City Profile
Quines, San Luis
Argentina · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Quines is a vibrant town and municipality located in the Ayacucho Department in the northern part of San Luis Province, Argentina. Nestled at the foothills of the San Luis sierras and crossed by the Quines River, it serves as an essential regional hub sitting at the junction of National Routes 20 and 79. Founded in the 18th century, the town carries a rich historical identity and is widely recognized across the province as the capital of traditional mate celebrations and artisanal woodworking. Today, Quines blends its historic heritage with steady regional growth, attracting new residents looking for a tranquil yet connected semi-rural lifestyle.
San Luis, Argentina, is the capital of its province, offering a blend of urban amenities and natural surroundings at the foot of the Sierras Grandes. The economy is primarily driven by irrigated agriculture, including corn, sorghum, sunflowers, figs, and asparagus, alongside cattle raising, food processing, and mining of tungsten, basalt, salt, granite, and onyx. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate bordering on semi-arid, with hot, humid summers and cool, dry winters, and boasts around 330 days of sunshine annually. Living in San Luis is considered relatively inexpensive, with an average cost of living around $740 per month, making it one of the least expensive cities globally, though the median after-tax salary of $500 may only cover living expenses for a limited period.
How this 76/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 78 / 100 | 78.0 | 30% | 23.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 42.0 | 100.0 | 25% | 25.0 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $7,200 Income needed to live here: $4,800 Unemployment rate: 6.5% | 65.6 | 20% | 13.1 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.2% Job growth rate: 1.8% | 55.5 | 15% | 8.3 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 62 / 100 | 62.0 | 10% | 6.2 |
| Overall score | 76.1 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (ungrounded) (q=55, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
17 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Quines is notably lower than the national metropolitan averages, making it an appealing destination for individuals seeking affordability. Everyday expenses such as local produce, fresh market items, and basic services remain highly economical due to the region's agricultural surroundings and smaller-scale economy. While imported goods and certain manufactured products carry standard national pricing, housing and dining out require significantly smaller budgets compared to major Argentine urban centers like Buenos Aires or Córdoba.
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Quines's local economy is driven primarily by traditional regional industries, including forestry, wood processing, local agriculture, and commerce serving the northern San Luis corridor. Public administration and community services also account for a substantial portion of local employment, supported by provincial government initiatives to spur regional development. Although industrial manufacturing is more concentrated in San Luis capital and Villa Mercedes, Quines maintains active local trade and micro-enterprises. Remote work has also gained a modest foothold among professionals drawn to the area's peaceful environment and improving digital infrastructure.
The average salary in Quines is $6,500 per year. You would need approximately $4,800 to live comfortably.
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Getting around Quines is primarily done on foot, by bicycle, or via personal vehicle due to the compact nature of the town. It functions as a vital regional transit junction, with National Routes 20 and 79 providing direct bus connections to other parts of San Luis and neighboring provinces. While local public transit lines within the town are limited, interurban bus services effectively link residents to larger regional hubs.
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