Cost Of Living in Salta 2025
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Salta
Whether you're living in Salta or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: ARS
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: ARS
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: ARS
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: ARS
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: ARS
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Salta
One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.
Spending to Income Ratio
91%
84% to 100%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 8% |
| 60% - 70% | 14% |
| 70% - 80% | 24% |
| 80% - 90% | 22% |
| 90% - 100% | 12% |
| 100% - 110% | 6% |
| 110% - 120% | 4% |
| 120% - 130% | 3% |
| 130% - 140% | 3% |
| > 140% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Salta is 91%
This means that on average, people spend around 91% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 14% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.
How can spending be more than income?
A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.
Individual
82%
Spending-Income-Ratio
75%
90%
Couple
86%
Spending-Income-Ratio
79%
95%
Family
96%
Spending-Income-Ratio
88%
110%
Prices and cost of goods and services in Salta
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
| 750 ARS | 1,500 ARS | 2,500 ARS |
Restaurant meal for one
| 2,600 ARS | 3,800 ARS | 7,700 ARS |
Fine dining meal for one
| 5,100 ARS | 7,700 ARS | 31,000 ARS |
Cappuccino or latte
| 630 ARS | 1,000 ARS | 1,500 ARS |
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
| 860 ARS | 1,100 ARS | 1,600 ARS |
Pack of beef
| 1,000 ARS | 1,500 ARS | 3,000 ARS |
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
| 640 ARS | 770 ARS | 1,500 ARS |
Average car full tank
| 3,800 ARS | 5,000 ARS | 10,000 ARS |
Average car 1-day rental
| 3,900 ARS | 5,200 ARS | 7,800 ARS |
Average car price
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
| 5,200 ARS | 7,800 ARS | 16,000 ARS |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
| 4,600 ARS | 33,000 ARS | 220,000 ARS |
Utility Bill - Couple
| 12,000 ARS | 41,000 ARS | 270,000 ARS |
Utility Bill - Family
| 21,000 ARS | 61,000 ARS | 400,000 ARS |
Internet and cable
| 3,800 ARS | 7,500 ARS | 10,000 ARS |
Mobile phone charges
| 3,000 ARS | 5,000 ARS | 15,000 ARS |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
| 1,900 ARS | 2,500 ARS | 3,800 ARS |
One month gym membership
| 6,300 ARS | 7,800 ARS | 16,000 ARS |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
| 4,600 ARS | 6,500 ARS | 9,800 ARS |
Woman dress
| 4,400 ARS | 6,000 ARS | 20,000 ARS |
Woman shoes
| 4,100 ARS | 5,600 ARS | 13,000 ARS |
Men's shoes
| 3,600 ARS | 4,400 ARS | 8,700 ARS |
Men suit
| 3,900 ARS | 4,900 ARS | 26,000 ARS |
Regular t-shirt
| 2,000 ARS | 2,600 ARS | 7,800 ARS |
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 65,000 ARS | 98,000 ARS | 260,000 ARS |
1-bedroom apartment
| 98,000 ARS | 160,000 ARS | 390,000 ARS |
2-bedroom apartment
| 130,000 ARS | 200,000 ARS | 520,000 ARS |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
1-bedroom apartment
2-bedroom apartment
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 75,000 ARS | 94,000 ARS | 130,000 ARS |
Double Bed
| 50,000 ARS | 75,000 ARS | 94,000 ARS |
Single Bed
| 44,000 ARS | 58,000 ARS | 75,000 ARS |
Living Room
| 84,000 ARS | 110,000 ARS | 380,000 ARS |
Dining Table
| 38,000 ARS | 50,000 ARS | 94,000 ARS |
Sofa or Couch
| 50,000 ARS | 69,000 ARS | 150,000 ARS |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 50,000 ARS | 75,000 ARS | 150,000 ARS |
Fridge or Freezer
| 44,000 ARS | 69,000 ARS | 94,000 ARS |
Washing Machine
| 58,000 ARS | 84,000 ARS | 150,000 ARS |
Stove or Cooker
| 54,000 ARS | 69,000 ARS | 94,000 ARS |
Mobile Phone
| 63,000 ARS | 75,000 ARS | 110,000 ARS |
Laptop or Computer
| 69,000 ARS | 84,000 ARS | 150,000 ARS |
Saving Challenges in Salta
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Salta. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 4% |
| High Expenses | 7% |
| Debt and Loans | 11% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 12% |
| Impulsive Spending | 13% |
| Financial Emergencies | 7% |
| Living the moment | 5% |
| Will do it later | 22% |
| Inflation | 14% |
| Social Pressure | 2% |
| Market Instability | 2% |
Around 4% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 7% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 11% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 13% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 22% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 14% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 2% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Salta is 550,000 ARS. Expenses can range from 77,000 ARS at the minimum level to 3.7M ARS at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Salta is 920,000 ARS. Expenditure can range from 310,000 ARS to 4.9M ARS per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Salta is 1.2M ARS per month. Families spend anywhere from 430,000 ARS to 8M ARS.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Salta is 410,000 ARS. Students spend from 61,000 ARS to 2.7M ARS per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Emergency Funds
An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes46%
No54%
Based on the survey, 54% of the people living in Salta said that they don't have an emergency fund while 46% said that they do.
SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Salta
Housing cost for a single person28%
28% of total expenses on average (16% to 40%)
| LOW | $33 28,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $240 200,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $1,600 1.3M ARS |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile9%
9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)
| LOW | $5.5 4,600 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $39 33,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $260 220,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 10%)
| LOW | $7.3 6,200 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $52 44,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $350 290,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost20%
20% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)
| LOW | $15 12,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $100 88,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $700 590,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost13%
13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)
| LOW | $8.2 6,900 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $59 50,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $390 330,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Expenditure2%
2% of total expenses on average (2% to 5%)
| LOW | $4.6 3,900 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $33 28,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $220 180,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Education Cost1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $1.8 1,500 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $13 11,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $87 74,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses23%
23% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)
| LOW | $16 14,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $120 99,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $780 660,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Typical saving choices for people in Salta
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 13% |
| Gold | 14% |
| Savings Accounts | 16% |
| Retirement Accounts | 9% |
| Cash Savings | 23% |
| Real Estate | 9% |
| Investment | 5% |
| Stocks | 3% |
| Bonds | 4% |
| Mutual Funds | 2% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 2% |
Low-cost alternatives in Salta
People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options58%
Few low-cost options43%
Based on the survey, 58% of the people living in Salta have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 43% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Salta
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Salta
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 65,000 ARS | 98,000 ARS | 260,000 ARS |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 98,000 ARS | 160,000 ARS | 390,000 ARS |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 130,000 ARS | 200,000 ARS | 520,000 ARS |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 160,000 ARS | 260,000 ARS | 710,000 ARS |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 310,000 ARS | 780,000 ARS | 1.6M ARS |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 260,000 ARS | 390,000 ARS | 1.1M ARS |
House monthly rent cost
| 310,000 ARS | 780,000 ARS | 1.6M ARS |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 390,000 ARS | 980,000 ARS | 1.6M ARS |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Salta ranges between 65,000 ARS and 260,000 ARS, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 98,000 ARS to 390,000 ARS. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 130,000 ARS and 520,000 ARS per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 160,000 ARS to 710,000 ARS. The average rent of a townhouse in Salta is around 390,000 ARS while house rental costs can be as high as 780,000 ARS per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 390,000 ARS to 1.6M ARS per month.
Apartment and house prices in Salta
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
1-bedroom apartment price
2-bedroom apartment price
3-bedroom apartment price
| 87M ARS | 130M ARS | 390M ARS |
| $100,000 | $150,000 | $460,000 |
Townhouse price
| 110M ARS | 260M ARS | 980M ARS |
House price
| 130M ARS | 780M ARS | 1,100M ARS |
Villa price
| 160M ARS | 870M ARS | 1,300M ARS |
The average price of a studio apartment in Salta can range from 13M ARS to 39M ARS depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 16M ARS to 98M ARS. A villa can cost you 870M ARS on average with prices ranging from 160M ARS to 1,300M ARS.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Salta will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.
House / apartment prices to income ratio
Property price to income ratio
( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100
| 32 | x90 monthly income | 201 |
Property prices in Salta can be x90 to x201 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x90 multiples of the average monthly salary in Salta.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Salta is around 30%. This means that people pay 30% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 20% to 41% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.
The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.
Housing affordability index
The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.
Housing Affordability Index
28% Property Taxes
Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.
Home Maintenance Costs
Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.
| 1,200 ARS | 16,000 ARS | 160,000 ARS |
Urban vs. rural living costs
Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Salta
Housing cost for a couple25%
25% of total expenses on average (18% to 35%)
| LOW | $120 100,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $370 310,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $2,000 1.7M ARS |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%
8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)
| LOW | $15 12,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $49 41,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $320 270,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost8%
8% of total expenses on average (2% to 13%)
| LOW | $44 37,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $130 110,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $700 590,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost18%
18% of total expenses on average (13% to 23%)
| LOW | $51 43,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $150 130,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $810 690,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost15%
15% of total expenses on average (9% to 19%)
| LOW | $40 34,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $120 100,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $640 540,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $22 18,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $65 55,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $350 290,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Education Cost1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $7.3 6,100 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $22 18,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $120 98,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses22%
22% of total expenses on average (16% to 28%)
| LOW | $62 52,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $190 160,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $990 830,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Salta
Housing cost for a family24%
24% of total expenses on average (19% to 34%)
| LOW | $160 140,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $470 390,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $3,000 2.6M ARS |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 9%)
| LOW | $25 21,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $73 61,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $470 400,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Expenses4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)
| LOW | $51 43,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $150 120,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $940 800,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost22%
22% of total expenses on average (15% to 28%)
| LOW | $92 77,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $260 220,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $1,700 1.4M ARS |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Expenses12%
12% of total expenses on average (8% to 17%)
| LOW | $46 39,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $150 120,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $760 640,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $25 21,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $73 61,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $470 400,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Education Cost13%
13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)
| LOW | $71 60,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $200 170,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $1,300 1.1M ARS |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses17%
17% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)
| LOW | $41 34,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $120 98,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $760 640,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Salta
Housing costs for Student16%
16% of total expenses on average (11% to 22%)
| LOW | $17 15,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $120 99,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $780 660,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $2.9 2,500 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $19 16,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $130 110,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (4% to 9%)
| LOW | $5.1 4,300 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $34 29,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $230 190,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Expenditure24%
24% of total expenses on average (18% to 28%)
| LOW | $15 12,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $97 82,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $650 550,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost10%
10% of total expenses on average (7% to 13%)
| LOW | $4.4 3,700 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $29 25,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $190 160,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $3.6 3,100 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $24 21,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $160 140,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Education Cost18%
18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | $14 12,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $93 78,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $620 520,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses20%
20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)
| LOW | $11 9,200 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $73 62,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $490 410,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
A typical and healthy budgeting structure
The 50/30/20 rule
Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle,
location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule,
which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.
50% for needs and financial obligations
This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
30% for wants and discretionary spending
This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.
20% for savings and emergency fund
This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.
About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting
The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.
Financial goals of people in Salta
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Salta, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.
| Financial Goal | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Fund | 9% |
| Debt Reduction | 47% |
| Retirement Savings | 11% |
| Education Funding | 6% |
| Homeownership | 19% |
| Investing | 5% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 5% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 16% |
| Financial Independence | 3% |
Around 9% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 47% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 11% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 6% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 19% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 5% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 5% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 16% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
How do people spend their money in Salta?
We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.
The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.
Housing Expenditure22%
22% of total expenses on average (11% to 30%)
| LOW | $22 18,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $280 240,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $2,800 2.4M ARS |
| Per Month |
People living in Salta typically spend from 11% to 30% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 22% being the average. The average spend on housing is 240,000 ARS with expenditure ranging from 18,000 ARS to 2.4M ARS. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%
8% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)
| LOW | $3.6 3,100 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $47 40,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $470 400,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Salta ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 40,000 ARS with 3,100 ARS and 400,000 ARS being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $7.3 6,100 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $94 80,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $940 800,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 6,100 ARS to 800,000 ARS on commuting with 80,000 ARS being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 6% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 10%.
Food and Groceries Cost29%
29% of total expenses on average (21% to 35%)
| LOW | $18 15,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $240 200,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $2,400 2M ARS |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Salta is 200,000 ARS. The cost of groceries can range between 15,000 ARS to 2M ARS. People spend on average about 29% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 21% and 35% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services11%
11% of total expenses on average (6% to 14%)
| LOW | $5.1 4,300 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $66 56,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $660 560,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
People in Salta allocate 6% to 14% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 11%. The range of medical expenses range from 4,300 ARS to 560,000 ARS with 56,000 ARS being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $2.9 2,500 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $38 32,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $380 320,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 2,500 ARS to 320,000 ARS with 32,000 ARS being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most residents.
Education and Schooling5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $4.4 3,700 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $57 48,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $570 480,000 ARS |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 48,000 ARS per month with 3,700 ARS being the minimum spent amount and 480,000 ARS being the maximum.
Other Expenses15%
15% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)
| LOW | $9.4 8,000 ARS |
| AVERAGE | $120 100,000 ARS |
| HIGH | $1,200 1M ARS |
| Per Month |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Salta
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 29% of the people in Salta have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 71% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Salta
Debt to income ratio
33%
25% to 43%
( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100
Interpretation
The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 33% of the people's monthly income in Salta goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 4% |
| 50% - 60% | 21% |
| 40% - 50% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 18% |
| 20% - 30% | 8% |
| 10% - 20% | 9% |
| 0% - 10% | 24% |
According to our data, 4% of the debtors in Salta pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 21% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 16% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 18% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 8% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Salta
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 6% |
| Auto Loan | 12% |
| Student Loan | 4% |
| Credit Card | 32% |
| Personal Loan | 46% |
6% of debtors in Salta confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 32% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 12% of people and personal loans rose at 46%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Salta.
About credit score and debt managementManaging debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.
Good debt vs. Bad debt
Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.
Loan Affordability Index in Salta
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.
Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.
| Frequency | % People |
|---|
| Never | 48% |
| Once a year | 25% |
| Twice a year | 13% |
| Three times a year | 9% |
| Four times a year | 5% |
Affordable living in Salta
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Salta?
Around 46% of surveyed residents think that living in Salta is affordable with proper budgeting while 54% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Salta
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Salta and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.
Retirement planning and savings
There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.
The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Salta:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 2M ARS |
| 30 | 4.1M ARS |
| 35 | 7.1M ARS |
| 40 | 10M ARS |
| 45 | 15M ARS |
| 50 | 21M ARS |
| 55 | 25M ARS |
| 60 | 32M ARS |
| 65 | 38M ARS |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 11% |
| Savings | 24% |
| Investments | 11% |
| Social Security | 6% |
| Annuities | 6% |
| Part-time Job | 17% |
| Real Estate | 19% |
| Dividends and Interest | 6% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Salta 46,000 ARS
$54 | 410,000 ARS
$490 | 2.7M ARS
$3,200 |
Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Salta
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Salta
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
| 4,600 ARS | 33,000 ARS | 220,000 ARS |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
| 12,000 ARS | 41,000 ARS | 270,000 ARS |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
| 21,000 ARS | 61,000 ARS | 400,000 ARS |
Internet and cable cost
| 3,800 ARS | 7,500 ARS | 10,000 ARS |
Mobile phone bill and charges
| 3,000 ARS | 5,000 ARS | 15,000 ARS |
Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.
The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Salta ranges between 4,600 ARS and 220,000 ARS with average being 33,000 ARS, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 41,000 ARS with 12,000 ARS and 270,000 ARS being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 61,000 ARS. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 3,800 ARS to 10,000 ARS with 7,500 ARS being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 5,000 ARS but can range between 3,000 ARS and 15,000 ARS depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.
Energy / Utility expense to income ratio
( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average utility-to-income ratio in Salta is around 7.3%. This means that people pay 7.3% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 4.2% to 12% depending on salary and location.
How much money can you save in Salta every month?
We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.
What percentage of people in Salta manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 56% of the surveyed people in Salta said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 44% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Salta
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 56% | 44% |
| Couples | 51% | 49% |
| Families | 46% | 54% |
Savings-to-Income Ratio
The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
17,000 ARS
$20 | 220,000 ARS
$260 | 2.2M ARS
$2,600 |
For most people, 11% to 31% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 18% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 220,000 ARS on average with savings ranging from 17,000 ARS to 2.2M ARS.
56% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 51% of couples said the same. 46% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Salta?
The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.
Singles
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
17,000 ARS
$20 | 150,000 ARS
$180 | 1M ARS
$1,200 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 34% |
| 10% - 20% | 26% |
| 20% - 30% | 17% |
| 30% - 40% | 11% |
| 40% - 50% | 9% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 33% of their monthly income to savings, with 22% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 150,000 ARS with 17,000 ARS and 1M ARS being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
85,000 ARS
$100 | 260,000 ARS
$300 | 1.4M ARS
$1,600 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 38% |
| 10% - 20% | 28% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 6% |
| 40% - 50% | 6% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 32% of their monthly income, with 20% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 260,000 ARS with 85,000 ARS and 1.4M ARS being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
120,000 ARS
$140 | 340,000 ARS
$400 | 2.2M ARS
$2,600 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 41% |
| 10% - 20% | 31% |
| 20% - 30% | 21% |
| 30% - 40% | 3% |
| 40% - 50% | 3% |
| > 50% | 1% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Salta can save anywhere between 9.4% to 29% of their monthly income, with 17% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 340,000 ARS with 120,000 ARS and 2.2M ARS being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Financial Literacy in
Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.
Financial Leteracy39%
We asked residents of whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 61% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 39% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.
Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning
We wanted to understand whether residents of have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 51% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 49% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance51%
Easily manages finances49%
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Salta
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Salta
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
| 750 ARS | 1,500 ARS | 2,500 ARS |
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Salta is approximatly 1,500 ARS with meal cost ranging from 750 ARS to 2,500 ARS. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
| 2,600 ARS | 3,800 ARS | 7,700 ARS |
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 2,600 ARS and 7,700 ARS with 3,800 ARS being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Salta.
Fine dining meal for one price
| 5,100 ARS | 7,700 ARS | 31,000 ARS |
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 5,100 ARS to 31,000 ARS with the average cost being 7,700 ARS for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Salta.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
| 630 ARS | 1,000 ARS | 1,500 ARS |
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Salta is around 1,000 ARS. Price ranges between 630 ARS and 1,500 ARS depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Salta is 600 ARS. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 750 ARS and the minimum being 500 ARS depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 500 ARS on average with 380 ARS and 750 ARS being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
| 860 ARS | 1,100 ARS | 1,600 ARS |
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Salta is between 860 ARS and 1,600 ARS depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 1,100 ARS.
Pack of beef price
| 1,000 ARS | 1,500 ARS | 3,000 ARS |
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 1,500 ARS. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
A bag of rice in Salta costs around 550 ARS on average with prices rangeing between 410 ARS and 790 ARS depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 150 ARS to 380 ARS. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 350 ARS on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio
( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Salta is around 28%. This means that people spend 28% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 20% to 35% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 88,000 ARS per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 12,000 ARS and 590,000 ARS depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 130,000 ARS per month. That number can be get as low as 43,000 ARS or a high as 690,000 ARS. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 77,000 ARS to 1.4M ARS with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
