Planning A Move To Bolivia? Here's A Cost Guide

Bolivia is a culturally and geographically diverse country in the middle of South America. It has one of the lowest crime rates in South America, a growing economy, and a low cost of living. The expat community is small but growing, and the country is easily accessible by plane or bus. If you're considering a move to Bolivia, there are a few things you should know about visas, healthcare, and transportation. First, you'll need to obtain a visa, which can be done through a Bolivian embassy or consulate. Second, Bolivia has an insurance-based healthcare system that is currently being reformed to improve access and quality. Finally, while the country's cities and towns are relatively well-connected, only 6% of roads are paved, so transportation can be hazardous during the rainy season.

Rent: $200 and up for a good neighbourhood

Rent in Bolivia: $200 and up for a good neighbourhood

The cost of rent in Bolivia varies depending on the location and type of accommodation. For as little as $200 per month, it is possible to rent a one-bedroom apartment in a safe central neighbourhood, including all utilities and cable television, as evidenced by the experience of U.S. expat Nathan Salveson in the city of Tarija.

In the city of Sucre, a similar one-bedroom apartment with utilities and cable television can be rented for less than $300 per month, as reported by Steve Nagy, who migrated from Florida. This price may even include additional amenities such as internet and weekly maid service.

For those seeking more upscale accommodations, Cochabamba offers luxury high-rise condos with swimming pools, spas, and gyms, typically renting for between $600 and $800 per month for a three-bedroom condo in an upscale neighbourhood. However, it is important to note that food, utilities, and transportation costs in Cochabamba are comparable to the rest of the country.

If you are looking for a more rural setting without sacrificing access to city amenities, Tiquipaya, located near Cochabamba, offers a great option. Eileen Velicky and her husband rent a three-bedroom house in Tiquipaya for just $200 per month. When they want to enjoy the city, they can take a shared cab for only 35 cents per ride.

In conclusion, it is possible to find good rental options in Bolivia for $200 and up, depending on your desired location, amenities, and budget.

Utilities: Under $50 for everything

Bolivia is known for its low cost of living compared to its neighbouring countries. However, the cost of utilities can vary depending on the region and time of year. The cost of electricity and water is relatively low compared to Western countries, but internet services can be costly in certain regions.

Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating or cooling, water, and garbage disposal, are estimated to cost around 98,000.00-110,429.00 Bolivianos (approximately $14,000-$15,600 USD). This estimate may vary depending on the location and size of the apartment, as well as the specific usage of utilities.

To keep utility costs low, it is recommended to be mindful of energy and water consumption. Simple actions like turning off lights and minimising water usage can help conserve both utilities and expenses. Additionally, many cities in Bolivia are eco-friendly, with accommodations relying on solar energy and rainwater harvesting. These sustainable practices can significantly reduce both utility costs and environmental impact.

It is also important to research the costs of utilities in your intended city of residence in Bolivia and budget accordingly. While some areas may have higher utility costs, others may offer more competitive pricing. Overall, with conscious usage and a good understanding of local prices, it is possible to manage utility expenses effectively in Bolivia.

Food: $25 per person per day

Bolivia is the cheapest country in Latin America and the third cheapest country in the world. It is a reasonably affordable destination to visit, with prices comparable to Colombia or Peru.

The average cost of food in Bolivia is $17 (or B115) per day. This equates to around $6.64 (or B46) per meal, per person. Breakfast is usually the cheapest meal of the day. The price of food in sit-down restaurants is often higher than that of fast-food or street food.

A family of four's estimated monthly food costs are €376.45 (or B2,884.79) without rent. A single person's estimated monthly food costs are €106.59 (or B764.74) without rent.

Some typical prices for food and drink in Bolivia are:

• Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district: B46
• Combo meal in a fast-food restaurant: B35-B40
• 500g of boneless chicken breast: B33.75
• 1 litre of whole fat milk: B13.50
• 1kg of tomatoes: B12.50
• 500g of local cheese: B35
• 1kg of apples: B16
• 1kg of potatoes: B10
• 0.5l of domestic beer in the supermarket: B11.25
• Bottle of red table wine: B40
• 2 litres of Coca-Cola: B12.50
• Bread for two people for one day: B4.50

Transport: 75 cents for a taxi ride

Bolivia is a geographically diverse country, with some of the world's highest cities, the largest salt flats, and parts of the Amazon rainforest. As a result, getting around can be challenging, but the country's cities and towns are relatively well-connected. Most travel is done by road, and only 6% of roads are paved, which can make for hazardous travel conditions, especially during the rainy season.

When it comes to transport, you have several options in Bolivia, including buses, taxis, and flights for longer journeys.

Buses

Buses are the most common way to get around Bolivia and are incredibly cheap. For shorter trips within cities, you can use "micros" or "trufis", which are minibuses or shared taxis that follow a fixed route and only depart when full. These will cost you around $0.15 to $0.40 per trip.

For longer journeys, you can opt for large double-decker buses called "flotas", which are more comfortable and offer reclining seats. These buses don't provide meals, but you can bring your own food and drinks on board. The cost of these longer bus trips varies depending on the quality of the bus and the level of service, but generally, you can expect to pay around $2 per hour of travel.

Taxis

Taxis are a safe and convenient option for getting around Bolivia's cities. Radio taxis, which are dispatched by private companies, will cost you around $0.90 to $6 per trip, depending on the distance and the number of passengers. Regular taxis, which pick up passengers from the street, are slightly cheaper at around $0.60 per person for a one-way trip.

Flights

For very long distances or if you're short on time, flying is an option. Internal flights within Bolivia typically cost between $50 and $100 for a one-way ticket, and baggage allowance is usually 15 kg per passenger.

Transport Costs in Perspective

With such affordable transport options, it's no surprise that Bolivia is considered a backpacker's dream. On average, travelers can expect to spend less than $45 per day, including basic living expenses and entertainment.

To give you an idea of how far your money can go, here's a breakdown of some common transport costs in Bolivia:

• Local bus ticket: $0.30 one-way
• Taxi ride within the city center: $0.60 per person
• Longer bus journeys: around $2 per hour
• Return boat ride from Copacabana to Isla del Sol: $56 per person
• Return flight from La Paz to Rurrenabaque: $88 per person (included in a package)

Leisure: $12 for a family-sized platter and salad bar access

Bolivia is a culturally and geographically diverse country in the middle of South America, with some of the highest cities in the world, the largest salt flats, and parts of the Amazon rainforest. It is the cheapest country in Latin America and the third cheapest in the world.

The cost of living for a family of four is estimated to be €1,519.7 or $12,525 per month, excluding rent. A single person's estimated monthly costs are €430.7 or $5,042, also excluding rent. The cost of living in Bolivia is, on average, 59.3% lower than in Germany.

Rent in Bolivia is, on average, 68.7% lower than in Germany. A one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood, including utilities and cable television, will cost around $200 a month. A three-bedroom condo in an upscale neighborhood will typically rent for between $600 and $800 per month. A three-bedroom house in a more rural location can be rented for as little as $200 per month.

Food is also very affordable in Bolivia. A meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant, including drinks, will cost around $12. A family-sized platter of grilled meats with salad bar access costs $12. A four-course lunch at Chifa Thai costs just under $3. A nice bottle of locally produced table wine costs less than $3.

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