Ruqayyah Snyder
The cost of living in La Paz, Bolivia is relatively low compared to other cities in the world. A single person's estimated monthly costs without rent are around 453.2€ (3,450.2Bs.) or $5,414. The average cost of living in La Paz, including rent, is $705, making it one of the least expensive cities globally.
Accommodation in La Paz is also affordable, with a variety of apartments available for rent in the city centre and surrounding areas. The price of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can range from $36.67 to $98 per night, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost around $46.
In addition to the low cost of living, La Paz offers a high quality of life with a lack of crime and racism, a good education system, and perfect humidity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Family of four estimated monthly costs | $b13,150 |
| Single person estimated monthly costs | $b5,414 |
| Average cost of living | $705 |
| Median after-tax salary | $432 |
| Average price of a hotel per night | $39 |
| Average price of an Airbnb per night | $47 |
What You'll Learn
The cost of living in La Paz
Housing:
The cost of accommodation in La Paz varies depending on location and size. According to Numbeo, a single person's estimated monthly costs without rent are around 453.2€ (3,450.2Bs.). For a family of four, the estimated monthly costs without rent are approximately 1,603.6€ (12,207.1Bs.).
Renting a furnished one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can range from $36.67 per night for a budget option to $63.68 for a more upscale choice. A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre starts at around $46.80 per night.
Utilities:
Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m2 apartment, are estimated to cost between $98,000 and 110,000 per month. Internet services with speeds of 50 Mbps or more and unlimited data are available for approximately $20 per month.
Transportation:
Local transportation is affordable, with a one-way ticket costing around $0.30, and a monthly pass is available for $12. Taxis are also reasonably priced, with a 1km trip costing about $0.60.
Food:
Dining out in La Paz can be inexpensive. A meal for two at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around $9, while a mid-range restaurant will charge about $27 for a three-course meal. Fast food is also affordable, with a McDonald's combo meal priced at roughly $5.
Groceries are generally inexpensive as well. A loaf of fresh white bread (500g) costs about $0.70, and a litre of milk is priced at approximately $0.80. For fruits and vegetables, you can expect to pay around $0.70 per kg for bananas, $1.20 per kg for apples, and $0.50 per kg for tomatoes.
Other Expenses:
A monthly gym membership is available for about $30. Cinema tickets are reasonably priced, and a standard men's haircut in the expat area costs around $5.
Salary:
The median after-tax salary in La Paz is $432, which covers living expenses for about 0.6 months.
Overall:
La Paz offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other cities globally and in Latin America. The city provides affordable housing, transportation, and food options, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a lower cost of living.
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The average cost of renting in La Paz
One-Bedroom Apartments:
- In the city centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs around $39 per night.
- Outside the city centre, prices can be lower, but specific price estimates are not readily available.
Three-Bedroom Apartments:
While exact figures for three-bedroom apartments are not readily available, it is safe to assume that they will be more expensive than one-bedroom options, especially in desirable areas.
Long-Term Rentals:
- For those seeking long-term rentals, the average cost of living in La Paz, including rent, is estimated to be $705 per month, according to data from March 2024.
- A single person's estimated monthly costs, excluding rent, are around $453. For a family of four, this figure rises to approximately $1,604.
- The median after-tax salary in La Paz is $432, which can cover living expenses for about 0.6 months.
Additional Costs:
- Utilities for one person in a 45m2 studio are estimated to cost around $36 per month. For a family of two in an 85m2 flat, this increases to approximately $144.
- Internet plans with speeds of 50 Mbps or higher can be expected to cost at least $39 per month.
- A monthly ticket for local transportation is priced at about $14.
- A taxi ride for a distance of 8 km is estimated to cost around $3.
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The price of utilities in La Paz
The cost of utilities for a one-bedroom apartment in La Paz, Bolivia, varies depending on the size of the apartment and the specific utilities included. On average, a single person's estimated monthly costs without rent are 453.2€ (3,450.2Bs.). This includes basic utilities like electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage disposal.
For a larger space, such as an 85m2 apartment, the cost of utilities for two people is estimated to be Mex$ 990 in La Paz, Mexico.
It is important to note that the cost of utilities can vary depending on various factors, such as the season, energy sources, and local regulations. Additionally, the prices mentioned above may not include all possible utilities, and there could be additional costs for services like internet and mobile phone plans.
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The average salary in La Paz
The cost of living in La Paz is proportional to the average salary. For example, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around $253 per month.
The most paid careers in La Paz are in healthcare and medical, with an average income of 312,691 BOB, followed by logistics, road, and railway, with an average income of 180,958 BOB.
Salaries differ between men and women in La Paz. Men earn an average of 148,372 BOB per year, while women earn 54,079 BOB.
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The cost of food in La Paz
For example, a meal for one person at an inexpensive restaurant in La Paz, Bolivia, costs around $3.40, whereas a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs $25. Fast-food meals are also inexpensive, with a McDonald's combo meal costing around $5.
For those who prefer to cook at home, groceries are also affordable. Basic staples such as bread and milk cost around $0.50 each, while chicken and beef cost around $3.50 and $6 per kg, respectively.
Dining out in La Paz, Mexico, is also reasonably priced. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $7, while a mid-range meal for two is approximately $25. Fast food is even cheaper, with a McDonald's combo meal costing only $4.
There are also plenty of street food options available in La Paz, Mexico, such as hot dogs and fish tacos, which are ideal for those on a tight budget.
Overall, the cost of food in La Paz is relatively low, making it an affordable destination for travellers and locals alike.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the center of La Paz costs $39 per night.
The average cost of renting a 3-bedroom apartment in La Paz is $705 per month.
Yes, there are cheap apartments available for rent in La Paz. The price of a cheap 1-bedroom apartment starts at $50 per night, while a cheap 3-bedroom apartment can be rented for $705 per month.
