Cost Of Living in Santa Cruz 2024

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Santa Cruz

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Santa Cruz

Whether you're living in Santa Cruz 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

Currency: BOB
700 9,000 90,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $1,300 $13,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: BOB
880 6,300 42,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $910 $6,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: BOB
3,500 10,000 56,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $1,500 $8,100

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: BOB
4,900 14,000 90,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$700 $2,000 $13,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: BOB
700 4,600 30,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $660 $4,400
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Santa Cruz is 6,300 BOB. Expenses can range from 880 BOB at the minimum level to 42,000 BOB at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Santa Cruz is 10,000 BOB. Expenditure can range from 3,500 BOB to 56,000 BOB per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Santa Cruz is 14,000 BOB per month. Families spend anywhere from 4,900 BOB to 90,000 BOB.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Santa Cruz is 4,600 BOB. Students spend from 700 BOB to 30,000 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 Santa Cruz


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

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

8.5 BOB 17 BOB 28 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $2.5 $4.1

Restaurant meal for one

30 BOB 45 BOB 89 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $6.5 $13

Fine dining meal for one

60 BOB 89 BOB 360 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.6 $13 $52

Cappuccino or latte

7.1 BOB 11 BOB 17 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.6 $2.5

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

5.7 BOB 6.8 BOB 8.5 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.82 $0.99 $1.2

12 eggs

4.3 BOB 5.7 BOB 8.5 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.62 $0.82 $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
$1.6 $2.5 $4.9

Medium bag of rice

4.6 BOB 6.3 BOB 8.9 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.66 $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 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 Santa Cruz

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

7.5 BOB 8.9 BOB 18 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.3 $2.6

Average car full tank

43 BOB 57 BOB 110 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.2 $8.2 $16

Average car 1-day rental

47 BOB 62 BOB 94 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.8 $9 $14

Average car price

21,000 BOB 43,000 BOB 57,000 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,100 $6,200 $8,200

Bus ticket one way

1.6 BOB 2.3 BOB 4.7 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.23 $0.34 $0.68

Car Service

62 BOB 94 BOB 190 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9 $14 $27
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a family in Santa Cruz

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

53 BOB 380 BOB 2,500 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.7 $54 $360

Utility Bill - Couple

140 BOB 470 BOB 3,100 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $68 $440

Utility Bill - Family

240 BOB 700 BOB 4,500 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$35 $100 $650

Internet and cable

43 BOB 85 BOB 110 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.2 $12 $16

Mobile phone charges

34 BOB 57 BOB 170 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.9 $8.2 $25

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

21 BOB 28 BOB 43 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.1 $4.1 $6.2

One month gym membership

75 BOB 94 BOB 190 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $14 $27
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Santa Cruz

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

55 BOB 78 BOB 120 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8 $11 $17

Woman dress

52 BOB 72 BOB 230 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.5 $10 $34

Woman shoes

49 BOB 67 BOB 160 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.1 $9.7 $23

Men's shoes

43 BOB 52 BOB 100 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.2 $7.5 $15

Men suit

47 BOB 59 BOB 310 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.8 $8.5 $45

Regular t-shirt

23 BOB 31 BOB 94 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $4.5 $14
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Santa Cruz

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

780 BOB 1,200 BOB 3,100 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $170 $450

1-bedroom apartment

1,200 BOB 1,900 BOB 4,700 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $270 $680

2-bedroom apartment

1,600 BOB 2,300 BOB 6,200 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $340 $900

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

160,000 BOB 230,000 BOB 470,000 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23,000 $34,000 $68,000

1-bedroom apartment

190,000 BOB 310,000 BOB 1.2M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27,000 $45,000 $170,000

2-bedroom apartment

310,000 BOB 940,000 BOB 1.9M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$45,000 $140,000 $270,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Santa Cruz

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

850 BOB 1,100 BOB 1,400 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $150 $210

Double Bed

570 BOB 850 BOB 1,100 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$82 $120 $150

Single Bed

500 BOB 660 BOB 850 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 $82 $150

Sofa or Couch

570 BOB 770 BOB 1,700 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$82 $110 $250
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Santa Cruz

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

570 BOB 850 BOB 1,700 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$82 $120 $250

Fridge or Freezer

500 BOB 770 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 770 BOB 1,100 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$88 $110 $150

Mobile Phone

710 BOB 850 BOB 1,200 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $120 $180

Laptop or Computer

770 BOB 950 BOB 1,700 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $140 $250

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Santa Cruz

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.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Santa Cruz

Spending to Income Ratio

93%

85% to 100%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%5%
50% - 60%10%
60% - 70%16%
70% - 80%25%
80% - 90%19%
90% - 100%10%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Santa Cruz is 93% This means that on average, people spend around 93% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 16% 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
84%
Spending-Income-Ratio
77%
93%

Couple
89%
Spending-Income-Ratio
81%
98%

Family
98%
Spending-Income-Ratio
90%
110%
Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Santa Cruz

How do people spend their money in Santa Cruz?

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$30   210 BOB
AVERAGE$390   2,700 BOB
HIGH$3,900   27,000 BOB
Per Month

People living in Santa Cruz typically spend from 14% to 33% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 25% being the average. The average spend on housing is 2,700 BOB with expenditure ranging from 210 BOB to 27,000 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, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

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

LOW$5   35 BOB
AVERAGE$65   450 BOB
HIGH$650   4,500 BOB
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Santa Cruz ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 450 BOB with 35 BOB and 4,500 BOB being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$10   70 BOB
AVERAGE$130   900 BOB
HIGH$1,300   9,000 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 70 BOB to 9,000 BOB on commuting with 900 BOB being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food and Groceries Cost28%

28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)

LOW$25   170 BOB
AVERAGE$330   2,300 BOB
HIGH$3,300   23,000 BOB
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Santa Cruz is 2,300 BOB. The cost of groceries can range between 170 BOB to 23,000 BOB. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services10%

10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$7   49 BOB
AVERAGE$92   630 BOB
HIGH$920   6,300 BOB
Per Month

People in Santa Cruz allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 49 BOB to 6,300 BOB with 630 BOB being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 9%)

LOW$4   28 BOB
AVERAGE$52   360 BOB
HIGH$520   3,600 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 28 BOB to 3,600 BOB with 360 BOB being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$6   42 BOB
AVERAGE$79   540 BOB
HIGH$790   5,400 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 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 540 BOB per month with 42 BOB being the minimum spent amount and 5,400 BOB being the maximum.

Other Expenses13%

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

LOW$13   90 BOB
AVERAGE$170   1,200 BOB
HIGH$1,700   12,000 BOB
Per Month
Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Santa Cruz

How much money can you save in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
62%
Not Saving
38%

Almost 62% of the surveyed people in Santa Cruz said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 38% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Santa Cruz

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles71%29%
Couples65%35%
Families60%40%

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.


Savings to income ratio in Santa Cruz

Saving to Income Ratio

9.9% 19% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

240 BOB
$35
3,100 BOB
$460
31,000 BOB
$4,600
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 9.9% to 32% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 19% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 3,100 BOB on average with savings ranging from 240 BOB to 31,000 BOB.

71% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 65% of couples said the same. 60% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Santa Cruz?

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

13% 23% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

240 BOB
$35
2,200 BOB
$320
15,000 BOB
$2,100
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%31%
10% - 20%24%
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 13% to 34% of their monthly income to savings, with 23% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 2,200 BOB with 240 BOB and 15,000 BOB being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 21% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,200 BOB
$180
3,600 BOB
$530
19,000 BOB
$2,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%35%
10% - 20%26%
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 11% to 33% of their monthly income, with 21% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 3,600 BOB with 1,200 BOB and 19,000 BOB being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

9.9% 18% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,700 BOB
$250
4,800 BOB
$700
31,000 BOB
$4,600
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%38%
10% - 20%29%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%6%
40% - 50%5%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Santa Cruz can save anywhere between 9.9% to 31% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 4,800 BOB with 1,700 BOB and 31,000 BOB being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Santa Cruz

Saving Challenges in Santa Cruz

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

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


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans15%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending11%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later20%
Inflation12%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 15% 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. 11% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% 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. 20% 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, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do people choose to put their savings in Santa Cruz

Typical saving choices for people in Santa Cruz

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold12%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings19%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks5%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
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 to live in Santa Cruz

Affordable living in Santa Cruz

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Santa Cruz?


Yes
66%
No
34%

Around 66% of surveyed residents think that living in Santa Cruz is affordable with proper budgeting while 34% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Santa Cruz

Low-cost alternatives in Santa Cruz

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 options61%

Few low-cost options39%


Based on the survey, 61% of the people living in Santa Cruz have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 39% 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 Santa Cruz whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes61%

No39%


Based on the survey, 39% of the people living in Santa Cruz said that they don't have an emergency fund while 61% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Santa Cruz

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 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 people living in Santa Cruz

Financial goals of people in Santa Cruz

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Santa Cruz, 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 Fund8%
Debt Reduction39%
Retirement Savings9%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing7%
Travel or Lifestyle8%
Healthcare Expenses12%
Financial Independence6%

Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 39% 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 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 8% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 12% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Santa Cruz

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz:
AgeAmount
2524,000 BOB
3049,000 BOB
3585,000 BOB
40120,000 BOB
45180,000 BOB
50260,000 BOB
55300,000 BOB
60380,000 BOB
65450,000 BOB

Retirement Income Distribution

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

Source% People
Pensions12%
Savings23%
Investments12%
Social Security7%
Annuities7%
Part-time Job13%
Real Estate18%
Dividends and Interest7%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Santa Cruz

510 BOB
$74
4,600 BOB
$660
30,000 BOB
$4,400
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Santa Cruz

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Santa Cruz


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
35%
Debt Free
65%

According to the survey, 35% of the people in Santa Cruz have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 65% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Santa Cruz

Debt-to-income ratio in Santa Cruz

Debt to income ratio

33%

24% to 43%

( 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 33% of the people's monthly income in Santa Cruz goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%16%
40% - 50%13%
30% - 40%15%
20% - 30%12%
10% - 20%14%
0% - 10%26%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Santa Cruz pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 16% 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 12% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Santa Cruz

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage10%
Auto Loan17%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card28%
Personal Loan41%

10% of debtors in Santa Cruz confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 28% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 17% of people and personal loans rose at 41%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Santa Cruz.


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 Santa Cruz

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Santa Cruz 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
Never52%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Santa Cruz

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Santa Cruz

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


Rent Cost in Santa Cruz

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

780 BOB 1,200 BOB 3,100 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $170 $450

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,200 BOB 1,900 BOB 4,700 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $270 $680

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,600 BOB 2,300 BOB 6,200 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $340 $900

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,900 BOB 3,100 BOB 8,500 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $450 $1,200

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

3,700 BOB 9,400 BOB 19,000 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$540 $1,400 $2,700

Townhouse monthly rent cost

3,100 BOB 4,700 BOB 13,000 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$450 $680 $1,900

House monthly rent cost

3,700 BOB 9,400 BOB 19,000 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$540 $1,400 $2,700

Villa monthly rent cost

4,700 BOB 12,000 BOB 19,000 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$680 $1,700 $2,700

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Santa Cruz ranges between 780 BOB and 3,100 BOB, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1,200 BOB to 4,700 BOB. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,600 BOB and 6,200 BOB per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,900 BOB to 8,500 BOB. The average rent of a townhouse in Santa Cruz is around 4,700 BOB while house rental costs can be as high as 9,400 BOB per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 4,700 BOB to 19,000 BOB per month.



Apartment and house prices in Santa Cruz

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

160,000 BOB 230,000 BOB 470,000 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23,000 $34,000 $68,000

1-bedroom apartment price

190,000 BOB 310,000 BOB 1.2M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27,000 $45,000 $170,000

2-bedroom apartment price

310,000 BOB 940,000 BOB 1.9M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$45,000 $140,000 $270,000

3-bedroom apartment price

1M BOB 1.6M BOB 4.7M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150,000 $230,000 $680,000

Townhouse price

1.3M BOB 3.1M BOB 12M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190,000 $450,000 $1.7M

House price

1.6M BOB 9.4M BOB 13M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230,000 $1.4M $1.9M

Villa price

1.9M BOB 10M BOB 16M BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270,000 $1.5M $2.3M

The average price of a studio apartment in Santa Cruz can range from 160,000 BOB to 470,000 BOB depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 190,000 BOB to 1.2M BOB. A villa can cost you 10M BOB on average with prices ranging from 1.9M BOB to 16M BOB.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Santa Cruz 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


39 x113 monthly income 221
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Santa Cruz can be x113 to x221 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x113 multiples of the average monthly salary in Santa Cruz.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


22% 33% of income 44%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Santa Cruz is around 33%. This means that people pay 33% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 22% to 44% 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
30%

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.


14 BOB 180 BOB 1,800 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 Santa Cruz

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Santa Cruz

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

53 BOB 380 BOB 2,500 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.7 $54 $360

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

140 BOB 470 BOB 3,100 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $68 $440

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

240 BOB 700 BOB 4,500 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$35 $100 $650

Internet and cable cost

43 BOB 85 BOB 110 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.2 $12 $16

Mobile phone bill and charges

34 BOB 57 BOB 170 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.9 $8.2 $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 expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Santa Cruz ranges between 53 BOB and 2,500 BOB with average being 380 BOB, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 470 BOB with 140 BOB and 3,100 BOB being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 700 BOB. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 43 BOB to 110 BOB with 85 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


3.3% 6.6% of income 11%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Santa Cruz is around 6.6%. This means that people pay 6.6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.3% to 11% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Santa Cruz

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


Prices and cost of goods and services in Santa Cruz

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

Fast food combo meal price

8.5 BOB 17 BOB 28 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 Santa Cruz is approximatly 17 BOB with meal cost ranging from 8.5 BOB to 28 BOB. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

30 BOB 45 BOB 89 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $6.5 $13

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 30 BOB and 89 BOB with 45 BOB being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Santa Cruz.

Fine dining meal for one price

60 BOB 89 BOB 360 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.6 $13 $52

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 60 BOB to 360 BOB with the average cost being 89 BOB for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Santa Cruz.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

7.1 BOB 11 BOB 17 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.6 $2.5

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Santa Cruz 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 8.5 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.82 $0.99 $1.2

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Santa Cruz is 6.8 BOB. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 8.5 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 8.5 BOB
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.62 $0.82 $1.2

A dozen eggs costs around 5.7 BOB on average with 4.3 BOB and 8.5 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 Santa Cruz 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
$1.6 $2.5 $4.9

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
$0.66 $0.91 $1.3

A bag of rice in Santa Cruz 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 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


20% 29% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Santa Cruz is around 29%. This means that people spend 29% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 20% to 35% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 1,000 BOB per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 140 BOB and 6,700 BOB depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 1,500 BOB per month. That number can be get as low as 490 BOB or a high as 7,800 BOB. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 880 BOB to 16,000 BOB with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.


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

Housing cost for a single person31%

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

LOW$46   320 BOB
AVERAGE$330   2,300 BOB
HIGH$2,200   15,000 BOB
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%

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

LOW$7.7   53 BOB
AVERAGE$54   380 BOB
HIGH$360   2,500 BOB
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$10   71 BOB
AVERAGE$73   500 BOB
HIGH$480   3,300 BOB
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$20   140 BOB
AVERAGE$150   1,000 BOB
HIGH$970   6,700 BOB
Per Month

Healthcare Cost12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$12   79 BOB
AVERAGE$82   560 BOB
HIGH$540   3,800 BOB
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Expenditure3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$6.4   44 BOB
AVERAGE$45   310 BOB
HIGH$300   2,100 BOB
Per Month

Education Cost1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$2.6   18 BOB
AVERAGE$18   130 BOB
HIGH$120   830 BOB
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

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

LOW$23   160 BOB
AVERAGE$160   1,100 BOB
HIGH$1,100   7,500 BOB
Per Month


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

Housing cost for a couple28%

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

LOW$170   1,200 BOB
AVERAGE$510   3,500 BOB
HIGH$2,700   19,000 BOB
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

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

LOW$20   140 BOB
AVERAGE$68   470 BOB
HIGH$440   3,100 BOB
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost9%

9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)

LOW$60   420 BOB
AVERAGE$180   1,300 BOB
HIGH$970   6,700 BOB
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)

LOW$70   490 BOB
AVERAGE$210   1,500 BOB
HIGH$1,100   7,800 BOB
Per Month

Healthcare Cost14%

14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)

LOW$55   380 BOB
AVERAGE$170   1,100 BOB
HIGH$890   6,100 BOB
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$30   210 BOB
AVERAGE$91   630 BOB
HIGH$480   3,300 BOB
Per Month

Education Cost1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$10   70 BOB
AVERAGE$30   210 BOB
HIGH$160   1,100 BOB
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

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

LOW$86   590 BOB
AVERAGE$260   1,800 BOB
HIGH$1,400   9,500 BOB
Per Month


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

Housing cost for a family27%

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

LOW$230   1,600 BOB
AVERAGE$640   4,500 BOB
HIGH$4,200   29,000 BOB
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)

LOW$35   240 BOB
AVERAGE$100   700 BOB
HIGH$650   4,500 BOB
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Expenses5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$70   490 BOB
AVERAGE$200   1,400 BOB
HIGH$1,300   9,000 BOB
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost21%

21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)

LOW$130   880 BOB
AVERAGE$360   2,500 BOB
HIGH$2,400   16,000 BOB
Per Month

Healthcare Expenses11%

11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)

LOW$63   440 BOB
AVERAGE$200   1,400 BOB
HIGH$1,000   7,200 BOB
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$35   240 BOB
AVERAGE$100   700 BOB
HIGH$650   4,500 BOB
Per Month

Education Cost13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$99   680 BOB
AVERAGE$280   1,900 BOB
HIGH$1,800   13,000 BOB
Per Month

Other Expenses15%

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

LOW$56   390 BOB
AVERAGE$160   1,100 BOB
HIGH$1,000   7,200 BOB
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Santa Cruz

Housing costs for Student19%

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

LOW$24   170 BOB
AVERAGE$160   1,100 BOB
HIGH$1,100   7,300 BOB
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses6%

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

LOW$4   28 BOB
AVERAGE$26   180 BOB
HIGH$180   1,200 BOB
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost4%

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

LOW$7   49 BOB
AVERAGE$46   320 BOB
HIGH$310   2,100 BOB
Per Month

Food and Groceries Expenditure23%

23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)

LOW$20   140 BOB
AVERAGE$130   910 BOB
HIGH$880   6,100 BOB
Per Month

Healthcare Cost9%

9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$6   42 BOB
AVERAGE$40   270 BOB
HIGH$260   1,800 BOB
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

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

LOW$5   35 BOB
AVERAGE$33   230 BOB
HIGH$220   1,500 BOB
Per Month

Education Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$19   130 BOB
AVERAGE$130   870 BOB
HIGH$840   5,800 BOB
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

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

LOW$15   100 BOB
AVERAGE$99   690 BOB
HIGH$660   4,600 BOB
Per Month
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