Cost of Living in Bolivia - Updated Prices & Insights

32.6
Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $495 (excluding rent), and $799 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,108 (excluding rent), and $1,621 including rent.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.88 BOB 19.76
$1.73 BOB 11.86
$5.05 BOB 34.61
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$18.83 BOB 129
$11.68 BOB 80
$36.5 BOB 250
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.43 BOB 50.9
$5.94 BOB 40.69
$8.19 BOB 56.1
Cappuccino
$2.52 BOB 17.24
$1.41 BOB 9.69
$3.54 BOB 24.25
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.86 BOB 5.91
$0.57 BOB 3.9
$1.42 BOB 9.74
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.74 BOB 5.04
$0.59 BOB 4.06
$1.19 BOB 8.13
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.84 BOB 12.59
$1.27 BOB 8.73
$3.53 BOB 24.18
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.85 BOB 19.5
$2.14 BOB 14.66
$4.27 BOB 29.25
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.94 BOB 6.45
$0.7 BOB 4.8
$1.26 BOB 8.62
White Bread (500g)
$1.27 BOB 8.7
$0.59 BOB 4.04
$3.69 BOB 25.26
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.26 BOB 8.65
$0.75 BOB 5.14
$1.94 BOB 13.3
Eggs
$1.98 BOB 13.58
$1.25 BOB 8.54
$2.67 BOB 18.27
Local Cheese (1kg)
$4.81 BOB 32.93
$2.82 BOB 19.29
$7.04 BOB 48.23
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.75 BOB 25.7
$1.92 BOB 13.13
$5.88 BOB 40.28
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$6.19 BOB 42.4
$4.32 BOB 29.61
$8.65 BOB 59.3
Apples (1kg)
$2.21 BOB 15.17
$1.09 BOB 7.45
$3.52 BOB 24.15
Banana (1kg)
$1.01 BOB 6.89
$0.57 BOB 3.92
$1.72 BOB 11.75
Oranges (1kg)
$1.23 BOB 8.42
$0.45 BOB 3.06
$2.65 BOB 18.16
Tomato (1kg)
$1.26 BOB 8.64
$0.71 BOB 4.89
$2.19 BOB 15
Potato (1kg)
$1.16 BOB 7.95
$0.44 BOB 3.04
$1.61 BOB 11.06
Onion (1kg)
$0.91 BOB 6.25
$0.61 BOB 4.17
$1.52 BOB 10.41
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.79 BOB 5.39
$0.3 BOB 2.03
$1.48 BOB 10.14
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.08 BOB 7.38
$0.72 BOB 4.9
$1.42 BOB 9.73
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.75 BOB 18.82
$1.88 BOB 12.89
$3.18 BOB 21.75
Wine (Bottle)
$6.15 BOB 42.1
$2.89 BOB 19.79
$11.57 BOB 79.2
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.83 BOB 12.55
$1.33 BOB 9.13
$2.95 BOB 20.22
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.8 BOB 19.17
$1.48 BOB 10.15
$4.44 BOB 30.44
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.28 BOB 1.91
$0.28 BOB 1.91
$0.49 BOB 3.35
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$24.38 BOB 167
$17.21 BOB 118
$30.83 BOB 211
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.48 BOB 10.11
$0.74 BOB 5.09
$2.95 BOB 20.22
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.43 BOB 9.77
$1.33 BOB 9.1
$2.13 BOB 14.62
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$8.74 BOB 59.9
$5.1 BOB 34.91
$14.56 BOB 99.7
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.55 BOB 3.77
$0.53 BOB 3.63
$0.66 BOB 4.51
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$15.8K BOB 108K
$14.3K BOB 98.2K
$21.5K BOB 147.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$20.2K BOB 138.6K
$17.2K BOB 117.6K
$25K BOB 171.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$44.39 BOB 304
$21.89 BOB 150
$73 BOB 500
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$22.36 BOB 153
$14.54 BOB 99.6
$29.07 BOB 199
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$38.08 BOB 261
$22.01 BOB 151
$58.7 BOB 402
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$31.41 BOB 215
$14.77 BOB 101
$44.3 BOB 303
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$18.47 BOB 127
$11.77 BOB 80.6
$22.05 BOB 151
Cinema Ticket
$6.64 BOB 45.51
$5.17 BOB 35.4
$10.34 BOB 70.8
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$173 BOB 1,185
$87 BOB 596
$290 BOB 1,987
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$3,037 BOB 20.8K
$1,424 BOB 9,754
$5,980 BOB 41K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$36.39 BOB 249
$20.59 BOB 141
$58.8 BOB 403
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$50.1 BOB 343
$21.88 BOB 150
$87.5 BOB 600
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$72.6 BOB 497
$50.3 BOB 345
$88.8 BOB 608
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$59.6 BOB 408
$29.04 BOB 199
$116 BOB 796
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$364 BOB 2,494
$232 BOB 1,586
$698 BOB 4,784
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$251 BOB 1,720
$145 BOB 990
$434 BOB 2,970
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$669 BOB 4,586
$464 BOB 3,182
$1,161 BOB 7,954
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$472 BOB 3,234
$287 BOB 1,967
$1,187 BOB 8,134
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,131 BOB 7,748
$985 BOB 6,746
$1,429 BOB 9,787
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$929 BOB 6,361
$585 BOB 4,006
$1,574 BOB 10.8K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$409 BOB 2,803
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
7.45
6
12
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Cost of Living in Bolivia - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Bolivia for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to get the best value?
Bolivia offers strong value for money, especially when you balance housing, markets, and local services with a relaxed pace. In cities like La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz, costs vary by neighborhood and altitude, with smaller towns often cheaper and easier to navigate. Cost of Living in Bolivia varies by city and lifestyle, with imported goods and certain services higher, but everyday life – street food, public transport, and local utilities – can feel very approachable. Seasonal tourist pockets may shift prices, so timing matters if you are nomadic or planning a longer stay. Tip: Start with a central, well-connected base to test value before committing long term.
What does daily life look like in Bolivia for housing, food, transport, and errands when you're traveling or working remotely?
Daily life in Bolivia for you as a traveler or remote worker centers on neighborhoods that balance access and calm. Look for furnished apartments in well-connected areas to minimize commutes and simplify errands. Food options range from vibrant markets to casual eateries and cafes; cooking at home with fresh produce keeps costs predictable. Public transport plus occasional taxis or rideshare apps covers most trips, and many cities offer affordable coworking spaces with reliable internet. Seasonal crowds can influence availability, so book longer stays during shoulder periods if possible. Tip: Build a weekly routine that uses nearby markets and transit lines to keep daily costs steady.
What budgeting approach and neighborhood choices help you maximize quality of life in Bolivia, considering seasonality and local life?
To refine your budget and maximize quality of life, adopt a simple budgeting framework that separates essentials from discretionary spend. Track housing, groceries, transport, and utilities, then allocate a cushion for emergencies. Consider altitude and climate when choosing neighborhoods; La Paz's valley areas feel cooler and more urban, Cochabamba offers a balanced pace, and Santa Cruz tends to spread widely with newer districts. The Bolivia living cost can be moderate for long stays if you prioritize local services, street food, and public transit over imported goods. Tip: set a recurring review every month to adjust your plan as markets shift and seasons change.
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