Cost of Living in Santa Cruz - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Santa Cruz
Address: Santa Cruz, BO

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $802 per month with rent, or $495 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,332 per month with rent, or $887 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,862 per month with rent, or $1,280 without housing.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.88 BOB 30.62

$2.16 BOB 23.02

$3.60 BOB 38.33

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$26.73 BOB 285

$14.36 BOB 153

$43.07 BOB 459

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.20 BOB 76.7

$5.76 BOB 61.3

$7.49 BOB 79.7

Cappuccino

$2.85 BOB 30.34

$1.49 BOB 15.88

$5.22 BOB 55.6

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

$0.78 BOB 8.32

$0.43 BOB 4.57

$1.42 BOB 15.07

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.66 BOB 6.99

$0.42 BOB 4.46

$0.97 BOB 10.34

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.43 BOB 15.26

$1.29 BOB 13.78

$1.94 BOB 20.62

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.94 BOB 20.65

$1.63 BOB 17.38

$2.16 BOB 22.97

Milk (1 liter)

$1.09 BOB 11.56

$0.86 BOB 9.14

$1.43 BOB 15.23

White Bread (500g)

$1.35 BOB 14.39

$0.57 BOB 6.05

$3.55 BOB 37.85

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.30 BOB 13.84

$0.58 BOB 6.13

$1.73 BOB 18.38

Eggs

$1.76 BOB 18.70

$1.28 BOB 13.61

$2.04 BOB 21.71

Local Cheese (1kg)

$4.75 BOB 50.5

$2.21 BOB 23.49

$9.54 BOB 102

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.04 BOB 43.01

$2.15 BOB 22.92

$7.16 BOB 76.2

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.29 BOB 67.0

$4.32 BOB 45.99

$8.65 BOB 92.1

Apples (1kg)

$2.70 BOB 28.79

$1.44 BOB 15.35

$3.61 BOB 38.42

Banana (1kg)

$0.97 BOB 10.29

$0.46 BOB 4.87

$1.51 BOB 16.04

Oranges (1kg)

$1.15 BOB 12.21

$0.72 BOB 7.68

$1.43 BOB 15.26

Tomato (1kg)

$1.03 BOB 10.99

$0.74 BOB 7.87

$1.17 BOB 12.50

Potato (1kg)

$0.91 BOB 9.73

$0.69 BOB 7.40

$1.38 BOB 14.70

Onion (1kg)

$1.00 BOB 10.63

$0.59 BOB 6.29

$1.48 BOB 15.73

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.79 BOB 8.42

$0.30 BOB 3.17

$1.19 BOB 12.68

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.11 BOB 11.78

$0.71 BOB 7.61

$1.85 BOB 19.70

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.24 BOB 23.85

Wine (Bottle)

$7.30 BOB 77.7

$3.65 BOB 38.87

$10.95 BOB 117

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.41 BOB 15.03

$1.13 BOB 12.02

$1.69 BOB 18.03

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.03 BOB 21.66

$1.47 BOB 15.70

$4.42 BOB 47.10

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.30 BOB 3.15

$0.28 BOB 2.94

$0.42 BOB 4.47

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$21.01 BOB 224

$11.40 BOB 121

$30.62 BOB 326

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.95 BOB 31.42

$1.48 BOB 15.71

$2.95 BOB 31.42

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.43 BOB 15.23

$2.14 BOB 22.79

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$7.42 BOB 79.0

$5.20 BOB 55.4

$8.91 BOB 94.9

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.58 BOB 6.20

$0.56 BOB 5.98

$0.70 BOB 7.42

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

$29.1K BOB 310.2K

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

$27.4K BOB 291.7K

$36.0K BOB 383.8K

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

$55.4 BOB 590

$36.92 BOB 393

$120 BOB 1,282

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

$22.26 BOB 237

$20.66 BOB 220

$28.49 BOB 303

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$33.17 BOB 353

$15.87 BOB 169

$43.30 BOB 461

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$32.35 BOB 345

$17.53 BOB 187

$43.83 BOB 467

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$21.67 BOB 231

Cinema Ticket

$7.37 BOB 78.5

$5.90 BOB 62.8

$13.28 BOB 141

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

$203 BOB 2,161

$103 BOB 1,093

$293 BOB 3,124

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,245 BOB 45.2K

$1,464 BOB 15.6K

$6,148 BOB 65.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$42.54 BOB 453

$21.50 BOB 229

$80.3 BOB 855

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$47.82 BOB 509

$21.52 BOB 229

$86.1 BOB 917

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$84.2 BOB 896

$50.7 BOB 540

$94.2 BOB 1,003

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$59.8 BOB 637

$35.61 BOB 379

$128 BOB 1,366

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$415 BOB 4,415

$295 BOB 3,147

$713 BOB 7,591

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$258 BOB 2,747

$175 BOB 1,862

$382 BOB 4,065

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$739 BOB 7,867

$561 BOB 5,972

$1,150 BOB 12.3K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$643 BOB 6,849

$433 BOB 4,614

$1,194 BOB 12.7K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,502 BOB 16.0K

$1,277 BOB 13.6K

$1,987 BOB 21.2K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$988 BOB 10.5K

$652 BOB 6,947

$1,968 BOB 21.0K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$475 BOB 5,061

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.67

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

Last update: July 11, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $415, dropping to $258 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 87% of the average salary ($475) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $475 – below monthly costs of $802. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $166 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $27.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $21.01.

Cost Highlights

Gasoline is cheaper than 95% of cities in South America

Meal at budget restaurant is cheaper than 94% of cities in South America

Public transport monthly pass is cheaper than 93% of cities in South America

Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Santa Cruz, Bolivia sits mid-range for the region, offering a balance between urban conveniences and more affordable lifestyle choices. For travelers and digital nomads, the city often feels approachable without sacrificing access to coworking spaces, reliable internet, and lively markets. Local neighborhoods vary from leafy central districts to up-and-coming peripheral areas, which affects rent and monthly expenses in a practical way. Food, public transport, and everyday services tend to be reasonable, with shopping at mercados and street food options adding value. The city can be friendlier on the budget compared with larger capitals, especially if you favor longer stays and mid-range housing. Tip: Start with a 2-4 week housing trial in a central neighborhood to gauge your true expenses.

Santa Cruz, Bolivia living cost helps you plan days around housing, meals, and transport. Housing search tends to blend short-term stays and longer leases in areas like Equipetrol or the historic center, with a quick test period recommended. Groceries mix mercados for fresh produce with modern supermarkets for staples. For getting around, buses cover main routes while taxis and rideshare apps offer door-to-door options; many people also enjoy casual walks in safer neighborhoods. Co-working spaces with reliable Wi-Fi are common, and errands usually go smoothly at local banks, clinics, and markets. Tip: Prioritize neighborhoods that match your routine and commute.

Quality of life in Santa Cruz, Bolivia hinges on balancing budgets with a relaxed pace and outdoor access. Use a simple monthly framework: fixed housing, variable groceries, transport, and leisure. Leverage prominent weekend markets for value and diversify your meals with traditional staples and modern finds. Seasonality affects outdoor activities more than prices, with the rainy season shifting plans indoors occasionally; plan for sun-heavy days and occasional downpours. Neighborhood fit matters: seek walkable cores for daily errands or leafy outskirts for calmer mornings. Tip: build a short list of three favorite neighborhoods and test commute times before committing long-term.

By most standards, Santa Cruz is a budget-friendly place to live. Total monthly costs with rent usually land around $802, and both housing and daily expenses fall below global averages. It's a solid pick for remote workers, long-term travelers, or anyone watching their spending.

Housing in Santa Cruz takes a heavy bite – about 87% of a typical income, which is above the 30% international benchmark. That squeezes the budget for everything else and is one of the main pain points for residents here.

In Santa Cruz, $1,202 per month is what most people would call a good salary. It handles rent, food, and utilities with enough left for savings and the occasional splurge. Above that, you unlock better apartments and more freedom with spending.

Rent is one of the biggest advantages of living in Santa Cruz – 1-bedroom apartments range from $258 to $415 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.

Groceries in Santa Cruz are cheap – a single person spends about $166 per month. Local markets and budget supermarkets push costs even lower. Food is one of the city's strongest affordability points.

Public transport in Santa Cruz costs about $21.01 per month – usually unlimited rides on buses, metro, or trams within the main zone. Much cheaper than owning a car, and the practical choice for most residents.

$1,000 a month in Santa Cruz? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $802, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.

Santa Cruz has become a go-to for digital nomads thanks to vibrant nightlife, wellness scene, café culture. At around $802 monthly all-in, the value is strong for the infrastructure and lifestyle you get. Coworking spaces, solid internet, and a growing international crowd make remote work here both productive and social.

Santa Cruz is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $802 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.

Santa Cruz is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $802 monthly, and even short-term visitors on tight budgets can stretch their money. Cheap hostels, affordable street food, budget transport, and free attractions make it easy to explore without overspending.