Mar del Plata
Argentina's Atlantic beach city — surfing, seafood, and a year-round urban beach lifestyle just 4 hours from Buenos Aires. The 'Happy City' lives up to its name.
About Living in Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata is Argentina's beach capital — a city of 650,000 that swells to over 2 million every January and February as porteños flee the capital's heat. But beyond summer tourism, 'Mardel' is a genuinely livable city year-round. The coastline offers surfing, fishing, and long walks along cliffside promenades. The food scene is anchored by the port's fresh seafood — the rabas (fried calamari) here are an Argentine institution. The city has a strong university (UNMdP) and cultural scene, with more theaters per capita than Buenos Aires. The permanent population is friendly, the pace is relaxed, and the cost of living is significantly lower than BA. For expats, Mar del Plata offers a European-feeling beach city lifestyle with good infrastructure and easy access to the capital.
Monthly Budget
Typical monthly costs: $600–$1,300/month
| Expense | Monthly Range |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR near beach) | $300–$600 |
| Groceries | $130–$220 |
| Seafood Dining | $80–$180 |
| Transport | $15–$30 |
| Health Insurance | $50–$120 |
| Utilities | $25–$50 |
| Total Range | $600–$1,300/month |
Neighborhoods
Classic beachfront — residential, ocean views
Trendy — shops, cafes, pedestrian streets
Upscale beach — surfing, restaurants
Green residential — quiet, family-oriented
Oceanic — mild summers (20-28°C), cool winters (5-12°C), sea breezes
14°C annual average
30-100 Mbps
Moderate — safe in tourist/residential areas, standard precautions
Frequent flights and buses from Buenos Aires (4 hours). Highway connection. Train service (5.5 hours from BA).
Expat Appeal
Beach lovers and surfers who want year-round coastal living with big-city amenities at small-city prices.
Ready to Move to Mar del Plata?
Get started with our visa guides and cost of living breakdowns to plan your move to Mar del Plata, Argentina.