina for Singles
Salta is a good city in Argentina for single expats. The city is located in northwestern Argentina and is known for having good weather and delicious restaurants.
Salta isn’t the most expensive option in Argentina, which may be useful for singles who aren’t working on a particularly large budget or who may be trying to save.
There are good entertainment options in Salta, like the note-worthy Milonga dancers. The region is also popular with couples who are hoping for a laid-back city experience.
Salta is also a gateway to some of Argentina’s most breathtaking natural views and hiking trails. The city is nestled in the Andes mountains, giving easy access to lots of wonderful outdoor activities such as walking, climbing or hiking.
Best Places To Live In Argentina for the LGBT+ Community
Argentina is known to be one of the friendliest cities in South America for the LGBT+ community. Most of the big cities in Buenos Aires will have some kind of gay scene – regardless of size – but the best option for the LGBT+ community is Buenos Aires.
There is a particularly active LGBT+ scene around the districts of Palermo and Recoleta. Both have boutique shops and wonderful restaurants; Buenos Aires is also known to have several queer milongas (tango halls).
While there isn’t a gay village, as such, there are several gay bars in Buenos Aires which put on a series of different events catering to the LGBT+ community.
Córdoba is another city that is welcoming to the LGBT+ community and has an active LGBT+ nightlife scene with different bars and club venues.
Best Places To Live In Argentina for the Weather
The weather in Argentina can be diverse – the country is known for its subtropical climate but this does differ depending on which region of the country you’re located in.
One of the best cities to relocate to for those hoping to enjoy the warm Argentinian sun is Mendoza. Mendoza’s summers are normally hot and dry, and the peak months for visiting the city are between mid October to early April.
The cool season in Mendoza lasts for around three months – November to March – and though there is a definite decline in warm weather it doesn’t usually drop below freezing.
Those looking for warmer weather should consider the Chaca province, as this is where the heat can become quite extreme. Las Lomitas is known as the ‘National Capital of the Oven’ and is a great location to consider if you’re a fan of extremely hot summers.
Best Places To Live In Argentina Near Beaches
Mar del Plata is one of Argentina’s most famous resort cities, with plenty of stretches of long, sandy beaches. It’s located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Argentina’s Buenos Aires province.
Mar del Plata has ten miles of coastline for beach lovers to explore with plenty of beachside cafes and restaurants. As such a popular beach resort, you should be prepared for a large number of tourists during the summer months which can make the beaches over-populated.
There are also plenty of attractions to explore in Mar del Plata such as the aquarium, several natural parks and museums.
Those looking for a quieter location should consider Villa Gesell, a coastal town that is also located in Buenos Aires province. The city is famous for its beautiful sand dunes and the wide number of entertainment options in the surrounding area.
Best Places To Live In Argentina Near Mountains
Mountain lovers who are hoping to move to Argentina must consider the town of San Carlos de Bariloche, located in the Patagonia region. The city is stunningly located – it borders Nahuel Huapi, a large glacial lake surrounded by the Andes Mountains.
Those who are fans of outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing and skiing will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the iconic Andes Mountain. There are also lots of activities for nature lovers, such as birdwatching and fishing.
The city is also more affordable than Buenos Aires which is ideal for those hoping to save on housing and living costs.
Those who want to live somewhere with more of an emphasis on arts and culture should consider San Juan, a valley city east of the Andes Mountains. San Juan still has incredible views and easy access to the Andes Mountains, but it also has a strong cultural heritage.