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[gg_freestyler]

Hi all -
I am planning my stay in Buenos Aires and I am trying to work out some monthly budget. Hopefully I can get some thoughts from people already living there.

My approach to spending when I am there would be "when in Rome it is best and cheapest to do as the Romans".

So I am assuming USD400 for short term rent but then how much would I expect to spend for eating out(say I go out for food 4 times a week), public transportation, groceries (say I eat at home once a day), drinks at bars, other stuff?

Your helps is appreciated. Thanks.

[Smidge]

This is a highly subjective question but I can provide my own experience as a datapoint. I spend between 1500 and 1800 pesos a month (US$500-US$600) with just under US$150 of that being my rent (I share a room). I enjoy cooking so probably eat out less than most.

Prices of drinks vary widely depending on the bar, I usually frequent the cheaper end of the scale where a litre of Quilmes will cost 7 or 8 pesos. When you arrive though you may want to check out a lot of the clubs where things are considerably more expensive. I use public transport when alone and usually take a taxi if I'm with a couple of friends.

You can get an idea of grocery prices at :
http://www.leshop.com.ar/index.php

[dbterrel]

Everything here can very a lot. I stick to public transportation about (70 cent. for the subte, 80 cent. for the busses) (by the way, all prices are in pesos unless otherwised noted). I take about 2 subte trips a day, and then walk everywhere else. After 10:30 though, I tend to cab it. That depends too, it�s pretty inexpensive. I can get to my most friends homes for about 5-10 pesos, most clubs, etc for 15 pesos or so (usually split this with other friends). Clubs can be expensive. Guys usually have a 20 peso cover on the weekends. Drinks can be a ridiculous 15 pesos each. I try to stick to cheaper places. You can even get a lit. of Quilmes (local beer) in Palermo for about 8 pesos or so, less in cheaper areas, more in more expensive areas. I would not suggest living alone, you�ll pay A LOT more. Even with one roomate, I managed to cut my rent down to $225 US a month. You should be able to get a place for around $250 US at least. I would hold out until you find something in that price range. I�ve got a great list of hostels and shared apartments you can stay in while looking for apartments, if you�re interested (I�d reccomend looking down here). Eating out can vary greatly too. Anywhere from 2 pesos to...well, the sky�s the limit. If I�m at a nice Parilla, I don�t mind spending the 40-50 pesos for a great steak, salad, wine, and coffee. But, I usually opt for the cheaper. Eat in. There�s no reason to eat out that much. But, if you do, I would say about 7-12 pesos is an acceptable price for a normal meal. But, like I said, it can vary greatly. Anyway, that�s most of my expensis. Clothes can be expensive, so bring your own. If you�re going to be here for a while, I say don�t skimp. Everyone says that you can get what you need down here...which is true. But, why pay for clothes you already have? Also, watch out for electronics. They are EXPENSIVE here. Much more so than the US. So, get all of that before you come. Otherwise, you can get everything else down here at reasonable prices. D�n�t overload on toiletries or anything. Hmm...I believe I�m rambling now. So yeah, I haven�t done the math, but I think you can figure it out. I normal weekend, expect to take several cabs, and spend at least 20 pesos at the bars a night. Drink in, it�s so much cheaper in the store. But, I must be off now. Feel free to pm me with any specific questions. I�ve got a great list of hostels, rental agencies, etc. Have fun!