About Laura Zurro Expertise I can answer questions about relocating or expatriating to Argentina - specifically Buenos Aires. I currently live in Buenos Aires and enjoy sharing as much information with other people. If I can't provide an answer then I will try to direct you somewhere you can get the answer.
I also keep a weblog of information at http://movingtoargentina.typepad.com about moving to and living in Argentina.
Experience I am an expatriate from the U.S. to Buenos Aires and have gathered a rather large amount of resources, as well as interviewing key people in the real estate market in Buenos Aires. Feel free to see my weblog http://movingtoargentina.typepad.com for information I have already posted on a number of related topics.
Argentina - Cost and standard of living in Buenos Aires
Expert: Laura Zurro - 6/25/2006
Question Hey Laura,
I would like to move to a country in Latin America. I have been to Colombia a few times and really like Medellin. The culture is nice, but most of all the cost of living is so low that I can live very well off my investments.
I am planning on moving for a few months to see if I would like living there for a more extended period. My question is, what is the cost of living like in Buenos Aires? Are all the amenities of a large metropolitan city available? Example: Medellin is generally 3 to 5 times cheaper than living in the U.S. (specifically, my home town Des Moines, Iowa), but they still have a very modern city.
Also, any good forums for expats in Jamaica? Please do not say escapeartist.
Thank you,
joe.
Answer Joe, first about Jamaica I really don't know. Very sorry. You might try looking for some expat forums on the web that target Jamaica but I don't know that there will be a lot.
Buenos Aires was just ranked number 2 just behind Montevideo Uruguay on the Mercer Quality of Living list for 2006. This ranking put it ahead of every other Latin American city for a reason. It ranked number 78 out of 215 cities worldwide.
It is a quite a cosmopolitan city. Imagine, as they say, Paris in South America. The architecture is varied from modern to old Parisian and Italianate and colonial (think Mexico). Modern cars abound as well as beautiful shops and an abundance of grocery stores.
You have a subway and train system for public transportation as well as buses and taxis. High speed DSL, wireless connections in many places in the city. Excellent museums. Fine dining as well as affordable dining. The health care is top notch, equivalent to the U.S. and with better private health care in my opinion. Much more affordable as well.
Affordability will continue if you are planning to live on american dollars and the peso to dollar ratio continues as it is. If you plan to live off of investments you can live a very nice lifestyle here with fantastic dining, activities, health care, and everything else you should want. The only thing you will find very expensive will be electronics and cars due to the high import tax.
you will also be able to apply for a rentista visa I would venture to say since you plan to live off of investments.
I have met a lot of retirees and people who have moved here and everyone has been happy with the decision.
please also take a look at my blog http://movingtoargentina.typepad.com for more information as well as links to other people who are writing about living here.
