Last update: Oct 2026 Bolivia 856.2K

Cost of Living in Cochabamba

Name: Cochabamba
Address: Cochabamba, BO

For one person, living costs in Cochabamba are estimated at $448 a month, including rent and utilities – 15% below the national average. Rent and utilities take about a third of the total.

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Cochabamba

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Cochabamba

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Cochabamba actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $448 monthly including rent, or $315 excluding housing.

$448 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $701 with rent, or $506 without housing.

$701 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $955 including rent, or $698 for daily expenses alone.

$955 /mo

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$1.65 BOB 19.20

$1.08 BOB 12.50

$2.48 BOB 28.74

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$10.17 BOB 118

$6.78 BOB 78.7

$15.26 BOB 177

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$5.09 BOB 59.1

$4.25 BOB 49.29

$5.09 BOB 59.1

Cappuccino

$1.54 BOB 17.84

$0.60 BOB 6.93

$2.13 BOB 24.77

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

$0.44 BOB 5.15

$0.31 BOB 3.60

$0.87 BOB 10.07

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.40 BOB 4.69

$0.26 BOB 3.01

$0.79 BOB 9.15

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.03 BOB 11.91

$0.77 BOB 8.97

$2.14 BOB 24.89

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.74 BOB 20.15

$1.47 BOB 17.05

$2.60 BOB 30.16

Milk (1 liter)

$0.61 BOB 7.04

$0.52 BOB 6.09

$0.78 BOB 9.07

White Bread (500g)

$0.72 BOB 8.38

$0.24 BOB 2.83

$0.99 BOB 11.44

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.08 BOB 12.59

$0.67 BOB 7.78

$1.50 BOB 17.40

Eggs

$1.04 BOB 12.10

$0.93 BOB 10.84

$1.20 BOB 13.92

Local Cheese (1kg)

$2.88 BOB 33.42

$2.49 BOB 28.86

$3.73 BOB 43.35

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.13 BOB 24.71

$1.48 BOB 17.15

$2.79 BOB 32.39

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.42 BOB 51.3

$3.00 BOB 34.81

$6.01 BOB 69.7

Apples (1kg)

$1.51 BOB 17.49

$0.83 BOB 9.67

$2.09 BOB 24.28

Banana (1kg)

$0.71 BOB 8.20

$0.40 BOB 4.65

$0.96 BOB 11.19

Oranges (1kg)

$1.14 BOB 13.27

$0.26 BOB 2.96

$1.72 BOB 20.02

Tomato (1kg)

$0.98 BOB 11.40

$0.70 BOB 8.08

$1.33 BOB 15.44

Potato (1kg)

$0.88 BOB 10.26

$0.38 BOB 4.42

$1.56 BOB 18.14

Onion (1kg)

$0.66 BOB 7.70

$0.19 BOB 2.15

$0.82 BOB 9.51

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.61 BOB 7.06

$0.41 BOB 4.71

$0.81 BOB 9.42

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.71 BOB 8.19

$0.35 BOB 4.10

$0.87 BOB 10.12

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.55 BOB 18.04

$1.30 BOB 15.07

$1.73 BOB 20.05

Wine (Bottle)

$5.04 BOB 58.6

$2.52 BOB 29.28

$6.73 BOB 78.1

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.20 BOB 13.98

$0.86 BOB 9.95

$1.72 BOB 20.02

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.00 BOB 23.26

$0.78 BOB 9.02

$3.02 BOB 35.00

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.26 BOB 3.03

$0.22 BOB 2.55

$0.26 BOB 3.03

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.45 BOB 16.82

$1.24 BOB 14.43

$1.65 BOB 19.21

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.86 BOB 10.01

$0.81 BOB 9.41

$1.47 BOB 17.04

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$4.18 BOB 48.47

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.48 BOB 5.59

$0.33 BOB 3.81

$0.60 BOB 7.02

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

$17.4K BOB 202.4K

$17.0K BOB 197.5K

$17.9K BOB 207.4K

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

$31.39 BOB 364

$10.90 BOB 126

$41.64 BOB 483

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

$17.61 BOB 204

$5.15 BOB 59.8

$21.48 BOB 249

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$23.38 BOB 271

$15.39 BOB 179

$33.35 BOB 387

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$21.74 BOB 252

$16.57 BOB 192

$24.85 BOB 289

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$4.34 BOB 50.4

$1.74 BOB 20.19

$6.94 BOB 80.6

Cinema Ticket

$3.00 BOB 34.82

$2.57 BOB 29.86

$3.44 BOB 39.90

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

$111 BOB 1,292

$42.80 BOB 497

$171 BOB 1,988

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$3,444 BOB 40.0K

$2,864 BOB 33.3K

$4,603 BOB 53.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$40.64 BOB 472

$29.43 BOB 342

$50.4 BOB 586

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$21.41 BOB 249

$17.12 BOB 199

$25.69 BOB 298

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$37.71 BOB 438

$33.52 BOB 389

$41.89 BOB 486

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$55.1 BOB 640

$42.38 BOB 492

$67.8 BOB 787

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$158 BOB 1,829

$83.8 BOB 973

$235 BOB 2,724

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$102 BOB 1,183

$42.45 BOB 493

$153 BOB 1,774

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$306 BOB 3,551

$250 BOB 2,899

$350 BOB 4,059

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$225 BOB 2,615

$192 BOB 2,228

$250 BOB 2,906

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$858 BOB 9,964

$721 BOB 8,372

$1,005 BOB 11.7K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$677 BOB 7,857

$419 BOB 4,863

$1,013 BOB 11.8K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$389 BOB 4,515

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

8.17

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

Last update: October 11, 2026

Monthly budget structure

Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.

Cochabamba $448

Groceries & Markets

$111 24.7%

Accommodation & Living

$102 22.7%

Monthly Utilities & Internet

$72 16.2%

Clothing & Footwear

$70 15.6%

Eating Out

$59 13.2%

Sport & Entertainment

$28 6.2%

Getting Around

$6.8 * 1.5%

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $158 for a central one-bedroom, or $102 outside the center. At 41% of the average salary ($389), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $389, while typical expenses reach $448. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $111 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $10.00 for two.

Cost Highlights

Cochabamba has the 2nd cheapest eggs in South America

Cochabamba has the 4th cheapest milk in South America

Cochabamba has the 4th cheapest meal at budget restaurant in South America

Good to know

🕒 Local time

04:26 4:26 AM

🌤 Weather

👥 Population

856,198

💱 Currency

Bolivian Boliviano BOB Bs.

📈 Exchange rate

100 BOB = 8.61 USD

100 BOB = 7.66 EUR

Exchange rates and currency converter

On the map

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Cochabamba

Distances are measured in a straight line. Your location is detected approximately.

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

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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 $448 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.

With 41% 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 $672 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 $102 to $158, 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 $111 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 $111 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 $448. 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 $448 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 $448, so putting money aside takes more than $672 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 $448 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.