Cost of Living in Vilcabamba - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $594 (excluding rent), and $897 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,297 (excluding rent), and $1,910 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.27 $3.27

$3.01 $3.01

$4.02 $4.02

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$34.78 $34.78

$29.81 $29.81

$47.7 $47.7

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.37 $7.37

$6.88 $6.88

$8.84 $8.84

Cappuccino

$2.11 $2.11

$1.99 $1.99

$2.49 $2.49

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

$1.03 $1.03

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.88 $0.88

$0.48 $0.48

$1.44 $1.44

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.94 $1.94

$1.46 $1.46

$1.94 $1.94

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.57 $3.57

$3.06 $3.06

$3.57 $3.57

Milk (1 liter)

$0.97 $0.97

$0.82 $0.82

$1.18 $1.18

White Bread (500g)

$1.94 $1.94

$0.97 $0.97

$2.91 $2.91

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.35 $1.35

$1.34 $1.34

$1.36 $1.36

Eggs

$2.27 $2.27

$1.53 $1.53

$3.67 $3.67

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.2 $7.2

$3.4 $3.4

$12.86 $12.86

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.05 $6.05

$2.58 $2.58

$8.9 $8.9

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$7.25 $7.25

$5.62 $5.62

$9 $9

Apples (1kg)

$2.47 $2.47

$0.99 $0.99

$4.35 $4.35

Banana (1kg)

$1.27 $1.27

$0.76 $0.76

$1.53 $1.53

Oranges (1kg)

$1.72 $1.72

$1.48 $1.48

$1.97 $1.97

Tomato (1kg)

$1.03 $1.03

$0.78 $0.78

$1.29 $1.29

Potato (1kg)

$0.97 $0.97

$0.87 $0.87

$1.07 $1.07

Onion (1kg)

$0.98 $0.98

$0.88 $0.88

$1.08 $1.08

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.77 $0.77

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.02 $1.02

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.41 $6.41

$6.15 $6.15

$6.66 $6.66

Wine (Bottle)

$9.97 $9.97

$7.97 $7.97

$11.96 $11.96

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.62 $1.62

$1.54 $1.54

$1.79 $1.79

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.54 $2.54

$2.03 $2.03

$3.05 $3.05

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.35 $0.35

$0.33 $0.33

$0.46 $0.46

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.53 $1.53

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.92 $0.92

$0.74 $0.74

$1.97 $1.97

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$10.02 $10.02

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.7 $0.7

$0.69 $0.69

$0.73 $0.73

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

$19.7K $19.7K

$17.7K $17.7K

$24.6K $24.6K

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

$27.1K $27.1K

$19.8K $19.8K

$29.7K $29.7K

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

$56.7 $56.7

$23.19 $23.19

$56.7 $56.7

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

$13.28 $13.28

$9.96 $9.96

$19.92 $19.92

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$35.08 $35.08

$23.39 $23.39

$45.76 $45.76

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$29.47 $29.47

$24.56 $24.56

$34.39 $34.39

Cinema Ticket

$7.11 $7.11

$5.93 $5.93

$9.89 $9.89

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

$257 $257

$186 $186

$337 $337

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,662 $5,662

$3,006 $3,006

$8,067 $8,067

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$80.5 $80.5

$25.14 $25.14

$90.5 $90.5

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$19.79 $19.79

$59.4 $59.4

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$98.2 $98.2

$70.8 $70.8

$142 $142

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$74.1 $74.1

$29.62 $29.62

$88.9 $88.9

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$337 $337

$199 $199

$598 $598

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$331 $331

$153 $153

$561 $561

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$637 $637

$459 $459

$943 $943

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$581 $581

$404 $404

$834 $834

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,289 $1,289

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,062 $1,062

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$432 $432

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

10.6

12.5

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

Last update: November 29, 2025

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Cost of Living in Vilcabamba - Frequently Asked Questions

Vilcabamba sits at a lower price tier compared with major Andean capitals, making it appealing for travelers, retirees, and remote workers who want a relaxed rhythm without sacrificing access to reliable internet, markets, and cafe culture. The charm and climate draw long-stay visitors, yet you can still find both modest rooms and boutique options. If you are mindful about where you spend, you’ll usually get good value: short-term rents can be flexible, meals range from simple to hearty, and activities-costs stay reasonable. Cost of Living in Vilcabamba signals a lifestyle trade‑off between simplicity and proximity to nature, ideal for slow-paced routines. Tip: scout neighborhoods during weekdays to gauge noise and convenience.

Expect a straightforward housing hunt: look for small casitas near the town center or tucked along hillside roads; negotiated rents for longer stays are common. Market days bring fresh fruit, vegetables, and bread that keep food costs reasonable, while dining out offers a mix of simple plates and vegetarian options. For transport, many residents get by on foot or bike, with occasional taxis or shuttle runs to nearby trails. Co-working options exist with fast enough Wi‑Fi for daily tasks, calls, and collaboration. Vilcabamba living cost is influenced by how close you want to be to the main plaza and the quiet hours you require. Tip: set a weekly budget and track nonessential spends.

Think in seasons and neighborhoods. The dry-season months may bring more outdoor activity; rainy season changes daily routines and costs (e.g., laundry energy costs). Build a simple budgeting framework: fixed essentials, flexible lifestyle funds, and a contingency for surprises like trips or repairs. Neighborhood fit matters: central Vilcabamba offers cafes, markets, and social life, while outskirts give more space and greenery. Save by cooking at home, buying in bulk when possible, and using local transport. Compare with nearby towns in terms of pace and access to services to calibrate expectations. Tip: Start with a short stay to test neighborhoods and you’ll refine your budget over time.