Cost Of Living For a Student in Asuncion 2025

Average monthly spending for students in Asuncion

How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Asuncion?

Students in Asuncion spend around 4.6M PYG per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 700,000 PYG or as high as 31M PYG. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Asuncion?

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

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Asuncion typically spend from 14% to 25% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 19% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 1.1M PYG with expenditure ranging from 170,000 PYG to 7.3M PYG. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

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

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Asuncion ranges from 4% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 180,000 PYG with 28,000 PYG and 1.2M PYG being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a student resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a student would expect to spend from 49,000 PYG to 2.1M PYG in a month on commuting with 320,000 PYG being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 5% of total spending on average but can go as low as 5% or as high as 11%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for students

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Asuncion is 920,000 PYG. The cost of groceries can range between 140,000 PYG to 6.1M PYG. Students spend on average about 22% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 16% and 26% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Asuncion allocate 5% to 11% 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 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 42,000 PYG to 1.8M PYG with 280,000 PYG being the norm for most students.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for students

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 35,000 PYG to 1.5M PYG with 230,000 PYG being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most students.

Education and schooling expenditure for students

Spending on education can vary drastically between different students. On average, education constitutes 19% of the monthly expenditure of students with 12% and 24% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 870,000 PYG per month with 130,000 PYG being the minimum spent amount and 5.8M PYG being the maximum.

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

Affordable living in Asuncion

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Asuncion?

Around 68% of surveyed students think that living in Asuncion is affordable with proper budgeting while 32% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Asuncion

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 students how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options64%

Few low-cost options36%

Based on the survey, 64% of the students living in Asuncion have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 36% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Students

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 students of Asuncion whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes65%

No35%

Based on the survey, 35% of the students living in Asuncion said that they don't have an emergency fund while 65% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Paraguay

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 student guardians and parents in Asuncion 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 students of Paraguay have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 45% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 55% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance45%

Easily manages finances55%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Asuncion

Rent Cost in Asuncion

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

780,000 PYG

1.2M PYG

3.1M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$110

$160

$430

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1.2M PYG

1.9M PYG

4.7M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$160

$260

$640

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1.6M PYG

2.3M PYG

6.2M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$210

$320

$850

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1.9M PYG

3.1M PYG

8.5M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$260

$430

$1,200

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

3.7M PYG

9.4M PYG

19M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$510

$1,300

$2,600

Townhouse monthly rent cost

3.1M PYG

4.7M PYG

13M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$430

$640

$1,800

House monthly rent cost

3.7M PYG

9.4M PYG

19M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$510

$1,300

$2,600

Villa monthly rent cost

4.7M PYG

12M PYG

19M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$640

$1,600

$2,600

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Asuncion ranges between 780,000 PYG and 3.1M PYG, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1.2M PYG to 4.7M PYG. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1.6M PYG and 6.2M PYG per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1.9M PYG to 8.5M PYG. The average rent of a townhouse in Asuncion is around 4.7M PYG while house rental costs can be as high as 9.4M PYG per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 4.7M PYG to 19M PYG per month.

Apartment and house prices in Asuncion

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

160M PYG

230M PYG

470M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$21,000

$32,000

$64,000

1-bedroom apartment price

190M PYG

310M PYG

1,200M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$26,000

$43,000

$160,000

2-bedroom apartment price

310M PYG

940M PYG

1,900M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$43,000

$130,000

$260,000

3-bedroom apartment price

1,000M PYG

1,600M PYG

4,700M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$140,000

$210,000

$640,000

Townhouse price

1,300M PYG

3,100M PYG

12,000M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$180,000

$430,000

$1.6M

House price

1,600M PYG

9,400M PYG

13,000M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$210,000

$1.3M

$1.8M

Villa price

1,900M PYG

10,000M PYG

16,000M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$260,000

$1.4M

$2.1M

The average price of a studio apartment in Asuncion can range from 160M PYG to 470M PYG depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 190M PYG to 1,200M PYG. A villa can cost you 10,000M PYG on average with prices ranging from 1,900M PYG to 16,000M PYG.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

Property prices in Asuncion can be x128 to x236 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x128 multiples of the average monthly salary in Asuncion.

Rent to income ratio

The average rent-to-income ratio in Asuncion is around 35%. This means that people pay 35% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 24% to 47% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.

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.

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.

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.

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 Asuncion

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

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

28,000 PYG

180,000 PYG

1.2M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.8

$25

$170

Internet and cable cost

43,000 PYG

85,000 PYG

110,000 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$5.8

$12

$16

Mobile phone bill and charges

34,000 PYG

57,000 PYG

170,000 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4.7

$7.8

$23

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 180,000 PYG. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 43,000 PYG to 110,000 PYG with 85,000 PYG being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 57,000 PYG but can range between 34,000 PYG and 170,000 PYG depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.

Energy / Utility expense to income ratio

The average utility-to-income ratio in Asuncion is around 5.7%. This means that people pay 5.7% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.3% to 10% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Asuncion

Prices and cost of goods and services in Asuncion

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

Fast food combo meal price

8,500 PYG

17,000 PYG

28,000 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.2

$2.3

$3.9

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Asuncion is approximatly 17,000 PYG with meal cost ranging from 8,500 PYG to 28,000 PYG. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

30,000 PYG

45,000 PYG

89,000 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4.1

$6.1

$12

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 30,000 PYG and 89,000 PYG with 45,000 PYG being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Asuncion.

Fine dining meal for one price

60,000 PYG

89,000 PYG

360,000 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$8.2

$12

$49

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 60,000 PYG to 360,000 PYG with the average cost being 89,000 PYG for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Asuncion.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

7,100 PYG

11,000 PYG

17,000 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.97

$1.6

$2.3

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Asuncion is around 11,000 PYG. Price ranges between 7,100 PYG and 17,000 PYG depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

5,700 PYG

6,800 PYG

8,500 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.78

$0.93

$1.2

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Asuncion is 6,800 PYG. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 8,500 PYG and the minimum being 5,700 PYG depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

4,300 PYG

5,700 PYG

8,500 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.58

$0.78

$1.2

A dozen eggs costs around 5,700 PYG on average with 4,300 PYG and 8,500 PYG being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

9,700 PYG

13,000 PYG

18,000 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.3

$1.7

$2.4

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Asuncion is between 9,700 PYG and 18,000 PYG depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 13,000 PYG.

Pack of beef price

11,000 PYG

17,000 PYG

34,000 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.6

$2.3

$4.7

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 17,000 PYG. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

4,600 PYG

6,300 PYG

8,900 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.63

$0.86

$1.2

A bag of rice in Asuncion costs around 6,300 PYG on average with prices rangeing between 4,600 PYG and 8,900 PYG depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

1,700 PYG

2,300 PYG

4,300 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.23

$0.31

$0.58

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1,700 PYG to 4,300 PYG. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

3,000 PYG

4,000 PYG

6,600 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.42

$0.55

$0.90

A bag of apples costs 4,000 PYG on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Asuncion is around 30%. This means that students spend 30% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 20% to 36% depending on salary and location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students