Mendoza
Wine country paradise at the foot of the Andes. World-class Malbec, outdoor adventures, and 300 days of sunshine make this South America's answer to Napa Valley.
About Living in Mendoza
Mendoza is where Argentina's love affair with wine reaches its peak — literally. The city sits at 750 meters elevation, with the snow-capped Andes forming a dramatic western wall. The wine regions of Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, and the Uco Valley produce Malbec that rivals the world's best, and wine tastings are a weekly ritual rather than a special occasion. But wine is just the beginning. The outdoor lifestyle is extraordinary: ski Aconcagua in winter, raft the Mendoza River in summer, hike the Andes year-round. The city itself is tree-lined and walkable, with wide avenues designed to handle earthquake evacuation (Mendoza sits on an active seismic zone). The expat community is growing — mostly retirees, wine industry workers, and outdoor enthusiasts drawn by the combination of affordable wine country living and Andean access.
Monthly Budget
Typical monthly costs: $700–$1,400/month
| Expense | Monthly Range |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR city center) | $300–$600 |
| Groceries | $150–$250 |
| Wine (quality Malbec) | $3–$15/bottle |
| Dining Out | $100–$200 |
| Transport | $20–$50 |
| Health Insurance | $60–$150 |
| Total Range | $700–$1,400/month |
Neighborhoods
Walkable downtown — plazas, restaurants, cultural venues
Wine suburb — upscale, leafy, bodega access
Residential — affordable, local feel, good transport
Wine valley — wineries, outdoor access, semi-rural
Arid continental — dry heat summers (35°C), cold winters (2-14°C)
16°C annual average
30-100 Mbps
Safe — lower crime than Buenos Aires
Direct flights from Buenos Aires (2 hours). Bus from Santiago, Chile (7 hours via the Andes). Excellent highway connections.
Expat Appeal
Wine lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and retirees seeking European-quality wine country living at a fraction of the price.
Ready to Move to Mendoza?
Get started with our visa guides and cost of living breakdowns to plan your move to Mendoza, Argentina.