Are you considering living in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world with 82,615 inhabitants?

As its famous slogan says, “Ushuaia: end of the world, beginning of everything,” this unique place offers much more than stunning landscapes.

After exploring Tierra del Fuego and speaking with local residents, we discovered that life in Ushuaia combines exceptional tranquility and safety. On one hand, “there is no violence; urban development has grown, but it still has the mindset of a small town—no one is going to rob you on the street.” However, there are also practical challenges, such as the cost of living and “a climate that is very hard to predict.” It is also important to consider that this city—founded on October 12, 1884, and whose name means “bay that faces the west” in the Yámana language—has a fascinating history that has shaped its current identity.

In this complete guide, we analyze all practical aspects for those considering living and working in Ushuaia in 2025: from finding a job and securing housing to adapting to the climate and understanding the real advantages and disadvantages of settling at the end of the world.

What Living in Ushuaia Is Really Like in 2025

According to a recent CONICET ranking, Ushuaia is the third city in Argentina with the best quality of life and one of the five places where residents report feeling the happiest. However, everyday life comes with its nuances.

The subantarctic climate sets the pace. With an average annual temperature of 5°C, cool summers rarely exceed 20°C, while winter temperatures can drop to -5°C. This climate leads to a lesser-known issue: vitamin D deficiency due to limited sun exposure, making supplements necessary.

Daylight varies drastically throughout the year: in summer, there is light until 11 p.m., with sunrise around 3 a.m.; in winter, the sun may rise at 9:30 a.m. and set by 5:30 p.m. During heavy snowfall, mobility becomes difficult—especially uphill or downhill—making winter tires essential.

Although safety is one of the biggest advantages of living in Ushuaia, housing costs pose a significant challenge. Two-bedroom apartments range from 750,000 to 1,300,000 pesos (2025 updated), and despite the high prices, the available housing stock is often of low quality.

In the labor market, Ushuaia offers full employment—anyone who wants to work can find a job—but many positions are temporary, especially in factories where contracts are well paid but uncertain. Tourism remains in high demand during the summer season, from October/November to March.

The city also faces urban planning challenges due to rapid population growth. Vertical expansion is changing Ushuaia’s character, generating tension between tourism development and local residents’ needs.

How to Plan Your Move to Ushuaia in 2025

Planning a move to the southernmost city in the world requires time and organization. It’s essential to begin preparations at least 2–3 weeks in advance to avoid setbacks and reduce stress.

Documentation is key to legally settling in Ushuaia. You will need your updated DNI and a residency certificate proving 4 years of uninterrupted residence (2 years for people with disabilities). Families must also include children’s birth certificates and marriage or civil union documents as needed.

When choosing a moving company, look for companies experienced in transporting goods to remote regions like Tierra del Fuego. Request written, detailed estimates and verify that the company is properly registered and insured.

For transportation, the Malvinas Argentinas International Airport is only 5 km from the city. However, it is important to know that there is no public transport connecting the airport to downtown, so you will need to take a taxi, remis, or shuttle service.

Packing requires special attention due to Ushuaia’s extreme weather. Use high-quality materials and properly protect fragile items. Label each box with its contents and destination room to make the unpacking process easier.

You should also consider the weather when scheduling your move. If possible, avoid rainy days or heavy snowfall that could complicate transportation and unloading.

Lastly, set aside essential items—important documents, medications, warm clothing, and basic necessities for the first days in your new home.

Finding a Job and Establishing Yourself Professionally

Tierra del Fuego’s job market offers an interesting landscape for those looking to build a professional life. The province ranks among the regions with the highest private-sector salaries in Argentina—an important factor for those thinking of living and working in Ushuaia.

The employment rate stands at 47.4%, with about 86,000 people employed. Unemployment (7%) is below the national average (7.9%), although it is the highest in the Patagonian region.

For 2025, the sectors with the greatest labor demand are sustainability, healthcare, new technologies, and tourism. This reflects growing environmental awareness and technological development shaping the Fuegian job market.

If you are job hunting, the Municipal Office of Employment and Job Training offers training in various trades and employment mediation services. This agency conducts job-history interviews to connect unemployed individuals or first-time job seekers with employers, offering candidate pre-selection based on requested profiles.

Ushuaia also presents opportunities for entrepreneurs. The Municipality organizes monthly fairs where local producers can showcase and sell their products. The Secretariat for Local Development and SMEs provides tools to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity, such as the Entrepreneurial Behavior Workshops and Business Plan Workshops.

Although the labor landscape has become more complex in recent years, opportunities are still available.

Housing, Climate, and Social Life: What No One Tells You

Daily life in Ushuaia presents unique challenges that every future resident should be aware of. The housing market has undergone major changes, with a notable increase in available properties due to short-term rentals returning to the long-term market.

The Municipality is actively working on housing solutions and delivered nearly 500 plots for single-family homes last year. However, access to construction loans remains difficult, as banks require property titles that, under current regulations, are only granted after construction is complete.

The extreme climate is another determining factor. During polar cold waves, temperatures can drop to -15°C, and even below -20°C in certain mountainous areas. Conditions can change dramatically throughout the day—sun, rain, and wind often occur in quick succession. Dressing in layers is essential for regulating body temperature.

The social environment offers a positive counterbalance to these challenges. The city has a vibrant cultural agenda thanks to organizations such as the Sembrando Cultura cooperative. There is also strong community pride in local figures, such as tennis player Valentín Garay, whose path has become an inspiration.