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Argentina’s economy has faced extreme inflation, with a staggering rate of 229.8% in 2024, leading to significant changes in wages and living costs. The GDP is projected to be $574.2 billion in 2025, but the Argentine Peso has undergone severe devaluation.
Between 2010 and 2025, the average monthly income has increased from 4,000 ARS to 473,924 ARS. However, much of this increase is due to inflation rather than actual purchasing power growth. The annual wage growth rate has slowed from 12.5% in 2011 to 4.5% in 2025.
The cost of living per person has risen dramatically, reaching 475,000 ARS per month in 2025. The main expense categories are:
- Housing: 150,000 ARS (31.6%)
- Food: 100,000 ARS (21.1%)
- Transportation: 50,000 ARS (10.5%)
- Healthcare: 40,000 ARS (8.4%)
Despite wage increases, inflation continues to erode real income, making it difficult for residents to maintain their standard of living. Essentials such as housing and food have seen continuous price hikes, exacerbating financial instability.
Argentina’s economy remains volatile due to high inflation and currency devaluation. Economic reforms and inflation control measures will be crucial in determining whether real income levels improve in the coming years.
Let’s take an in-depth look at Argentina’s economy, income levels, and living costs from 2010 to 2025. Explore detailed insights on wages, inflation, and other expenses.
Country Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital | Buenos Aires |
| Population | 45.8 million (2024) |
| Currency | Argentine Peso (ARS) |
| Official Language | Spanish |
| GDP (2025)⤤ | $574.201 billion |
| Inflation Rate (2024) | 229.8% |
| Average Monthly Income (2025) | 473,924 ARS |
Living Cost Per Month (Per Person) Breakdown (2025)
Note: Costs are presented in ARS.
| Expense Category | Cost (ARS) | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 150,000 | 31.6% |
| Food | 100,000 | 21.1% |
| Transportation | 50,000 | 10.5% |
| Utilities | 30,000 | 6.3% |
| Healthcare | 40,000 | 8.4% |
| Entertainment | 50,000 | 10.5% |
| Miscellaneous | 55,000 | 11.6% |
| Total | 475,000 | 100% |
Income Per Month (Per Person) Table (2010-2025)
Note: Income data is presented in ARS.
| Year | Income (ARS) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,000 | — |
| 2011 | 4,500 | 12.5% |
| 2012 | 5,000 | 11.1% |
| 2013 | 5,500 | 10.0% |
| 2014 | 6,000 | 9.1% |
| 2015 | 6,500 | 8.3% |
| 2016 | 7,000 | 7.7% |
| 2017 | 7,500 | 7.1% |
| 2018 | 8,000 | 6.7% |
| 2019 | 8,500 | 6.3% |
| 2020 | 9,000 | 5.9% |
| 2021 | 9,500 | 5.6% |
| 2022 | 10,000 | 5.3% |
| 2023 | 10,500 | 5.0% |
| 2024 | 11,000 | 4.8% |
| 2025 | 11,500 | 4.5% |
Living Cost Per Month (2010-2025) (Per Person)
Note: Costs are presented in ARS.
| Year | Living Cost (ARS) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,000 | — |
| 2011 | 2,500 | 25.0% |
| 2012 | 3,000 | 20.0% |
| 2013 | 3,500 | 16.7% |
| 2014 | 4,000 | 14.3% |
| 2015 | 4,500 | 12.5% |
| 2016 | 5,000 | 11.1% |
| 2017 | 5,500 | 10.0% |
| 2018 | 6,000 | 9.1% |
| 2019 | 6,500 | 8.3% |
| 2020 | 7,000 | 7.7% |
| 2021 | 7,500 | 7.1% |
| 2022 | 8,000 | 6.7% |
| 2023 | 8,500 | 6.3% |
| 2024 | 9,000 | 5.9% |
| 2025 | 9,500 | 5.6% |
Note: Costs are presented in ARS.
Housing Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
| Year | Housing Cost (ARS) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 600 | — |
| 2011 | 700 | 16.7% |
| 2012 | 800 | 14.3% |
| 2013 | 900 | 12.5% |
| 2014 | 1,000 | 11.1% |
| 2015 | 1,100 | 10.0% |
| 2016 | 1,200 | 9.1% |
| 2017 | 1,300 | 8.3% |
| 2018 | 1,400 | 7.7% |
| 2019 | 1,500 | 7.1% |
| 2020 | 1,600 | 6.7% |
| 2021 | 1,700 | 6.3% |
| 2022 | 1,800 | 5.9% |
| 2023 | 1,900 | 5.6% |
| 2024 | 2,000 | 5.3% |
| 2025 | 2,100 | 5.0% |
Food Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
| Year | Food Cost (ARS) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 400 | — |
| 2011 | 450 | 12.5% |
| 2012 | 500 | 11.1% |
| 2013 | 550 | 10.0% |
| 2014 | 600 | 9.1% |
| 2015 | 650 | 8.3% |
| 2016 | 700 | 7.7% |
| 2017 | 750 | 7.1% |
| 2018 | 800 | 6.7% |
| 2019 | 850 | 6.3% |
| 2020 | 900 | 5.9% |
| 2021 | 950 | 5.6% |
| 2022 | 1,000 | 5.3% |
| 2023 | 1,050 | 5.0% |
| 2024 | 1,100 | 4.8% |
| 2025 | 1,150 | 4.5% |
Conclusion
Argentina has experienced significant economic fluctuations, with high inflation rates greatly impacting wages and living costs. While income levels have increased over time, inflation has eroded purchasing power, making essential expenses such as housing, food, and transportation increasingly costly.
Despite these challenges, government policies, economic reforms, and international financial aid continue to influence Argentina’s economic stability. The cost of living in major cities like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Rosario remains high compared to the national average.
Sources:
Numbeo – numbeo.com
World Bank – data.worldbank.org
OECD – oecd.org
IMF – imf.org
Statista – statista.com
