Job Discussion Forums

[WAustralia]

Hello Posters,

Been reading through some of the archives, and have heard nothing but good things about Cordoba. As i'm in a sort of planning phase as to what i'll do for a holiday a bit later on in the year, Cordoba just shot to the top of the list.

Just a few questions regarding the cost of living though. I don't mind living a little rough, doing what I need to do to stay longer. What would you think (at a guess) is the average amount of money needed to stay for lengths of 1, 2 and 4 months. I'm just after a ballpark figure here

I should have $1500US at the minimum when/if I get into BA, how far do you think that could get me?

I know it's kind of a generic question, but i've been searching through the archives and haven't found much in the way of answers.

Many Thanks,
Matthew

[vivaBarca]

There are some posts on Cordoba from a few months back so try a search, for starters.

I lived in Cordoba for 2 months and found it to be MUCH less expensive than Buenos Aires...in fact once I came back to BA from my little stint in the heartland I actually had to check myself, lest I forget - having the benefit of a favorable exchange rate - I really shouldn�t be complaining about prices. It�s been half a year since I�ve been there so I�m sure inflation has taken its toll, but near where I was living you could get a set lunch (salad, main dish, and soda) for 5 pesos...wow.

Even one of the nicest all-you-can-eat parrillas in the city, in La Ca�ada, cost a little under 20 pesos, just for the food. I remember absolutely gorging myself there on Thanksgiving with a few friends, and between a few bottles of wine, water, and several plates of meat the whole meal ran about 30 pesos a person - not too shabby.

In terms of housing though, I can�t help too much because I just lived in a hostel while I was there, but I�ve little doubt it�s much more reasonable than BA too. Nightlife can get a little pricey if you�re staying in the center because the best restaurants and clubs are all located a ways away, so taxi costs can add up...but that�s not too great of a concern.

Ballparks - for one month, 600 - 700 dollars, not totally roughing it but living fairly cheaply. This is also assuming you like to participate in the odd activity and not just waste away in the park all afternoon (though Parque Sarmiento is beautiful). Also keep at mind the beginning always costs more wherever you move, as you�re really not acquainted with the city, public transportation, etc. Also alot of people (myself included) have the tendency to indulge a bit more than we should after first arrival to Argentina, given the shockingly low prices - and that�s in BA. Cordoba will really do a number on you.

4 months - hmmm...2,000 - 2,500? Of course if you�re teaching this will offset your costs (somewhat) but it�ll pay less than BA too.

Anyway Cordoba�s a nice place. I�d say it�s not nearly as international or exciting as Buenos Aires, but it still has alot going on if you�re motivated to find it. There aren�t so many foreigners there either, so you should be able to feel more isolated, which could be good or bad. The city is right by the highest mountain range in Argentina, save for the Andes, so alot of the surrounding towns make for great weekend trips. And don�t forget, come October you�ll be able to make it to the �Oktoberfest� in Villa General Belgrano (two hours outside the Capital), almost as famous for its reputation as an ex-Nazi village as for its artesenal Beer.

Good luck.

[Phil_b]

Accomodation costs from last Dec were from $450/month for a one bed apartment & from $800/month for a two bedroom one. That's in the centre or Nueva CBA (Nueva CBA being more expensive).

Houses are much cheaper, but get robbed a lot.

-Phil

[agentcooper]

Are you saying 450 dollars or pesos, phil?

[Phil_b]

sorry - that's pesos.... I should have said.

I should also point out that you have the same issue with Guarantors as in BsAs (and yes, they often want the guarantor to own property in C�rdoba province). I rented with my then girlfriend (now wife) who is Argentinian, so it wasn't a problem for me - but it might be tricky for others.

Another option is to look into the residencias universitarias - hostels for students, they're cheaper than renting your own place (I think) and I don't think you NEED to be a student. The only problem is that they fill up quick, so you need to be looking in Nov/Dec time.

[freeman]

Cordoba is really great. The people are friendly and teaching is great. I live in a cheap apartment and I'm having a great time.