Cost Of Living in Bolivia 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Bolivia

Whether you're living in Bolivia or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

8,300 BOB

per month
$1,200

640 BOB   $92
$12,000   83,000 BOB

Single

5,700 BOB

per month
$830

1,900 BOB   $280
$5,500   38,000 BOB

Couple

9,500 BOB

per month
$1,400

3,200 BOB   $460
$7,400   51,000 BOB

Family

13,000 BOB

per month
$1,800

4,400 BOB   $640
$10,000   70,000 BOB

Student

3,900 BOB

per month
$560

1,500 BOB   $220
$1,000   6,900 BOB
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Bolivia is 5,700 BOB. Expenses can range from 1,900 BOB at the minimum level to 38,000 BOB at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Bolivia is 9,500 BOB. Expenditure can range from 3,200 BOB to 51,000 BOB per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Bolivia is 13,000 BOB per month. Families spend anywhere from 4,400 BOB to 70,000 BOB.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Bolivia is 3,900 BOB. Students spend from 1,500 BOB to 6,900 BOB per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Bolivia


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
1 BOB 1.1 BOB 1.3 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.15 $0.17 $0.19
Fast food combo meal
8.6 BOB 17 BOB 29 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $2.5 $4.1
Restaurant meal for one
29 BOB 43 BOB 86 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.1 $6.2 $12
Fine dining meal for one
57 BOB 86 BOB 340 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.3 $12 $50
Soda or Soft Drink
1.2 BOB 1.4 BOB 1.7 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.18 $0.21 $0.25
Cappuccino or latte
7.1 BOB 11 BOB 17 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.7 $2.5

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
5.7 BOB 6.8 BOB 8.6 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.83 $0.99 $1.2
Loaf of bread
1 BOB 1.2 BOB 1.4 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.15 $0.17 $0.20
12 eggs
4.3 BOB 5.7 BOB 8.6 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.62 $0.83 $1.2
Fresh whole chicken
9.7 BOB 13 BOB 18 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.8 $2.6
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
11 BOB 17 BOB 34 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.5 $5
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
4.6 BOB 6.3 BOB 8.9 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.67 $0.91 $1.3
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
1.7 BOB 2.3 BOB 4.3 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.25 $0.33 $0.62
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
3.1 BOB 4 BOB 6.6 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.44 $0.58 $0.95

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
7.1 BOB 8.6 BOB 17 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.2 $2.5
Average car full tank
43 BOB 57 BOB 110 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.2 $8.3 $17
Average car 1-day rental
43 BOB 57 BOB 86 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.2 $8.3 $12
Average car price
21,000 BOB 43,000 BOB 57,000 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,100 $6,200 $8,300
Bus ticket one way
1.4 BOB 2.1 BOB 4.3 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.21 $0.31 $0.62
Car Service
57 BOB 86 BOB 170 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.3 $12 $25

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
110 BOB 340 BOB 2,300 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $50 $330
Utility Bill - Couple
160 BOB 480 BOB 2,500 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $69 $370
Utility Bill - Family
130 BOB 380 BOB 2,100 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $55 $300
Internet and cable
43 BOB 86 BOB 110 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.2 $12 $17
Mobile phone charges
34 BOB 57 BOB 170 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5 $8.3 $25

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
21 BOB 29 BOB 43 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.1 $4.1 $6.2
One month gym membership
68 BOB 86 BOB 170 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.9 $12 $25

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
50 BOB 71 BOB 110 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.3 $10 $15
Woman dress
48 BOB 66 BOB 210 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.9 $9.5 $31
Woman shoes
45 BOB 61 BOB 140 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.5 $8.9 $21
Men's shoes
39 BOB 48 BOB 95 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.6 $6.9 $14
Men suit
43 BOB 53 BOB 290 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.2 $7.7 $41
Regular t-shirt
21 BOB 29 BOB 86 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.1 $4.1 $12

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
710 BOB 1,100 BOB 2,900 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $150 $410
1-bedroom apartment
1,100 BOB 1,700 BOB 4,300 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $250 $620
2-bedroom apartment
1,400 BOB 2,100 BOB 5,700 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $310 $830

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
140,000 BOB 210,000 BOB 430,000 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21,000 $31,000 $62,000
1-bedroom apartment
170,000 BOB 290,000 BOB 1.1M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25,000 $41,000 $150,000
2-bedroom apartment
290,000 BOB 860,000 BOB 1.7M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$41,000 $120,000 $250,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
860 BOB 1,100 BOB 1,400 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $150 $210
Double Bed
570 BOB 860 BOB 1,100 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$83 $120 $150
Single Bed
500 BOB 660 BOB 860 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$73 $95 $120
Living Room
950 BOB 1,200 BOB 4,300 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $180 $620
Dining Table
430 BOB 570 BOB 1,100 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$62 $83 $150
Sofa or Couch
570 BOB 780 BOB 1,700 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$83 $110 $250

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
570 BOB 860 BOB 1,700 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$83 $120 $250
Fridge or Freezer
500 BOB 780 BOB 1,100 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$73 $110 $150
Washing Machine
660 BOB 950 BOB 1,700 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$95 $140 $250
Stove or Cooker
610 BOB 780 BOB 1,100 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$89 $110 $150
Mobile Phone
710 BOB 860 BOB 1,200 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $120 $180
Laptop or Computer
780 BOB 950 BOB 1,700 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $140 $250

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Bolivia

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

85%

78% to 94%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%5%
50% - 60%10%
60% - 70%17%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%18%
90% - 100%10%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Bolivia is 85% This means that on average, people spend around 85% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 17% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
77%
Spending-Income-Ratio
70%
85%

Couple
81%
Spending-Income-Ratio
74%
89%

Family
89%
Spending-Income-Ratio
82%
99%

How do people spend their money in Bolivia?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure25%

25% of total expenses on average (14% to 33%)

LOW$28   190 BOB
AVERAGE$360   2,500 BOB
HIGH$3,600   25,000 BOB
Per Month

People living in Bolivia typically spend from 14% to 33% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 25% being the average. The average spend on housing is 2,500 BOB with expenditure ranging from 190 BOB to 25,000 BOB. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$4.6   32 BOB
AVERAGE$60   410 BOB
HIGH$600   4,100 BOB
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Bolivia ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 410 BOB with 32 BOB and 4,100 BOB being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$9.2   64 BOB
AVERAGE$120   830 BOB
HIGH$1,200   8,300 BOB
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 64 BOB to 8,300 BOB on commuting with 830 BOB being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW$23   160 BOB
AVERAGE$300   2,100 BOB
HIGH$3,000   21,000 BOB
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Bolivia is 2,100 BOB. The cost of groceries can range between 160 BOB to 21,000 BOB. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$6.4   44 BOB
AVERAGE$84   580 BOB
HIGH$840   5,800 BOB
Per Month

People in Bolivia allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 44 BOB to 5,800 BOB with 580 BOB being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$3.7   25 BOB
AVERAGE$48   330 BOB
HIGH$480   3,300 BOB
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 25 BOB to 3,300 BOB with 330 BOB being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$5.5   38 BOB
AVERAGE$72   500 BOB
HIGH$720   5,000 BOB
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 500 BOB per month with 38 BOB being the minimum spent amount and 5,000 BOB being the maximum.

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$12   83 BOB
AVERAGE$160   1,100 BOB
HIGH$1,600   11,000 BOB
Per Month

How much money can you save in Bolivia every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Bolivia manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
57%
Not Saving
43%

Almost 57% of the surveyed people in Bolivia said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 43% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Bolivia

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles65%35%
Couples60%40%
Families55%45%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

9% 17% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

220 BOB
$32
2,900 BOB
$420
29,000 BOB
$4,200
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 9% to 29% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 17% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 2,900 BOB on average with savings ranging from 220 BOB to 29,000 BOB.

65% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 60% of couples said the same. 55% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Bolivia?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

660 BOB
$96
2,000 BOB
$290
13,000 BOB
$1,900
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%31%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%14%
40% - 50%11%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 12% to 31% of their monthly income to savings, with 21% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 2,000 BOB with 660 BOB and 13,000 BOB being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

10% 19% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,100 BOB
$160
3,300 BOB
$480
18,000 BOB
$2,600
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%35%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%9%
40% - 50%8%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 10% to 30% of their monthly income, with 19% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 3,300 BOB with 1,100 BOB and 18,000 BOB being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

9% 16% of income 28%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,500 BOB
$220
4,400 BOB
$640
24,000 BOB
$3,500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%38%
10% - 20%30%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%6%
40% - 50%5%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Bolivia can save anywhere between 9% to 28% of their monthly income, with 16% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 4,400 BOB with 1,500 BOB and 24,000 BOB being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Bolivia

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Bolivia?


Yes
60%
No
40%

Around 60% of surveyed residents think that living in Bolivia is affordable with proper budgeting while 40% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Bolivia

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options56%

Few low-cost options44%


Based on the survey, 56% of the people living in Bolivia have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 44% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Bolivia whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes56%

No44%


Based on the survey, 44% of the people living in Bolivia said that they don't have an emergency fund while 56% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Bolivia

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy55%


We asked residents of Bolivia whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 45% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 55% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Bolivia have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 46% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 54% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance46%

Easily manages finances54%

Financial goals of people in Bolivia

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Bolivia, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction37%
Retirement Savings9%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle9%
Healthcare Expenses11%
Financial Independence7%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 37% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 9% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 9% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 11% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Bolivia

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Bolivia. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans16%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later19%
Inflation12%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 16% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 19% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 12% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Bolivia

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold11%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings18%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks5%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Bolivia

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Bolivia and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Bolivia is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Bolivia:
AgeAmount
2522,000 BOB
3045,000 BOB
3578,000 BOB
40110,000 BOB
45170,000 BOB
50230,000 BOB
55280,000 BOB
60340,000 BOB
65410,000 BOB

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Bolivia about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job12%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Bolivia

1,400 BOB
$200
4,200 BOB
$600
28,000 BOB
$4,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Bolivia


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
32%
Debt Free
68%

According to the survey, 32% of the people in Bolivia have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 68% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Bolivia

Debt to income ratio

30%

22% to 39%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 30% of the people's monthly income in Bolivia goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%14%
40% - 50%13%
30% - 40%15%
20% - 30%13%
10% - 20%16%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Bolivia pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 14% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 13% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 15% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 13% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Bolivia

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage11%
Auto Loan19%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card27%
Personal Loan39%

11% of debtors in Bolivia confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 27% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 19% of people and personal loans rose at 39%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Bolivia.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Bolivia

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Bolivia how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never53%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Bolivia

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Bolivia

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
710 BOB 1,100 BOB 2,900 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $150 $410
1-bedroom apartment
1,100 BOB 1,700 BOB 4,300 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $250 $620
2-bedroom apartment
1,400 BOB 2,100 BOB 5,700 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $310 $830
3-bedroom apartment
1,700 BOB 2,900 BOB 7,800 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $410 $1,100
Furnished apartment
3,400 BOB 8,600 BOB 17,000 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $1,200 $2,500
Townhouse
2,900 BOB 4,300 BOB 12,000 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $620 $1,800
House
3,400 BOB 8,600 BOB 17,000 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $1,200 $2,500
Villa
4,300 BOB 11,000 BOB 17,000 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$620 $1,500 $2,500

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Bolivia ranges between 710 BOB and 2,900 BOB, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1,100 BOB to 4,300 BOB. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,400 BOB and 5,700 BOB per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,700 BOB to 7,800 BOB. The average rent of a townhouse in Bolivia is around 4,300 BOB while house rental costs can be as high as 8,600 BOB per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 4,300 BOB to 17,000 BOB per month.



Apartment and house prices in Bolivia

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
140,000 BOB 210,000 BOB 430,000 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21,000 $31,000 $62,000
1-bedroom apartment
170,000 BOB 290,000 BOB 1.1M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25,000 $41,000 $150,000
2-bedroom apartment
290,000 BOB 860,000 BOB 1.7M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$41,000 $120,000 $250,000
3-bedroom apartment
950,000 BOB 1.4M BOB 4.3M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140,000 $210,000 $620,000
Townhouse
1.2M BOB 2.9M BOB 11M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180,000 $410,000 $1.5M
House
1.4M BOB 8.6M BOB 12M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210,000 $1.2M $1.8M
Villa
1.7M BOB 9.5M BOB 14M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250,000 $1.4M $2.1M

The average price of a studio apartment in Bolivia can range from 140,000 BOB to 430,000 BOB depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 170,000 BOB to 1.1M BOB. A villa can cost you 9.5M BOB on average with prices ranging from 1.7M BOB to 14M BOB.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Bolivia will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


36 x103 monthly income 202
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Bolivia can be x103 to x202 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x103 multiples of the average monthly salary in Bolivia.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


20% 30% of income 40%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Bolivia is around 30%. This means that people pay 30% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 20% to 40% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
28%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2%
AVERAGE
3%
TO
4%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


13 BOB 170 BOB 1,700 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Bolivia

Housing31%

31% of total expenses on average (19% to 43%)

LOW$99   690 BOB
AVERAGE$300   2,100 BOB
HIGH$2,000   14,000 BOB
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$17   110 BOB
AVERAGE$50   340 BOB
HIGH$330   2,300 BOB
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$22   150 BOB
AVERAGE$66   460 BOB
HIGH$440   3,000 BOB
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$44   300 BOB
AVERAGE$130   910 BOB
HIGH$880   6,100 BOB
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$25   170 BOB
AVERAGE$75   510 BOB
HIGH$500   3,400 BOB
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (3% to 6%)

LOW$14   95 BOB
AVERAGE$41   290 BOB
HIGH$280   1,900 BOB
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$5.5   38 BOB
AVERAGE$17   110 BOB
HIGH$110   760 BOB
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$50   340 BOB
AVERAGE$150   1,000 BOB
HIGH$990   6,900 BOB
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Bolivia

Housing28%

28% of total expenses on average (21% to 38%)

LOW$150   1,000 BOB
AVERAGE$460   3,100 BOB
HIGH$2,400   17,000 BOB
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$23   160 BOB
AVERAGE$69   480 BOB
HIGH$370   2,500 BOB
Per Month

Transport, Fuel10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$55   380 BOB
AVERAGE$170   1,100 BOB
HIGH$880   6,100 BOB
Per Month

Food and Groceries16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$64   440 BOB
AVERAGE$190   1,300 BOB
HIGH$1,000   7,100 BOB
Per Month

Healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$51   350 BOB
AVERAGE$150   1,000 BOB
HIGH$810   5,600 BOB
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$28   190 BOB
AVERAGE$83   570 BOB
HIGH$440   3,000 BOB
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$9.2   64 BOB
AVERAGE$28   190 BOB
HIGH$150   1,000 BOB
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$78   540 BOB
AVERAGE$230   1,600 BOB
HIGH$1,300   8,600 BOB
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Bolivia

Housing27%

27% of total expenses on average (22% to 37%)

LOW$210   1,400 BOB
AVERAGE$590   4,100 BOB
HIGH$3,200   22,000 BOB
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$52   360 BOB
AVERAGE$150   1,000 BOB
HIGH$810   5,600 BOB
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW$120   800 BOB
AVERAGE$330   2,300 BOB
HIGH$1,800   13,000 BOB
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW$52   360 BOB
AVERAGE$150   1,000 BOB
HIGH$810   5,600 BOB
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$32   220 BOB
AVERAGE$92   640 BOB
HIGH$510   3,500 BOB
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$90   620 BOB
AVERAGE$260   1,800 BOB
HIGH$1,400   9,800 BOB
Per Month

Other Expenses15%

15% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$77   530 BOB
AVERAGE$220   1,500 BOB
HIGH$1,200   8,400 BOB
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Bolivia

Housing19%

19% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)

LOW$54   370 BOB
AVERAGE$130   920 BOB
HIGH$240   1,700 BOB
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$8.9   62 BOB
AVERAGE$22   150 BOB
HIGH$40   280 BOB
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$16   110 BOB
AVERAGE$39   270 BOB
HIGH$70   490 BOB
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)

LOW$45   310 BOB
AVERAGE$110   770 BOB
HIGH$200   1,400 BOB
Per Month

Healthcare8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$13   92 BOB
AVERAGE$33   230 BOB
HIGH$60   420 BOB
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$11   77 BOB
AVERAGE$28   190 BOB
HIGH$50   350 BOB
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$42   290 BOB
AVERAGE$110   730 BOB
HIGH$190   1,300 BOB
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$33   230 BOB
AVERAGE$84   580 BOB
HIGH$150   1,000 BOB
Per Month
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