Any American moving to Argentina has stumbled on a really good idea. People underestimate what a great place South America is to call home.
Argentina has everything from real life cowboys called gauchos to the world renowned opera house Teatro Colón. You can stuff your face with asado barbecue while sipping a glass of Malbec and overlooking a overlooking Perito Moreno Glacier. I know American schools didn’t teach you that South America has glaciers!
Along with all the cultural and community reasons to move to Argentina, it’s also one of the easiest ways to get a second passport. You can qualify for Argentinian citizenship after just two years of legal residency status.
The good news is that moving to Argentina is within reach for many Americans looking for greener pastures.
Skip to:
- Can You Retire in Argentina?
- Family Life in Argentina
- Pros & Cons of Living in Argentina
- Best Areas of Argentina for Americans
- Visa Options for US Citizens
- Cost of Living in Argentina
- Life in Argentina as an Expat
- Plan Your Move to Argentina
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What Makes Argentina a Great Expat Destination?
Argentina attracts expats with its natural beauty and diverse landscapes. You can explore the Andes mountains, relax on wide plains, or visit lively cities. Each region offers something unique for you to enjoy.
The rich culture mixes European influence with local traditions. You will find Italian, Spanish, and indigenous roots in everything from food to architecture. Argentine culture is famous for tango, friendly people, and strong coffee culture.
If you want peace and quiet, rural areas offer a slower pace and beautiful views. Choosing a small town makes an already affordable cost of living even more inexpensive.
Who I Am & How I Can Help You Move Abroad
I’m Veronica, an American expat who left the grind behind and built a life of global freedom. If you’re ready to move abroad but feel stuck on where to go, how to qualify for a visa, or what to do next, I can help.
My Exit Plan Coaching Call is designed to give you a clear, step-by-step plan to make your move happen—whether you’re a digital nomad, retiree, or relocating with family. We’ll map out the best visa options, discuss affordable living, and create a strategy tailored to your financial situation and goals.
Don’t let uncertainty hold you back—book your Exit Plan Call today and start your journey abroad with confidence. [Schedule your call here →]
How to Retire in Argentina
Buenos Aires has been ranked the most walkable city in South America making it an amazing retirement destination. Retirees can enjoy the benefits of living in a popular tourist destination with good food, constant entertainment, and endless new sites to explore.
Because Argentina is a popular destination for Americans there are a lot of english speakers if learning the Spanish language late in life proves difficult.
Your family members will be connected via direct flights from New York, Miami, Houston, and Atlanta. I know a lot of families stress about the difficulty of traveling to loved ones living abroad, you won’t have to worry as an American moving to Argentina.
Argentina for Families
Moving your family to Argentina is a whole new level of finding greener pastures. In fact Argentina might be one of the best options combining quality of life with low cost of living.
Parents often try to move abroad and put their kids into local schools to save money. I’m a big advocate of finding the budget for international schools. The reason being, although a county might be a good place to live, it is often not a good place to be participating in the local economy. Setting your kids up for long term job prospects requires them to continue their growth as native English speakers at a more rigorous educational institution.
Young kids in Argentina will have plenty of access to outdoor recreation in parks and town squares all over the country.
Pros of Living in Argentina as an Expat
Living in Argentina offers you many benefits, especially if you’re coming from Western countries. The cost of living is much lower, which means your money goes further. Rent, food, and public transport are often affordable, allowing you to enjoy a good quality of life.
Digital nomads will benefit from the ideal time zone in Argentina. Many companies in North America require you to work hours based on a U.S. time zone. Well, Argentina is one hour later than New York. So if your work hours are 9am to 5pm, you can sleep an extra hour versus your American counterparts. Or you can set your schedule to hit the gym and have a nice breakfast before starting your work day, without waking up at the butt crack of dawn.
The diversity of landscapes available is magical. One day you can see Iguazu Falls and the next week you can explore the forests, glaciers, and lakes of Patagonia. Oh and of course let’s not forget the beaches! It will take you a long time to explore all the beauty Argentina has to offer.
Cons of Living in Argentina as an American
Like any place on Earth there are challenges in Argentina. The economy is unstable, and inflation can be high. Rules and prices might change quickly, making planning harder for you to mentally keep up.
You may face language barriers if you don’t speak Spanish. While some people in big cities know English, it is less common in smaller towns.
Public healthcare and public education are probably not up to your western standards.
Best Cities for Expats Living in Argentina
If you are thinking about making a move as an American moving to Argentina, you will want to know which cities offer the best expat experiences.
Choosing urban areas is a blessing and a curse. Sure, you have easy access to everything and food on every corner. Just remember there is an increased price tag and during some seasons you will be inundated with tourists filling up every corner of the best places to eat or hang out.
Buenos Aires is Argentina’s capital city and the largest urban area. It is known for its culture, nightlife, and historic neighborhoods. You will find a wide range of restaurants, museums, and parks here.
Córdoba is another popular choice. This city has many universities, making it feel young and lively. It also offers lower living costs compared to Buenos Aires.
Bariloche stands out for its beautiful mountain scenery. The city feels peaceful but still has good amenities for daily life. Expats pick it for access to nature year-round.
Here’s a simple comparison of these major cities:
| City | Main Features | Estimated Monthly Rent (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires | Culture, nightlife, city center | $400 – $1,200 |
| Córdoba | Student life, affordable living | $300 – $800 |
| Bariloche | Nature, mountain views, quiet life | $350 – $900 |
You will also find smaller cities like Mendoza, known for its wine, and Rosario, with its river views. Both offer a slower pace and lower costs.
Americans in Argentina
Right now there are an estimated 5,000 American citizens living in Argentina. US citizens will find lively expat communities in most major cities.
As an American expat you will likely have a lot more financial resources than the local population. Use your financial security in a positive way by eating and shopping local.
Countries hate it when foreign nationals come in and live in a bubble of importing foreign products, spending all their time in private clubs, and never integrating into society.
Visa Options for American Expats
For the purposes of this article there are two visa options which allow you to get a residence permit in Argentina. Both visas are initially granted for one year but are extendable.
Rentista Visa
The rentista visa is intended for people with a stable passive income of 5 times the Minimum Living and Mobile Wage. As of the writing of this article the minimum living and mobile wage is $308,200 Argentine Pesos, which is equivalent to $260.19 USD. That means in order to qualify for the rentista visa you would need to show $1,300.95 USD in stable passive income.
Most often this visa is used by people earning income through real estate rent. But, other passive income such as royalties, dividends, or residuals are eligible to use this application process.
Pensionado Visa
For retirees living off pension, social security, or retirement income, the pensionado visa is your path. The requirements for income are the same as the visa above. You will need to prove monthly income totaling $1,300.95 USD based on the calculation of 5 times the minimum living and mobile wage of Argentina.
Getting Citizenship
One of the unique things about the Argentinian immigration process is that becoming a permanent resident takes longer than becoming a citizen. You are eligible to become a citizen after two years of living legally and never leaving Argentina. If you leave the country to travel then your next best option is permanent residency after 3 years of legal residency.
Cost of Living in Argentina
If you are an American moving to Argentina, you will notice the cost of living here is usually much lower than in the United States. Everyday expenses like groceries, eating out, and transportation cost less than every major U.S. city.
Monthly Living Costs
A single person often spends between $685 and $1,100 USD each month, not including rent. For a family of four, expect monthly expenses around $2,463 (excluding rent).
The exchange rate changes often, which affects how much your foreign income is worth in Argentina. You should open an Argentine bank account, because transferring your foreign currency is a requirement of both the rentista visa and Pensionado Visa.
Housing Options in Argentina
Rent in Argentina is much less expensive than in the U.S., sometimes over 70% lower. The amount of money a rental is charging is a major indicator of, if the landlord is targeting foreigners or locals.
Of course in real estate the more you pay the more you can expect. There are old apartment buildings and new modern houses with yards.
A typical one-bedroom apartment in Buenos Aires costs just under $500 per month for around 1,000 square feet. Costs will be lower in smaller cities or towns.
When searching for housing, popular websites include Zonaprop and other local platforms. Remember, using a real estate agent (“inmobiliarias”) for a rental search is typical and highly suggested for a foreigner unfamiliar with local laws.
Rental contracts can be for either short-term or long-term stays. Some landlords ask for several months’ rent upfront as a deposit.
Here’s a quick comparison of housing options:
| Option | Average Monthly Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom Apt | $400–$600 | Good for singles/couples |
| Family Apartment | $700–$1,200 | More space, good for families |
| House | Varies | Yards, more privacy |
Everyday Life in Argentina as an Expat
Your daily life in Argentina will feel both familiar and new. There are McDonalds and Starbucks, you will drive on the right side of the road, and you can order from Amazon.
Outdoor activities are a big part of life. Parks, plazas, and green spaces are common in cities. On weekends, you can join locals hiking, visiting markets, or relaxing with friends.
Food culture is exploding in the major cities of Argentina. You will find new unique fusion cuisines and international options from all around the world. Be sure to try local traditions like Mate and asado.
Cultural events happen year-round. Music festivals, dance shows, and food fairs are popular and easy to enjoy, even if your Spanish is basic. Even major concert tours like Lollapalooza, Dua Lipa, Linkin Park, Kylie Minogue, and Green Day performed in Argentina.
If you’re an American moving to Argentina, you can expect a mix of comfort and adventure each day.
Access to Healthcare in Argentina
When you arrive in Argentina, you can use both public and private healthcare systems. Public hospitals offer medical care for free or at a low cost, even if you are not an Argentine citizen.
The private healthcare system often feels more familiar to Americans. Private hospitals and clinics have shorter wait times, newer equipment, and more staff who speak English. Many expats choose private services for these reasons.
To use most private clinics, you will need health insurance or be willing to pay cash. Private health insurance covers hospital visits, doctor appointments, and sometimes dental care. Monthly costs are usually lower than in the U.S.
If you are an American moving to Argentina, don’t let nerves about access to healthcare stop you.
Safety in Argentina
You may wonder about safety when living in or visiting Argentina. Most areas, especially tourist spots, are quite safe. Like any large city, Buenos Aires has places where you should stay alert, especially at night.
Petty crime like pickpocketing and bag-snatching can happen, mainly in crowded places. Keep your belongings close and be cautious in busy areas such as markets, buses, and trains.
Common Safety Tips:
- Avoid displaying expensive items.
- Use official taxis or rideshare apps.
- Stay in well-lit areas at night.
- Monitor local news for safety updates.
Police presence is visible in many neighborhoods, which helps reduce crime. Most violent crime is rare in places where tourists and expats gather.
If you drive, be extra careful. Argentina’s road safety record is not as strong as in some other countries. Follow local traffic rules and always wear your seatbelt.
Challenges of Living in Argentina
Moving to a new country comes with unique challenges. In Argentina, you’ll face a few you might not expect.
Even if you speak Spanish, remember there are unique dialects, in this case Argentine Spanish. If you are uncomfortable in the official language than sticking to bigger cities is preferable.
Argentina often struggles with high inflation and sudden changes in the economy. Prices can rise quickly, making it hard to plan your budget. Local currency may lose value, and many people use dollars for savings or big purchases.
Government instability sometimes leads to new rules without much warning. As an American moving to Argentina, you might find it tough to keep up with the latest changes.
High poverty rates are a concern in some areas. You may see more people asking for help or longer lines for basic needs.
Daily life involves adjusting to different customs, business hours, and social norms. Simple things like buying groceries or getting paperwork done can take extra patience.
Don’t expect to arrive with your residency visa and get a job in Argentina. Even if you are offered a job, which is unlikely if there is a language barrier, the wages offered will not allow for economic stability.
How to Move to Argentina From the U.S.
The first order of business for an American moving to Argentina is to be approved for your residency visa. Don’t try to enter on a tourist visa and switch while you are in the country.
Your first connection with the Argentine government will be the local embassy or consulate. That is where you will officially apply for your Rentista or Pensionado Visa.
During your application process you will need to gather documents such as a birth certificate, financial statements, FBI background check, valid passport, and proof of address. All of your documents must be apostilled by the relevant authority and translated into Spanish by a national public translator as well as legalized by the College of Translators.
Typical approval times range from three to six months. I wouldn’t book your flights until after your approval.
Once you are approved and decide on a move date, book your flights and arrange a short term accommodation like an Airbnb.
After arriving in the country you are required to present yourself to the local immigration office to complete your visa process.
Any international relocation is going to feel like a whirlwind, always step back and just ask yourself what the next right step is. Eventually, after enough steps you will have completed the process. Don’t get too bogged down in the details or doing things exactly perfect, every situation is different.
Is Argentina the Right Fit for You?
Argentina is the second largest country in South America, so there is a lot of room to explore. I always tell my clients that picking the country or even the city are only a fraction of what makes your experience good or bad. The exact block and neighborhood you pick has the biggest impact on your overall experience. You can move to a beautiful country after deeply researching the perfect city and if you end up with a shitty neighbor you will blame it on the country.
Your home country was not something you actively chose for yourself. Most people don’t think of a country as a possible active choice they can make. But you are making it and you should look back.
If you like meeting new people, Argentinians are friendly and welcoming. There is a whole different pace of life which is the primary reason most people relocate to begin with.
American moving to Argentina experience a new beginning. If you like adventure and flexibility, you might find Argentina a great match.
