Cost of living varies... I am staying in Palermo which I think is one of the safest and nicest areas in the city. Appartments can be found from around $700 (1 Bedroom non-shared) but for something half decent its usually around $1000 per month.
That is probably the biggest cost and here are some examples of other things:
Food... from the supermarket really cheap unless it is an american brand and prices are equivalent. Decent beef ranges around $5/kilo.
Wine (decent bottle)... $4
Ciggarettes.. $1.25
1L bottle of beer... $1
Going out at night can get expensive as some places charge very high entrance fees (More than in canada - between $20-$30), but there are many options where you don't have to pay anything and they will have drink specials for 2 for like $8 (but they pour half/half so you actually get a real drink unlike in Canada).
Dinner in one of the nicer restaurants for 2 with good wine, steaks, apps, etc.... $65
Tickets to events...
Soccer game in the cheaper seats.. $10 (yes Milo, that was a River home game)
Largest electronic festival with 10 stages and international djs - $60
Madonna Concert - around $100
Other random things...
Private spanish tutor at your house... $10/hr (that might be high, but it includes travel time)
Cleaning lady... $3.50/hr
Laundry... $3 per large bag of clothes washed and folded
Taxis... haven't really paid more than $10 anywhere in the main parts of BsAs
Subway / City bus... $0.30
Can't really think of much more, but yes, some things are really cheap and apparently it was way cheaper 2 years ago.
As for safety... overall, yes I think it is, but I am staying in Palermo most of the time. I think if you are smart about it and are careful about where you go then you'll be fine. I know many people who have been robbed, one at gun point, and one kidnapped in a taxi for a short period of time... the taxi one was unavoidable, during the day and in one of the nicer areas, but just unlucky. They seem to target girls more than they do guys. The girl robbed at gunpoint was in La Boca (one of the worst areas) and she went off the part where you are supposed to go (really dumb IMO as they have police there telling you do not cross this path). There are police on almost every other corner in safer neighborhoods, but they aren't really paid that much so I've been told they can be part of the problem. Like anywhere, the city has its problems, but overall I feel pretty safe here. Safety is very important to me, and I would never have come back if I didn't feel that safe.
We are of course expecting a trip report after all of this.... If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing there? Knowing some of your background, I don't see the connection......
We are of course expecting a trip report after all of this.... If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing there? Knowing some of your background, I don't see the connection......
And you still take the time to come back and share with us here in frigid old Canada on the first day of spring. Very nice. Have a cold frosty beer for each and every one of us on the forum....Hmm, well... Have a great time.
Comments
That is probably the biggest cost and here are some examples of other things:
Food... from the supermarket really cheap unless it is an american brand and prices are equivalent. Decent beef ranges around $5/kilo.
Wine (decent bottle)... $4
Ciggarettes.. $1.25
1L bottle of beer... $1
Going out at night can get expensive as some places charge very high entrance fees (More than in canada - between $20-$30), but there are many options where you don't have to pay anything and they will have drink specials for 2 for like $8 (but they pour half/half so you actually get a real drink unlike in Canada).
Dinner in one of the nicer restaurants for 2 with good wine, steaks, apps, etc.... $65
Tickets to events...
Soccer game in the cheaper seats.. $10 (yes Milo, that was a River home game)
Largest electronic festival with 10 stages and international djs - $60
Madonna Concert - around $100
Other random things...
Private spanish tutor at your house... $10/hr (that might be high, but it includes travel time)
Cleaning lady... $3.50/hr
Laundry... $3 per large bag of clothes washed and folded
Taxis... haven't really paid more than $10 anywhere in the main parts of BsAs
Subway / City bus... $0.30
Can't really think of much more, but yes, some things are really cheap and apparently it was way cheaper 2 years ago.
As for safety... overall, yes I think it is, but I am staying in Palermo most of the time. I think if you are smart about it and are careful about where you go then you'll be fine. I know many people who have been robbed, one at gun point, and one kidnapped in a taxi for a short period of time... the taxi one was unavoidable, during the day and in one of the nicer areas, but just unlucky. They seem to target girls more than they do guys. The girl robbed at gunpoint was in La Boca (one of the worst areas) and she went off the part where you are supposed to go (really dumb IMO as they have police there telling you do not cross this path). There are police on almost every other corner in safer neighborhoods, but they aren't really paid that much so I've been told they can be part of the problem. Like anywhere, the city has its problems, but overall I feel pretty safe here. Safety is very important to me, and I would never have come back if I didn't feel that safe.
Avoiding winter.
Unfortunately I have been doing that so now I am on break... though today IS Friday
I run a course for $200,000 you TOO can be a Graham
Unfortunately this Sunday.
(it gets to 22 before I even see it...I am so excited about the future of OT on CPF)