Cost of Living in Cochabamba - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Cochabamba
Address: Cochabamba, BO

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $764 monthly including rent, or $513 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,184 with rent, or $775 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,605 including rent, or $1,037 for daily expenses alone.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.97 BOB 31.59

$2.08 BOB 22.11

$5.20 BOB 55.3

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$17.57 BOB 187

$11.71 BOB 125

$26.35 BOB 281

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.12 BOB 75.9

$8.56 BOB 91.1

Cappuccino

$2.57 BOB 27.35

$1.03 BOB 10.94

$2.92 BOB 31.10

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.68 BOB 7.21

$0.50 BOB 5.33

$0.85 BOB 9.10

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.62 BOB 6.60

$0.57 BOB 6.07

$0.72 BOB 7.64

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.79 BOB 19.03

$1.49 BOB 15.86

$2.98 BOB 31.71

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.27 BOB 34.86

$2.48 BOB 26.41

$4.37 BOB 46.52

Milk (1 liter)

$1.08 BOB 11.55

$0.89 BOB 9.48

$1.34 BOB 14.27

White Bread (500g)

$1.46 BOB 15.54

$0.45 BOB 4.82

$1.79 BOB 19.04

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.52 BOB 16.14

$1.13 BOB 12.08

$1.70 BOB 18.12

Eggs

$1.74 BOB 18.53

$1.25 BOB 13.30

$2.14 BOB 22.78

Local Cheese (1kg)

$4.80 BOB 51.1

$2.82 BOB 30.06

$6.36 BOB 67.7

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.47 BOB 36.93

$2.60 BOB 27.70

$4.91 BOB 52.3

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$7.28 BOB 77.5

$5.20 BOB 55.4

$8.92 BOB 95.0

Apples (1kg)

$2.47 BOB 26.28

$1.41 BOB 15.00

$3.53 BOB 37.56

Banana (1kg)

$1.03 BOB 10.97

$0.44 BOB 4.73

$1.46 BOB 15.60

Oranges (1kg)

$1.88 BOB 20.00

$0.45 BOB 4.76

$2.94 BOB 31.35

Tomato (1kg)

$1.64 BOB 17.42

$1.15 BOB 12.25

$2.22 BOB 23.65

Potato (1kg)

$1.76 BOB 18.75

$0.65 BOB 6.90

$2.64 BOB 28.12

Onion (1kg)

$0.96 BOB 10.17

$0.31 BOB 3.32

$1.41 BOB 15.05

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.20 BOB 12.77

$0.72 BOB 7.71

$1.44 BOB 15.31

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.00 BOB 10.65

$0.57 BOB 6.05

$1.42 BOB 15.13

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.57 BOB 27.39

$2.15 BOB 22.88

$2.86 BOB 30.43

Wine (Bottle)

$8.42 BOB 89.6

$4.20 BOB 44.76

$11.21 BOB 119

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.24 BOB 23.82

$1.44 BOB 15.35

$2.88 BOB 30.70

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.69 BOB 39.35

$2.15 BOB 22.94

$5.02 BOB 53.4

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.30 BOB 3.20

$0.46 BOB 4.86

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.48 BOB 15.76

$1.18 BOB 12.61

$2.96 BOB 31.52

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.48 BOB 15.81

$1.38 BOB 14.72

$1.48 BOB 15.81

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$7.37 BOB 78.5

$8.86 BOB 94.3

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.54 BOB 5.73

$0.52 BOB 5.53

$0.74 BOB 7.88

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$22.5K BOB 239.7K

$14.0K BOB 149.3K

$31.0K BOB 330.1K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$18.3K BOB 194.8K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$46.48 BOB 495

$19.16 BOB 204

$73.3 BOB 780

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$22.52 BOB 240

$8.78 BOB 93.5

$29.26 BOB 312

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$47.80 BOB 509

$35.87 BOB 382

$56.0 BOB 596

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$46.80 BOB 498

$29.56 BOB 315

$51.7 BOB 551

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$16.45 BOB 175

$11.45 BOB 122

$21.47 BOB 229

Cinema Ticket

$4.98 BOB 53.1

$5.69 BOB 60.6

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$250 BOB 2,667

$202 BOB 2,154

$289 BOB 3,077

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,418 BOB 47.1K

$3,488 BOB 37.1K

$4,884 BOB 52.0K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$41.07 BOB 437

$20.27 BOB 216

$51.5 BOB 548

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$47.91 BOB 510

$44.23 BOB 471

$51.6 BOB 550

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$71.2 BOB 758

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$94.7 BOB 1,009

$50.4 BOB 536

$117 BOB 1,245

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$306 BOB 3,256

$233 BOB 2,481

$408 BOB 4,341

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$191 BOB 2,039

$87.3 BOB 929

$262 BOB 2,788

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$494 BOB 5,265

$436 BOB 4,646

$611 BOB 6,504

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$371 BOB 3,946

$334 BOB 3,559

$436 BOB 4,642

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,211 BOB 12.9K

$997 BOB 10.6K

$1,425 BOB 15.2K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$899 BOB 9,570

$702 BOB 7,473

$1,002 BOB 10.7K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$562 BOB 5,987

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

7.5

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: July 12, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $306 for a central one-bedroom, or $191 outside the center. At 54% of the average salary ($562), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $562, while typical expenses reach $764. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $186 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $18.00 for two.

Cost Highlights

Cochabamba has the 5th most expensive imported beer in South America

Gym membership is more expensive than 96% of cities in South America

Gasoline is cheaper than 95% of cities in South America

Cochabamba Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

Cost of Living in Cochabamba - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Cochabamba, Bolivia often feels approachable for travelers, remote workers, and newcomers. You’ll find affordable rents in several neighborhoods and a thriving market scene with fresh produce at reasonable prices. Public transport is practical, and a shorter city footprint makes walking and biking viable. The climate and slower pace add value for longer stays, while a good mix of cafes, parks, and services supports everyday life. For budgeting, test a few central areas before locking into a lease and compare utilities and internet costs. Tip: start with a short-term stay in a central neighborhood to test daily life before committing.

Daily life in Cochabamba blends practicality with easy access to goods and services. Housing options span central Sopocachi apartments to quieter hillside studios; check water pressure, electrical reliability, and sound levels before signing. Food comes from markets and casual eateries offering hearty Bolivian staples and affordable coffee. Transport relies on colectivos and buses, with ridesharing handy for late hours or coworking sessions. For errands, you’ll find well-stocked markets, pharmacies, and clinics within reach of major neighborhoods. If you work remotely, look for places with reliable Wi‑Fi and quiet corners in cafes. Tip: map a two‑week scouting plan to compare neighborhoods by pace, safety, and proximity to your daily routes. Cochabamba, Bolivia living cost shapes your search.

Quality of life here hinges on fit as much as finances. A simple budgeting framework – rent, utilities, groceries, transport, and personal care – keeps you aligned with your priorities. Use a monthly plan that splits expenses by neighborhood, then adjust as you test routines. The climate is mild most of the year, so plan outdoor activities and energy use accordingly. To save, pick a stable, energy-efficient apartment, cook at home when possible, and take advantage of local markets for fresh ingredients. Neighborhood vibes vary from lively central zones to quieter hillsides; choose based on noise, walkability, and access to coworking. Tip: set a weekly review to track spend and shift habits before things drift.

Your money goes further in Cochabamba than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $764 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.

With 54% of the average paycheck going to rent, Cochabamba is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.

Earning $1,145 monthly in Cochabamba means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.

Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Cochabamba range from $191 to $306, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.

Childcare averages $250 monthly at a private kindergarten in Cochabamba. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.

Groceries in Cochabamba cost around $186 monthly – well below what you'd pay in most cities. Fresh produce, staples, and locally made goods are all well-priced, so eating well on a budget is straightforward here.

$1,200 stretches far in Cochabamba – all-in monthly costs average only $764. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.

Living in Cochabamba means access to vibrant nightlife, wellness scene, great local cuisine at about $764 per month including rent. It works for a wide range of budgets, and most residents find the lifestyle-to-cost balance appealing. Your experience will depend on priorities like climate, culture, and career.

Monthly expenses in Cochabamba run around $764, so putting money aside takes more than $1,145 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

Budget travelers love Cochabamba – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $764 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.