How the Calculator Works
A transparent look at the methodology, data sources, and how to read your results.
From Input to Estimate
The calculator takes a small number of inputs from you and combines them with city-specific cost data to produce a monthly budget estimate.
You Select a City
Each Argentine city in the tool has its own cost profile built from local data. Buenos Aires has a different rental market, transport structure, and utility tariff system than Córdoba or Mendoza. The city you select determines the base cost figures used in your estimate.
You Describe Your Household
Single person, couple, family with one child, or family with two or more children — each profile has different food, housing, health, and education cost requirements. The calculator adjusts all categories based on your selection.
You Add Housing and Transport Preferences
Whether you rent or own your home affects your housing cost estimate significantly. Whether you use public transport or own a vehicle affects transport costs. These two variables have a large impact on the total and are worth considering carefully.
The Calculator Produces a Breakdown
The result shows a total monthly estimate and a breakdown across six categories: housing, food, transport, utilities and services, health, and education/leisure. Each figure is an independent estimate based on the city and household profile you selected.
Where the Numbers Come From
Each cost category is built from a specific set of data sources. Here's what feeds each part of the estimate.
Housing Costs
Rental prices are drawn from active property listing platforms in each city. We track median rental prices for standard apartment sizes (1-bedroom and 2-bedroom) in typical residential neighborhoods — not premium or luxury segments.
Food & Groceries
Food costs are based on a representative weekly shopping basket for each household size, using prices from major supermarket chains available across Argentina. The basket includes staples, fresh produce, protein, and household essentials.
Transport
Public transport costs reflect current monthly pass or SUBE card usage estimates for each city. Vehicle ownership costs include estimated fuel consumption, insurance, and routine maintenance based on average usage patterns.
Utilities & Services
Utility costs are based on published tariff schedules for electricity, gas, and water in each city. Internet and mobile phone costs reflect current plan pricing from major providers operating in each region.
Health
Health costs reflect a standard prepaga (private medical insurance) plan for the relevant household size, or an estimate of obra social contributions and typical out-of-pocket medical expenses for households without private coverage.
Education & Leisure
Education costs include school fees for households with children, based on public and subsidized private school ranges in each city. Leisure includes a baseline estimate for cultural activities, dining out occasionally, and recreational spending.
How to Read Your Results
The estimate is a reference figure, not a precise personal budget. Here's what to keep in mind when interpreting your results.
Neighborhood variation matters. Rents in Palermo (Buenos Aires) differ significantly from Mataderos. The estimate reflects a city-wide median, not a specific neighborhood.
Lifestyle affects every category. A person who eats out frequently, travels often, or has specific health needs will have different costs than the estimate suggests.
Inflation moves fast. In Argentina's economic environment, nominal prices can change significantly within months. Always check the data recency and verify current prices directly.
Use it as a starting point. The calculator gives you a structured framework to begin your research — not a final answer. Combine it with direct market research for the best results.
When the Calculator Is Useful
Planning a Relocation
Before committing to a move, use the calculator to understand the rough cost structure of your destination city. Compare it to your current city to see how your budget would change.
Salary Negotiations
When discussing compensation, having a concrete estimate of what it costs to live in a given city gives you a factual basis for the conversation — separate from any specific negotiation strategy.
Personal Budget Planning
Use the breakdown as a framework for reviewing your own spending categories. The structure — housing, food, transport, services, health, leisure — applies to most household budgets.
Try the Calculator
Now that you understand how it works, use it to get your own estimate. Free, no registration required.
Open Calculator