CostLens
HomeBolivia › San Rafael

Cost of Living in San Rafael

San Rafael, Santa Cruz, Bolivia

▼ -13% vs Bolivia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)Bs2,327 ($337)
Couple, monthlyBs4,127 ($597)
Family of four, monthlyBs5,334 ($772)

Estimated Prices in San Rafael

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantBs25.06 ($3.63)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeBs100 ($14.51)per meal
CappuccinoBs7.52 ($1.09)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Bs568 ($82.21)per month
Monthly public transport passBs91.90 ($13.30)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentBs242 ($35.06)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Bs70.18 ($10.16)per month
Fitness club membershipBs70.18 ($10.16)per month
Cinema ticketBs18.38 ($2.66)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreBs943 ($137)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreBs656 ($94.98)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreBs1,969 ($285)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in San Rafael is Bs2,571 ($372) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of Bs2,327 ($337) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly Bs3,025 ($438) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (Bs656 ($95)) represents about 28% of the total single-person budget.

Compare San Rafael

San Rafael vs Santa Cruz de la SierraSan Rafael vs La PazSan Rafael vs El AltoSan Rafael vs CochabambaSan Rafael vs SucreSan Rafael vs Oruro

Nearby Cities

San Ignacio de Velasco

55 km away · Santa Cruz

San José de Chiquitos

119 km away · Santa Cruz

Roboré

197 km away · Santa Cruz

San Javier

203 km away · Santa Cruz

San Julián

207 km away · Santa Cruz

Pailón

238 km away · Santa Cruz

Okinawa Número Uno

241 km away · Santa Cruz

San Matías

247 km away · Santa Cruz

Other Major Cities in Bolivia

Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Santa Cruz · pop. 3,151,676

Bs3,333 ($482) / mo

La Paz

La Paz · pop. 2,063,633

Bs2,895 ($419) / mo

El Alto

La Paz · pop. 885,035

Bs2,677 ($387) / mo

Cochabamba

Cochabamba · pop. 661,484

Bs2,677 ($387) / mo

Sucre

Chuquisaca · pop. 360,544

Bs2,677 ($387) / mo

Oruro

Oruro · pop. 351,802

Bs2,677 ($387) / mo

Oruro

Oruro · pop. 297,497

Bs2,677 ($387) / mo

Tarija

Tarija · pop. 268,000

Bs2,677 ($387) / mo

Living in San Rafael

San Rafael is one of the key cities in Bolivia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is Bs2,327 ($337), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around Bs656 ($95) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to Bs5,334 ($772) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately Bs4,127 ($597) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in San Rafael is Bs2,571 ($372). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least Bs3,025 ($438) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Rafael expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated Bs2,327 ($337) per month in San Rafael including rent outside the city centre. That is 13% less than the national average for Bolivia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in San Rafael?
A net salary of around Bs3,025 ($438) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in San Rafael with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in San Rafael is Bs2,571 ($372).
How much is rent in San Rafael?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated Bs943 ($137) per month in the city centre and Bs656 ($95) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about Bs1,969 ($285).
Is San Rafael cheaper than Bolivia on average?
Yes — San Rafael is estimated to be about 13% cheaper than the Bolivia average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in San Rafael?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at Bs568 ($82) in San Rafael. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about Bs25 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around Bs8 ($1).
How do transport costs in San Rafael compare?
A monthly public transport pass in San Rafael is estimated at Bs92 ($13). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for San Rafael are estimates based on Bolivia national averages adjusted for city size. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.