Cost of Living in Bolivia

Updated: April 01, 2025

If you've ever considered moving to Bolivia, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Bolivia?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Bolivia and whether the reported $1108 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $458.18.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

Bolivia

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	2.88 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	20.0 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	6.84 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	1.73 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	3.45 $
Cappuccino (regular)	2.51 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	0.88 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	0.72 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	0.96 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	1.22 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	1.09 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	1.43 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	4.62 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	3.61 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	6.16 $
Apples (1 lb)	2.17 $
Banana (1 lb)	1.15 $
Oranges (1 lb)	1.24 $
Tomato (1 lb)	1.07 $
Potato (1 lb)	1.06 $
Onion (1 lb)	0.89 $
Lettuce (1 head)	0.68 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.98 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	5.76 $
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	1.82 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	2.65 $
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	2.88 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	0.29 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	30.94 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	1.44 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	1.44 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	7.19 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	0.55 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	15109.0 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	20360.51 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	36.65 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.21 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	53.83 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	39.77 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	13.83 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	6.48 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	192.47 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	3162.85 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	45.63 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	46.83 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	69.34 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	67.21 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	292.87 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	229.85 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	493.96 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	381.15 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	1115.39 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	831.0 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	458.18 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	7.47 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 2.88 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 20.0 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.96 USD, a loaf of bread 1.22 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.43 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.29 USD and a monthly pass around 30.94 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 36.65 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 39.77 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 13.83 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 192.47 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 3162.85 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 45.63 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 69.34 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 292.87 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 229.85 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1115.39 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 831.0 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 458.18 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 7.47% annually.

Warnings & Dangers in Bolivia

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Bolivia is somewhat safe to visit, though it has many dangers. You should be aware that tourist hotspots, restaurants, shops, and public transportation are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, and that violent crime exists on the streets, too.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Transportation is not very safe or reliable. Tourists are advised to avoid the Coronilla Hill in Cochabamba, near the main bus terminal, since this area is where the drug addicts and alcoholics gather and it's dangerous for both foreigners and locals. Common strikes affect the public transport, so it's not very reliable.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

As for pickpocketing, it is a recurring concern on the streets of Bolivia, but what is even more common is bag snatching, so be careful and hold your bags tightly by your side. Even better, keep your money and your valuables elsewhere, like in hidden pockets of your clothes and never ever keep all of your money in the same place.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Rainy season, especially in the mountainous areas can be a risky time for tourists, and you can expect floods and landslides from November to March in these regions.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

There have been cases of mugging and even kidnappings which usually involve criminals targeting a foreigner, taking them hostage and driving them to the nearest ATM to withdraw everything from their bank account. These kidnappings are most likely to occur include Plaza Abaroa, Plaza Humbolt, Plaza Isabel La Católica, Plaza del Estudiante, Plaza San Francisco, and the Altiplano, as well as the downtown area of the city.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

The risks of terrorist attacks in Bolivia are low, but since they shouldn't be ruled out, it is important that you remain vigilant at all times and aware of your surroundings. There are common demonstrations and you are advised to steer clear of them, since they might turn violent.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

There is a high risk of getting scammed. Don't fall for "non-uniformed policemen" trying to extort money from you. For official policemen, a copy of your passport and your Bolivian visa will be enough. If they turn aggressive towards you, scream to scare them away. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Many women have traveled to Bolivia and had nothing but great time. However, this country isn't the safest in terms of females traveling solo, especially at night and you should apply precaution measures at all times and avoid dark and empty streets and locations.

Cost of Living in Bolivia

Bolivia

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing