Cost of living in La Paz

La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, is a city known for its unique topography and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or travel.This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in La Paz, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants
  • Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.89 on average, with a range between $1.74 and $5.06.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $17.37, with prices ranging from $10.13 to $28.94.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.24, with a range between $6.51 and $8.68.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $1.45 to $3.62, imported beer $2.89 to $4.34, cappuccino $2.17 to $3.62, and Coke/Pepsi $0.72 to $1.74.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk is priced between $0.87 and $1.16 per liter, averaging $0.98.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.58 and $1.12, with an average price of $0.75.
  • Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $1.45 to $2.08, averaging $1.77.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $1.01 to $2.89 per kg, while oranges range from $0.58 to $1.45 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $0.43 and $1.45 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.43 to $1.16 per head.
Transportation
  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.29 and $0.43, with a monthly pass priced between $23.15 and $34.73.
  • Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $0.54 and $0.58 per liter.
  • Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $1.45, with a cost of $1.45 to $1.8 per km and $5.79 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 $217.07 to $578.85, averaging $336.79.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $123 to $434.13, averaging $239.98.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $463.08 to $723.56, averaging $576.43.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $260.48 to $578.85, averaging $360.33.
  • 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 $1519.47, averaging $1278.55.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $800 to $1157.69, averaging $877.33.
Utilities
  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $21.71 and $50.65, averaging $38.59.
  • InternetInternet services range from $33.28 to $57.88, with an average cost of $41.24.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 28 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$2.89
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$17.37
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$7.24
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.17
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.98
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.10
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.84
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.67
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$0.98
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.75
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.77
Local Cheese (1kg)
$4.45
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.96
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$4.20
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.22
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.33
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$2.97
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.06
Apples (1kg)
$1.92
Oranges (1kg)
$1.01
Potato (1kg)
$1.00
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.82
Rice (white), (1kg)
$0.96
Tomato (1kg)
$1.05
Banana (1kg)
$1.06
Onion (1kg)
$0.83
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$6.03
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.38
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$26.05
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.54
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$15,918.24
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.45
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.59
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$8.68
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$20,906.29
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$336.79
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$239.98
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$576.43
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$360.33
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$38.59
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$41.24
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$20.38
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$31.11
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$20.26
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$6.15
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$45.15
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$84.84
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$62.80
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$54.15
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$1,278.55
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$877.33
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$435.00
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
8.95%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$159.18
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$3,309.06
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