This article will explore the 12 best places to retire in Argentina.
Retiring in Argentina
Over 60,000 U.S. expats, many retirees, have found their new home in Argentina. Known for its picturesque landscapes, majestic mountains, and friendly locals, the country is increasingly becoming a South American hotspot for people around the world. The country has been welcoming European emigrants ever since the Spanish colonial rule in South America. Following Spain, Italian emigrants started arriving in the country too, and over 7 million people from Spain and Italy have moved to the country over the years.
Today, Argentina is home to a large population of Spanish and Italian descent. About 3% of the population is Amerindians or mestizos (mixed-race). The country is also home to Korean and Chinese immigrants, Japanese, and people from the Middle East, such as Syria and Lebanon, making it an ethnically diverse nation.
Due to the rising inflation and increased costs of living in many Western countries such as the USA, many people are considering a move to Argentina. This is especially true for retirees who live on fixed incomes. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Argentina is 85% less than in the United States, and a couple can comfortably live on $1,500-$1,800 per month. A single individual, in turn, can live comfortably on anywhere between $1,000- $1,300, or even less, depending on the city or town they are retiring to.
One of the cheapest places to retire in Argentina is the city of Mendoza, the heart of Argentina’s wine country. Rents in Mendoza can be as low as $100 for one-bedroom apartments, while 3-bedroom apartments cost $300 on average. Moreover, an individual can expect to cover daily expenses for as little as $289. Considering the average social security check for a retiree in the US is $1,701, living in Argentina comfortably seems possible.
Besides the low cost of living, there are many other pros of retiring to Argentina. For instance, it is one of the easiest countries to retire to. Those who wish to retire to the country can apply for the Argentina retirement visa, called the Pensionado Visa, which grants temporary residence to applicants moving into the country for retirement. The retirement age for obtaining residency in Argentina under its retirement visa is 65 for men and 60 for women.
Argentina also offers modern technology, solid infrastructure, and a quality healthcare system. The country has a “European vibe” to it, as many of its descendants are from Europe. Buenos Aires, one of the best places to retire in South America, is often called the “Paris of South America.” However, despite the many advantages the country offers to retirees, there are also some disadvantages. Some of the reasons not to move to Argentina include its volatile economy and political instability. Nevertheless, the country has been witnessing improvement over the years, and as a result, more and more expats are choosing the beautiful Argentina to spend their retirement years. With regards to language, learning Spanish can be a fun past time during retirement years.
Foreign expats can withdraw their pensions and social security through the various banks operating in the country. Some foreign banks operating in Argentina are Santander, Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C), and HSBC Holdings plc (NYSE:HSBC). Citibank Argentina is the name of the commercial bank and financial services company that operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of New York–based Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C). Meanwhile, HSBC Holdings plc (NYSE:HSBC) operates under the name “HSBC Bank Argentina” in the country. Expats can use services of any of these banking services from Santander, Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C), or HSBC Holdings plc (NYSE:HSBC) to withdraw their social security checks or use related financial services in Argentina.
Methodology
To compile the list of best places to retire in Argentina, we have used a total of 10 (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10) sources. Places were scored based on consensus, with one point awarded to a place each time it was recommended by a source.
Places were then ranked in ascending order from the lowest to the highest scores. For places with the same scores, those with a lower cost of living have been placed higher on our list. The cost of living for a single individual per month is sourced from livingcost.org, Nomads Nation, and others.
Here are the best places to retire in Argentina:
12. La Plata
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Cost of living: $823/month
La Plata makes it to our list of best places to retire in Argentina for its culture, parks, green spaces, and architectural heritage. It is the capital city of the Buenos Aires province; housing multiple universities and research institutions. Retirees who love to be a part of a vibrant and intellectual environment, and attend cultural and educational events can choose to spend their retirement years here. Known as “The City of Diagonals,” La Plata houses a unique grid layout of streets with wide diagonal avenues. Retirees especially love Paseo del Bosque, a unique park featuring a natural history museum, a botanical garden, and also a lake. Being a major city, retirees also get to access decent healthcare facilities. All in all, La Plata is a popular retirement destination for expats.
11. San Juan
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Cost of living: $635/month
Located southwest of Central America, San Juan is known for its arid climate and abundant sunshine all year round. The sunny environment is ideal for retirees who wish to spend time outdoors and enjoy the beauty that San Juan offers. The city boasts all the urban amenities a modern city has, such as shopping centers, cultural venues, restaurants, and other entertainment. Cultural events, museums, and historical sites further enrich living experiences for retirees. Residents also get to enjoy recreational activities such as hiking, nature exploration, and others.
10. Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Cost of living: $622/month
Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz, the capital city of Santa Fe province, is a top retirement destination in Argentina for a number of reasons. For starters, the city enjoys a vibrant cultural scene, brimming with traditional tango music, dance, local festivals, and other events. The city is also affordable and has decent healthcare facilities. Its location along the Parana River is ideal, too, offering scenic views and plentiful recreational opportunities such as boating. Retirees also love it for its beer, with one of the best places to get a cold brew being Cerveceria Santa Fe, a popular brewery in the city. The pace of life is slow here, which is ideal for retirees who wish to enjoy peace in their golden years.
9. El Calafate
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Cost of living: $600/month
El Calafate is a picturesque town in the Patagonian region of Argentina. It is one of the best places to retire in Argentina, owing to its natural beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and stunning glaciers. The breathtaking glacier, Perito Moreno Glacier, is a UNESCO world heritage site that retirees get to explore in the town, indulging in various activities such as glacier trekking and boat tours. Lamb, trout, locally brewed craft beer, and other local cuisines are a specialty, featuring Patagonian cuisine at its best. Even though El Calafate is a popular tourist spot, the town maintains a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere for retirees who love a laid-back lifestyle. The town also holds various cultural events, craft markets, and other opportunities for meeting people and socializing.
8. Puerto Iguazu
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Cost of living: $469/month
Situated in northeast Argentina, Puerto Iguazu is highly revered amongst expat retirees for its stunning beauty, relaxed lifestyle, and favorable climate. Its proximity to the popular Iguazú Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, makes it even more attractive as a retirement destination. There are lots of opportunities to explore the outdoors, such as birdwatching, hiking, and nature exploration. The city is also part of the Atlantic forest, granting it a diverse range of flora and fauna. The city’s tropical climate adds to the rich retirement experience and its affordable cost of living.
7. Salta
Insider Monkey Score: 4
Cost of Living: $564/month
Revered for its colonial charm, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, Salta is one of Argentina’s best places to retire to. It is the provincial capital city of Salta province, also known as “La Linda” or “the beautiful” for its diverse landscapes. The city bursts with colorful mountains, beautiful valleys, and lush forests. Retirees love it for its roots in Argentine culture and enjoy the city’s various festivals, folkloric performances, and cultural events. Salta is also known for its diverse culinary scene, boasting a mix of Spanish, indigenous, and Andean influences. The city has a temperate climate, with warm days and cool nights. The city’s arts and music scene is also quite vibrant, and residents enjoy a relaxed pace of life here.
6. Mar del Plata
Insider Monkey Score: 6
Cost of living: $734/month
The booming resort town of Mar del Plata is popular amongst retirees for all the right reasons. Its coastal location on the Atlantic provides a beachfront setting where retirees experience a relaxing lifestyle at the sea. The climate is moderate, and the temperature remains pleasant throughout the year. Wide, sandy beaches in Mar del Plata add to its charm, and so does the recreational opportunities they bring along. Casinos, theaters, sports stadiums, bars, and restaurants add to the rich retirement experience as well. The city is also a popular tourist destination, so retirees will always find a healthy mix of locals and expats to socialize with.
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5. Rosario
Insider Monkey Score: 6
Cost of Living: $611/month
Rosaria is popular amongst retirees for its cultural scene, urban amenities, and riverfront location. Retirees get to explore numerous theaters, art galleries, museums, and music venues. Cultural events and activities also keep retirees busy, along with a wide range of urban amenities offered. The city has numerous restaurants, cafes, shopping centers, and other entertainment scenes as well. Its location along the Parana River grants it a picturesque view and offers numerous water-based leisure activities.
Being a university city, retirees get to experience an intellectual atmosphere and participate in various events. The city also boasts good healthcare facilities, an efficient public transportation system, and a diverse culinary scene. One-bedroom apartments in the city center cost around $264, while living costs $611 per month.
4. Cordoba
Insider Monkey Score: 8
Cost of living: $664/month
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierras Chicas on the Suquía River, Cordoba is another popular retirement destination. It is one of the oldest cities in Argentina and houses various historical sites, cultural landmarks, and colonial architecture. Since Cordoba is a university city, retirees can also grab the chance to engage in lifelong learning and participate in cultural events and intellectual activities. The entertainment options in the city are just as diverse, with theaters, art galleries, music venues, and museums to explore. There are plenty of opportunities to indulge in outdoor recreation, such as trekking, hiking, and exploring other picturesque landscapes. The climate in the city is temperate; the culinary scene is diverse, and there are reputable healthcare facilities.
3. Buenos Aires
Insider Monkey Score: 9
Cost of living: $664/month
Also known as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is the cosmopolitan capital city of Argentina and a truly amazing retirement destination. The city is revered for its stunning architecture, intimate sidewalk cafes, diverse culinary scene, and high quality of life. Theaters, museums, art galleries, and cultural events keep retirees busy in the city. Moreover, the nightlife is lively, embracing tango performances and other social events. Healthcare in the city is also well-regarded, with access to quality medical care. There are also language schools and institutions in the city for retirees who wish to brush up on their Spanish.
2. Bariloche
Insider Monkey Score: 9
Cost of living: $533/month
San Carlos de Bariloche, or simply Bariloche, is a popular city for retirement, situated in the province of Rio Negro, Argentina. The city is revered for its stunning landscapes, from its pristine lakes to lush forests and the breathtaking Andes mountains. Not only do retirees get to experience a peaceful environment, but they also enjoy numerous outdoor activities such as fishing, skiing, biking, and more. The city also offers a rich cultural experience for retirees, considering its cultural influences stem from Argentina and Europe. Bariloche has a temperate climate, having cool summers and moderate winters.
1. Mendoza
Insider Monkey Score: 9
Cost of living: $506/month
Mendoza is a popular retirement destination in Argentina. Famous for its world-class wine production, the charming city is home to numerous vineyards, a vibrant culinary scene, and excellent restaurants. Its location on the foothills of the Andes mountains grants retires with a beautiful backdrop and offers them a peaceful and scenic environment to call home. The city also offers numerous five-star restaurants, shopping centers, and other urban amenities. The climate is semi-arid, with over 300 days of sunshine in a year. Mendoza is also home to a wellness-oriented lifestyle, with retirees indulging in various fitness activities yearly. Rent is very cheap, too, with one-bedroom apartment rents averaging about $100.
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