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Cost of Living in Bolivia

125 cities covered · Currency: BOB (Bs) · Capital: Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Single person, monthlyBs2,677 ($387)
Couple, monthlyBs4,756 ($688)
Family of four, monthlyBs6,154 ($891)
Average net salaryBs2,930 ($424)

Average Prices in Bolivia

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantBs28.57 ($4.13)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeBs114 ($16.54)per meal
CappuccinoBs8.57 ($1.24)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Bs647 ($93.70)per month
Monthly public transport passBs105 ($15.16)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentBs276 ($39.96)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Bs79.98 ($11.58)per month
Fitness club membershipBs79.98 ($11.58)per month
Cinema ticketBs20.95 ($3.03)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreBs1,111 ($161)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreBs773 ($112)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreBs2,319 ($336)per month

Major Cities in Bolivia

Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Santa Cruz · pop. 3,151,676

La Paz

La Paz · pop. 2,063,633

El Alto

La Paz · pop. 885,035

Cochabamba

Cochabamba · pop. 661,484

Sucre

Chuquisaca · pop. 360,544

Oruro

Oruro · pop. 351,802

Oruro

Oruro · pop. 297,497

Tarija

Tarija · pop. 268,000

Warnes

Santa Cruz · pop. 214,216

Potosí

Potosí · pop. 189,652

Sacaba

Cochabamba · pop. 172,466

Quillacollo

Cochabamba · pop. 137,182

Trinidad

El Beni · pop. 130,657

Montero

Santa Cruz · pop. 126,886

Yacuiba

Tarija · pop. 97,296

Cobija

Pando · pop. 78,555

Riberalta

El Beni · pop. 78,100

Caranavi

La Paz · pop. 59,676

Tiquipaya

Cochabamba · pop. 58,223

Sipe Sipe

Cochabamba · pop. 55,908

Santiago del Torno

Santa Cruz · pop. 55,697

Vinto

Cochabamba · pop. 51,968

Colcapirhua

Cochabamba · pop. 48,631

Tupiza

Potosí · pop. 43,100

Cheapest Cities in Bolivia

ColcapirhuaTupizaVillamontesGuayaramerínViachaCamiriSan Ignacio de VelascoUyuniBermejoIvirgarzamaFull ranking →

City Comparisons in Bolivia

Santa Cruz de la Sierra vs La Paz

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Bolivia

Santa Cruz de la Sierra vs El Alto

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Bolivia

La Paz vs Cochabamba

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Bolivia

El Alto vs Cochabamba

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Bolivia

Cost of Living by City Size in Bolivia

Living costs in Bolivia vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of Bs2,677 ($387) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.

Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living in Bolivia?
The estimated average monthly cost for a single person in Bolivia is Bs2,677 ($387), including rent outside the city centre. A family of four needs roughly Bs6,154 ($891) per month.
Which city has the lowest cost of living in Bolivia?
Colcapirhua ranks among the most affordable cities in Bolivia with a low cost-of-living multiplier.
What is the average salary in Bolivia?
The estimated average net salary in Bolivia is Bs2,930 ($424) per month. Actual salaries vary significantly by profession, experience and city.
All figures are planning estimates for Bolivia derived from national baselines. Individual city pages adjust these figures for city size. Methodology.