La Plata
Argentina's 'planned city' — a perfectly geometric university town just 60 km from Buenos Aires with stunning architecture, student energy, and half the cost of the capital.
About Living in La Plata
La Plata is Argentina's most fascinating urban experiment — a city designed from scratch in 1882 with a perfect diagonal grid, a park every six blocks, and a cathedral that took 115 years to complete (and was worth the wait). As the capital of Buenos Aires Province, it's an administrative center, but its real identity comes from the National University of La Plata (UNLP) — one of Argentina's top universities. The 100,000+ students create a vibrant, affordable, and cultured city that operates at a fraction of Buenos Aires' cost while being just 60 km away. The La Plata cathedral is genuinely stunning — a neo-Gothic masterpiece that rivals European cathedrals. The natural history museum is world-class. For expats, La Plata offers university-town charm, excellent architecture, and easy BA access at significantly lower prices.
Monthly Budget
Typical monthly costs: $500–$1,000/month
| Expense | Monthly Range |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR center) | $200–$400 |
| Groceries | $100–$180 |
| Dining Out | $60–$120 |
| Train to BA | $2–$5/trip |
| Transport (local) | $10–$25 |
| Utilities | $20–$40 |
| Total Range | $500–$1,000/month |
Neighborhoods
Downtown — cathedral, museums, government
Historic grid — walkable, architectural
Green suburb — quieter, family-friendly
Residential — parks, affordable
Humid subtropical — 25-32°C summers, 5-15°C winters
16°C annual average
30-100 Mbps
Moderate — safe in center and university areas
Train from Buenos Aires Constitución (1.5 hours). Frequent bus service. Highway (Autopista La Plata-BA) takes 1 hour.
Expat Appeal
Students, academics, and budget expats who want university-town charm with easy access to Buenos Aires at much lower prices.
Ready to Move to La Plata?
Get started with our visa guides and cost of living breakdowns to plan your move to La Plata, Argentina.