Quick answer: Buenos Aires runs about EUR 55 per day mid-range - noticeably less if you eat local and walk. Cheapest window: March–May or September–November (spring/autumn).
What things actually cost
| empanada | 1 EUR |
| coffee with two medialunas | 3 EUR |
| subte ride with SUBE card | 0.40 EUR |
| steak dinner with wine at a parrilla | 18 EUR |
| glass of Malbec at a bar | 3 EUR |
| 10-minute taxi ride | 4 EUR |
Eat well for little
- Bife de chorizo (sirloin) at a neighborhood parrillaa serious steak with fries runs 10-15 EUR; book weeks ahead for Don Julio
- Empanadasbaked beef or ham-and-cheese pockets, about 1 EUR each; order a mixed half dozen
- Choripángrilled chorizo sandwich with chimichurri from a parrilla stand, 2-3 EUR
- Helado at Rapa Nui or CadoreArgentine ice cream rivals Italy's; a cone with dulce de leche costs about 3 EUR
- Café con leche with medialunasthe standard breakfast in a historic cafe, about 3 EUR
Money mistakes to avoid
- Changing money without checking rates firstpay by foreign card (which gets the favorable MEP rate) or compare the blue rate before exchanging cash; the official bank rate can cost you significantly
- Showing up for dinner at 7 pmrestaurants are empty or closed; locals eat from 9:30 pm and peak around 10:30 pm
- Keeping your phone out on the street or at sidewalk tablesopportunistic snatching is the most common crime; stay casual but discreet
- Treating La Boca like a normal neighborhoodstick to the Caminito blocks and take a taxi there and back rather than walking from San Telmo
Transport without the tourist tax
From Ezeiza Airport take an official remis or app taxi to the center for 20-25 EUR (about 45 minutes) - avoid unofficial drivers in the arrivals hall. In town get a SUBE card: the subte and buses cost roughly 0.30-0.50 EUR per ride, and taxis are plentiful and cheap by European standards.
Planning the full trip? Start with the 4-day Buenos Aires itinerary.