Cost Of Living For a Couple in Bolivia 2024

Couple cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Bolivia

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: BOB
3,200 9,500 51,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$460 $1,400 $7,400

Average monthly spending for couples in Bolivia

How much money does a couple need in a month to survive in Bolivia?

Couples in Bolivia spend around 9,500 BOB per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a couple can survive with a monthly budget as low as 3,200 BOB or as high as 51,000 BOB. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Bolivia


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Bolivia

Dining, food, and beverages costs


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

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

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

Pack of beef

11 BOB 17 BOB 34 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.5 $5

Medium bag of rice

4.6 BOB 6.3 BOB 8.9 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.67 $0.91 $1.3

Bag of tomatos

1.7 BOB 2.3 BOB 4.3 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.25 $0.33 $0.62

Bag of apples

3.1 BOB 4 BOB 6.6 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.44 $0.58 $0.95
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Bolivia


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
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Bolivia


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Couple

130 BOB 430 BOB 2,800 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $62 $400

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
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Bolivia


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
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Bolivia


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
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Bolivia


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
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Bolivia


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
Couple cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Bolivia

Couple expenditure to income ratio in Bolivia

Analysing the how affordable it is for couples to live 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. Couples usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a couple of four ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

81%

74% to 89%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Couples in Bolivia spend around 81% of their monthly income. Some couples spend as low as 74% of their income while some as high as 89%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a couple in Bolivia

How do couples spend their money in Bolivia?

We asked thousands of couples about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


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 and accomodation expenditure for couples

Accomodation Cost28%

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

LOW$160   1,100 BOB
AVERAGE$470   3,200 BOB
HIGH$2,500   17,000 BOB
Per Month

Couples in Bolivia typically spend from 21% to 38% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 28% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 3,200 BOB with expenditure ranging from 1,100 BOB to 17,000 BOB. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for couples

Cost of utilities7%

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

LOW$18   130 BOB
AVERAGE$62   430 BOB
HIGH$400   2,800 BOB
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Bolivia ranges from 5% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most couples. The average monthly cost of utilities is 430 BOB with 130 BOB and 2,800 BOB being the upper and lower limits for a couple of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for couples

Cost of transport and 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

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a couple resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a couple would expect to spend from 380 BOB to 6,100 BOB in a month on commuting with 1,100 BOB being the norm for most couples. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 10% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 15%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for couples

Food and Groceries Cost16%

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

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical couple in a month in Bolivia is 1,300 BOB. The cost of groceries can range between 440 BOB to 7,100 BOB. Couples spend on average about 16% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 11% and 21% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for couples

Cost of 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

Couples in Bolivia allocate 7% to 17% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 13%. The range of medical expenses range from 350 BOB to 5,600 BOB with 1,000 BOB being the norm for most couples.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for couples

Cost of leisure and 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

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 190 BOB to 3,000 BOB with 570 BOB being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most couples.

Education and schooling expenditure for couples

Cost of education and schooling2%

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

Spending on education can vary drastically between different couples. On average, education constitutes 2% of the monthly expenditure of couples with 1% and 4% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 190 BOB per month with 64 BOB being the minimum spent amount and 1,000 BOB being the maximum.

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
Percentage of couples who manage to save money from their income every month in Bolivia

What percentage of couples in Bolivia are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of couples that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
60%
Not Saving
40%

Almost 60% of surveyed couples in Bolivia said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 40% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


Couple savings to income ratio in Bolivia

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.


How much money do couples manage to add to their savings?

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.

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 that are able to save money can put anywhere from 10% to 30% of their monthly income to their savings, with 19% being the average for most couples. The average monthly amount of money that couples can put aside is 3,300 BOB with 1,100 BOB and 18,000 BOB being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money in Bolivia

Saving Challenges in Bolivia

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping couples 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 couples 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% of couples 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 social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do couples choose to put their savings in Bolivia

Typical saving choices for couples 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%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

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.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for couples to live in Bolivia

Affordable living in Bolivia

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked couples one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Bolivia?


Yes
60%
No
40%

Around 60% of surveyed couples 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.

How easily is cost-cutting for couples. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Bolivia

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 couples 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 couples 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 For Couples

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 couples of Bolivia whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes56%

No44%


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

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for couples in Bolivia

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 couple guardians and parents in 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 couples of Bolivia have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked 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 and targets of couples living in Bolivia

Financial goals of couples 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 couples 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.

Chart showing the percentage of couples who are in debt in Bolivia

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Bolivia


Percentage of couples who are in debt


In Debt
32%
Debt Free
68%

According to the survey, 32% of the couples 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.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Bolivia

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 a couple'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 couples 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 and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Bolivia

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 monthly rent cost

710 BOB 1,100 BOB 2,900 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $150 $410

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,100 BOB 1,700 BOB 4,300 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $250 $620

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,400 BOB 2,100 BOB 5,700 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $310 $830

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,700 BOB 2,900 BOB 7,800 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $410 $1,100

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

3,400 BOB 8,600 BOB 17,000 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $1,200 $2,500

Townhouse monthly rent cost

2,900 BOB 4,300 BOB 12,000 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $620 $1,800

House monthly rent cost

3,400 BOB 8,600 BOB 17,000 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $1,200 $2,500

Villa monthly rent cost

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 price

140,000 BOB 210,000 BOB 430,000 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21,000 $31,000 $62,000

1-bedroom apartment price

170,000 BOB 290,000 BOB 1.1M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25,000 $41,000 $150,000

2-bedroom apartment price

290,000 BOB 860,000 BOB 1.7M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$41,000 $120,000 $250,000

3-bedroom apartment price

950,000 BOB 1.4M BOB 4.3M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140,000 $210,000 $620,000

Townhouse price

1.2M BOB 2.9M BOB 11M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180,000 $410,000 $1.5M

House price

1.4M BOB 8.6M BOB 12M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210,000 $1.2M $1.8M

Villa price

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.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Bolivia

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Bolivia

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

130 BOB 430 BOB 2,800 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $62 $400

Internet and cable cost

43 BOB 86 BOB 110 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.2 $12 $17

Mobile phone bill and charges

34 BOB 57 BOB 170 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5 $8.3 $25

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of couples is around 430 BOB. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 43 BOB to 110 BOB with 86 BOB being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 57 BOB but can range between 34 BOB and 170 BOB depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


3% 6% of income 10%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Bolivia is around 6%. This means that people pay 6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3% to 10% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Bolivia

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Bolivia

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

8.6 BOB 17 BOB 29 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $2.5 $4.1

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Bolivia is approximatly 17 BOB with meal cost ranging from 8.6 BOB to 29 BOB. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

29 BOB 43 BOB 86 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.1 $6.2 $12

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 29 BOB and 86 BOB with 43 BOB being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Bolivia.

Fine dining meal for one price

57 BOB 86 BOB 340 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.3 $12 $50

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 57 BOB to 340 BOB with the average cost being 86 BOB for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Bolivia.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

7.1 BOB 11 BOB 17 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.7 $2.5

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Bolivia is around 11 BOB. Price ranges between 7.1 BOB and 17 BOB depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

5.7 BOB 6.8 BOB 8.6 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.83 $0.99 $1.2

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Bolivia is 6.8 BOB. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 8.6 BOB and the minimum being 5.7 BOB depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

4.3 BOB 5.7 BOB 8.6 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.62 $0.83 $1.2

A dozen eggs costs around 5.7 BOB on average with 4.3 BOB and 8.6 BOB being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

9.7 BOB 13 BOB 18 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.8 $2.6

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Bolivia is between 9.7 BOB and 18 BOB depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 13 BOB.

Pack of beef price

11 BOB 17 BOB 34 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.5 $5

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 17 BOB. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

4.6 BOB 6.3 BOB 8.9 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.67 $0.91 $1.3

A bag of rice in Bolivia costs around 6.3 BOB on average with prices rangeing between 4.6 BOB and 8.9 BOB depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

1.7 BOB 2.3 BOB 4.3 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.25 $0.33 $0.62

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1.7 BOB to 4.3 BOB. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

3.1 BOB 4 BOB 6.6 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.44 $0.58 $0.95

A bag of apples costs 4 BOB on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


18% 26% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Bolivia is around 26%. This means that couples spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 32% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for couples

Couples' spending on grocery ranges from 440 BOB to 7,100 BOB with the location, income, and size of the couple being the most determinite factors.

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