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Cost of Living in El Calafate

El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina · Population 22,844

▼ -16% vs Argentina average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$339,333 ($357)
Couple, monthly$603,620 ($635)
Family of four, monthly$781,950 ($823)

Estimated Prices in El Calafate

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$3,591 ($3.78)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$14,364 ($15.12)per meal
Cappuccino$1,077 ($1.13)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$81,396 ($85.68)per month
Monthly public transport pass$13,167 ($13.86)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$34,713 ($36.54)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$10,055 ($10.58)per month
Fitness club membership$10,055 ($10.58)per month
Cinema ticket$2,633 ($2.77)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$143,653 ($151)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$99,933 ($105)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$299,798 ($316)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in El Calafate is $427,500 ($450) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $339,333 ($357) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $441,133 ($464) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($99,933 ($105)) represents about 29% of the total single-person budget.

Compare El Calafate

El Calafate vs Buenos AiresEl Calafate vs CórdobaEl Calafate vs RosarioEl Calafate vs La PlataEl Calafate vs SaltaEl Calafate vs San Miguel de Tucumán

Nearby Cities

Yacimiento Río Turbio

133 km away · Santa Cruz

Veintiocho de Noviembre

139 km away · Santa Cruz

Gobernador Gregores

228 km away · Santa Cruz

Comandante Luis Piedra Buena

242 km away · Santa Cruz

Río Gallegos

257 km away · Santa Cruz

San Julián

345 km away · Santa Cruz

Perito Moreno

428 km away · Santa Cruz

Las Heras

487 km away · Santa Cruz

Other Major Cities in Argentina

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de · pop. 16,710,000

$504,046 ($531) / mo

Córdoba

Córdoba · pop. 1,505,250

$437,528 ($461) / mo

Rosario

Santa Fe · pop. 1,193,605

$437,528 ($461) / mo

La Plata

Buenos Aires · pop. 904,789

$404,573 ($426) / mo

Salta

Salta · pop. 627,704

$404,573 ($426) / mo

San Miguel de Tucumán

Tucumán · pop. 601,888

$404,573 ($426) / mo

Mar del Plata

Buenos Aires · pop. 593,337

$404,573 ($426) / mo

San Juan

San Juan · pop. 471,389

$404,573 ($426) / mo

Living in El Calafate

El Calafate is one of the key cities in Argentina. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $339,333 ($357), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $99,933 ($105) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $781,950 ($823) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $603,620 ($635) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in El Calafate is $427,500 ($450). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $441,133 ($464) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is El Calafate expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $339,333 ($357) per month in El Calafate including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Argentina.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in El Calafate?
A net salary of around $441,133 ($464) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in El Calafate with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in El Calafate is $427,500 ($450).
How much is rent in El Calafate?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $143,653 ($151) per month in the city centre and $99,933 ($105) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $299,798 ($316).
Is El Calafate cheaper than Argentina on average?
Yes — El Calafate is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Argentina average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in El Calafate?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $81,396 ($86) in El Calafate. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $3,591 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around $1,077 ($1).
How do transport costs in El Calafate compare?
A monthly public transport pass in El Calafate is estimated at $13,167 ($14). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for El Calafate are estimates based on Argentina national averages adjusted for city size (population 22,844). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.