Rental prices in Buenos Aires have experienced significant increases, with the average cost of new contracts rising by 3.5% in the early part of the year. The acceleration in rental prices comes after a period of relatively moderate increases, indicating a shift in the market dynamics as the city enters 2026. Year on year, rents for new contracts have risen by 34.8%, outpacing the inflation rate of 32.4% as of January 2026, and also exceeding the adjustment inflation index (ICL) that stood at 33.9%. This escalating trend raises concerns about housing affordability in the city.

The rental market also showcases a widening gap between different types of apartments. The difference in price between a studio apartment and a two-room apartment is about 16%, with the two-room unit averaging $790,801. However, this gap expands drastically when comparing two-room apartments to three-room apartments, which average around $1,060,751, illustrating a 34% difference. This disparity highlights the growing challenges for renters, particularly in larger family households that require more space.

Certain neighborhoods in the city have reported notable increases in rental prices, indicating a localized rental boom within specific areas. The rising costs can have profound implications for those seeking housing in Buenos Aires, increasingly putting pressure on residents, especially those with fixed incomes, as the cost of living continues to climb well above general inflation rates, threatening the accessibility of affordable housing in the city.