Cost Of Living For a Student in Paraguay 2025

Average monthly spending for students in Paraguay

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

Students in Paraguay spend around 4M PYG per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 610,000 PYG or as high as 27M PYG. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Paraguay?

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

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Paraguay typically spend from 15% to 26% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 20% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 970,000 PYG with expenditure ranging from 150,000 PYG to 6.5M 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 Paraguay ranges from 3% to 9% of total expenses with 5% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 160,000 PYG with 25,000 PYG and 1.1M 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 43,000 PYG to 1.9M PYG in a month on commuting with 280,000 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 Paraguay is 810,000 PYG. The cost of groceries can range between 120,000 PYG to 5.4M 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 Paraguay 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 37,000 PYG to 1.6M PYG with 240,000 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 31,000 PYG to 1.3M PYG with 200,000 PYG being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% 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 770,000 PYG per month with 120,000 PYG being the minimum spent amount and 5.1M 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 Paraguay

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Paraguay?

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

Low-cost alternatives in Paraguay

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 options56%

Few low-cost options44%

Based on the survey, 56% of the students living in Paraguay 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 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 Paraguay whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes57%

No43%

Based on the survey, 43% of the students living in Paraguay said that they don't have an emergency fund while 57% 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 Paraguay 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 Paraguay

Rent Cost in Paraguay

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

690,000 PYG

1M PYG

2.7M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$94

$140

$380

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1M PYG

1.6M PYG

4.1M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$140

$230

$560

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1.4M PYG

2.1M PYG

5.5M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$190

$280

$750

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1.6M PYG

2.7M PYG

7.5M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$230

$380

$1,000

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

3.3M PYG

8.2M PYG

16M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$450

$1,100

$2,300

Townhouse monthly rent cost

2.7M PYG

4.1M PYG

12M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$380

$560

$1,600

House monthly rent cost

3.3M PYG

8.2M PYG

16M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$450

$1,100

$2,300

Villa monthly rent cost

4.1M PYG

10M PYG

16M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$560

$1,400

$2,300

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Paraguay ranges between 690,000 PYG and 2.7M PYG, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1M PYG to 4.1M PYG. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1.4M PYG and 5.5M PYG per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1.6M PYG to 7.5M PYG. The average rent of a townhouse in Paraguay is around 4.1M PYG while house rental costs can be as high as 8.2M PYG per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 4.1M PYG to 16M PYG per month.

Apartment and house prices in Paraguay

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

140M PYG

210M PYG

410M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$19,000

$28,000

$56,000

1-bedroom apartment price

160M PYG

270M PYG

1,000M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$23,000

$38,000

$140,000

2-bedroom apartment price

270M PYG

820M PYG

1,600M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$38,000

$110,000

$230,000

3-bedroom apartment price

920M PYG

1,400M PYG

4,100M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$130,000

$190,000

$560,000

Townhouse price

1,200M PYG

2,700M PYG

10,000M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$160,000

$380,000

$1.4M

House price

1,400M PYG

8,200M PYG

12,000M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$190,000

$1.1M

$1.6M

Villa price

1,600M PYG

9,200M PYG

14,000M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$230,000

$1.3M

$1.9M

The average price of a studio apartment in Paraguay can range from 140M PYG to 410M PYG depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 160M PYG to 1,000M PYG. A villa can cost you 9,200M PYG on average with prices ranging from 1,600M PYG to 14,000M PYG.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

Property prices in Paraguay can be x113 to x208 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 Paraguay.

Rent to income ratio

The average rent-to-income ratio in Paraguay is around 31%. This means that people pay 31% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 41% 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 Paraguay

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

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

25,000 PYG

160,000 PYG

1.1M PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.4

$22

$150

Internet and cable cost

41,000 PYG

82,000 PYG

110,000 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$5.6

$11

$15

Mobile phone bill and charges

33,000 PYG

55,000 PYG

160,000 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4.5

$7.5

$23

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 160,000 PYG. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 41,000 PYG to 110,000 PYG with 82,000 PYG being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 55,000 PYG but can range between 33,000 PYG and 160,000 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 Paraguay is around 5%. This means that people pay 5% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2% to 9% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Paraguay

Prices and cost of goods and services in Paraguay

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

Fast food combo meal price

8,200 PYG

16,000 PYG

27,000 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.1

$2.3

$3.8

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Paraguay is approximatly 16,000 PYG with meal cost ranging from 8,200 PYG to 27,000 PYG. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

27,000 PYG

41,000 PYG

82,000 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.8

$5.6

$11

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 27,000 PYG and 82,000 PYG with 41,000 PYG being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Paraguay.

Fine dining meal for one price

55,000 PYG

82,000 PYG

330,000 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$7.5

$11

$45

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 55,000 PYG to 330,000 PYG with the average cost being 82,000 PYG for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Paraguay.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

6,900 PYG

11,000 PYG

16,000 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.94

$1.5

$2.3

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Paraguay is around 11,000 PYG. Price ranges between 6,900 PYG and 16,000 PYG depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

5,500 PYG

6,600 PYG

8,200 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.75

$0.90

$1.1

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Paraguay is 6,600 PYG. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 8,200 PYG and the minimum being 5,500 PYG depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

4,100 PYG

5,500 PYG

8,200 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.56

$0.75

$1.1

A dozen eggs costs around 5,500 PYG on average with 4,100 PYG and 8,200 PYG being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

9,400 PYG

12,000 PYG

17,000 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.3

$1.7

$2.3

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Paraguay is between 9,400 PYG and 17,000 PYG depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 12,000 PYG.

Pack of beef price

11,000 PYG

16,000 PYG

33,000 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.5

$2.3

$4.5

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 16,000 PYG. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

4,400 PYG

6,100 PYG

8,600 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.61

$0.83

$1.2

A bag of rice in Paraguay costs around 6,100 PYG on average with prices rangeing between 4,400 PYG and 8,600 PYG depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

1,600 PYG

2,200 PYG

4,100 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.23

$0.30

$0.56

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1,600 PYG to 4,100 PYG. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

2,900 PYG

3,900 PYG

6,300 PYG

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.40

$0.53

$0.87

A bag of apples costs 3,900 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 Paraguay is around 26%. This means that students 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 students