An image showcasing the beauty of Cochabamba

People enjoying the surroundings of Cochabamba

Cost of living in Cochabamba

Cochabamba, a vibrant city in Bolivia, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting the city.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.89 on average, with a range between $2.17 and $4.34.
Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $18.81, with prices ranging from $10.13 to $26.05.
Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.24.
Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.45 to $2.89, imported beer $2.32 to $4.34, cappuccino $1.01 to $2.89, and Coke/Pepsi $0.51 to $0.87.

Grocery Prices

Milk - Milk is priced between $0.87 and $1.3 per liter, averaging $1.09.
Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.43 and $1.74, with an average price of $1.63.
Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.22 to $2.03, averaging $1.69.
Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.45 to $3.62 per kg, while oranges range from $0.43 to $2.89 per kg.
Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.64 and $2.6 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.01 to $1.45 per head.

Transportation

Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.29.
Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.54 and $0.58 per liter.
Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.45, with a cost of $1.35 to $1.45 per km and $7.24 to $8.68 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $144.71 to $405.19, averaging $280.74.
1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $86.83 to $300, averaging $185.23.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $448.6 to $607.79, averaging $535.43.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $332.84 to $434.13, averaging $376.25.
Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1012.98 to $1447.11, averaging $1222.53.
Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $750 to $1012.98, averaging $920.99.

Utilities

Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $18.45 and $72.36, averaging $32.43.
Internet - Internet services range from $36.18 to $69.46, with an average cost of $51.5.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 21 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$2.89

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

$18.81

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$7.24

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.59

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.11

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.71

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.63

Cappuccino (regular)

$2.65

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$1.09

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$1.63

Eggs (regular) (12)

$1.69

Local Cheese (1kg)

$5.06

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.16

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$11.58

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.41

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.10

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$2.60

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.80

Apples (1kg)

$2.65

Oranges (1kg)

$1.59

Potato (1kg)

$1.56

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.21

Rice (white), (1kg)

$1.45

Tomato (1kg)

$1.71

Banana (1kg)

$1.01

Onion (1kg)

$0.83

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

$7.09

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

$0.29

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.55

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

$23,153.80

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.45

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

$1.45

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$7.24

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

$22,812.28

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

Rent Per Month

Avg

Range

Avg

Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$512.10

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

7.5%

Childcare

Avg / Range

Childcare

Avg

Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

$274.95

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

$4,399.22

Overview Job Market

Cochabamba Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Cochabamba offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.
Dining out is affordable, with inexpensive meals available for under $3, and even mid-range dining options are reasonably priced.
Housing costs are significantly lower than in many urban areas, with affordable rent both in and outside the city centre.
Transportation is economical, with low costs for public transport and fuel, making commuting budget-friendly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cochabamba presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable options across various categories such as dining, housing, and transportation.

Whether you're planning a short visit or considering a long-term stay, understanding these costs can help you manage your budget effectively and enjoy what the city has to offer.

Cochabamba

Nearby Cities

La Paz143 miles

Santa Cruz198 miles

All cities in Bolivia