Cost of Living in Paraguay (2026)
Wondering how much life costs in Paraguay in 2026? Here you’ll find real prices in USD for rent, food, transport, and daily expenses — based on averages in Asunción, Encarnación, and Ciudad del Este.
Tip: Local salaries are much lower than in Europe or North America, but services such as cleaning, childcare, and haircuts are very affordable.
Planning to move to Paraguay? Residency + Cédula + RUC — USD 300 to start.
Start your residency →Typical Monthly Budgets
Asunción (Capital)
Couple without children, modern apartment downtown
- Rent (1-bedroom modern): $500
- Utilities (electricity, water, internet): $80
- Groceries + dining out: $380
- Transport (fuel, taxis, bus): $90
- Leisure + other: $120
Total monthly: ~$1,170
Encarnación / Ciudad del Este
Same profile, slightly outside premium areas
- Rent (1-bedroom): $350
- Utilities: $70
- Groceries + dining out: $320
- Transport: $70
- Leisure + other: $90
Total monthly: ~$900
For families with private schooling, expect +$300–600 per child.
Housing and Utilities
Monthly Rent
- Studio / 1-bedroom downtown — $250–300
- Modern apartment (pool & security) — $400–550
- 3-bedroom house (residential) — $650–900
Modern residences often include 24h security, pool, gym, and shared BBQ area.
Monthly Utilities
- Electricity (with AC) — $45–100
- Water — $10–15
- Fiber Internet — $25–35
- Mobile plan (unlimited data) — $10–15
Food
Supermarket Prices
- Milk (1 L) — $1.00
- Bread (baguette) — $0.60
- Eggs (12) — $1.70
- Local cheese (1 kg) — $6.50
- Chicken breast (1 kg) — $5.00
- Beef (1 kg, good quality) — $8.00
- Apples (1 kg) — $1.60
- Tomatoes (1 kg) — $1.30
Restaurants & Cafés
- Lunch menu (local) — $5–7
- Mid-range restaurant (2 people) — $25–35
- Espresso — $1.80
- Latte / cappuccino — $2.50
- Beer (bar) — $1.80
Transportation
Urban Transport
- Bus ride — $0.60
- Taxi (10 min) — $3–5
- Gasoline (1 L) — $1.10
- Car rental (per day) — $35–50
Long Distance
- Bus Asunción–Encarnación — $15–20
- Flight Asunción–Ciudad del Este — $80–130 (round trip)
- Flight Asunción–São Paulo — $200–300 (round trip)
Healthcare
Private Clinics
- General doctor — $20–30
- Pediatrician — $25–35
- Dentist (cleaning) — $30–50
- Emergency consultation — $50–80
Private Insurance
- Adult (30–45 yrs) — $45–80/month
- Family (2 adults + 1 child) — $130–200/month
Education
Local Private Schools
- Bilingual school (per month) — $130–270
- School materials & uniform — $160–250/year
International Schools
- Tuition (per month) — $330–650
- Initial enrollment — $500–1500 (one-time)
Example Profiles
Solo Nomad
- Studio rent — $300
- Daily life (food + leisure) — $350
- Transport — $70
- Health + phone + misc — $90
Total: ~$810
Comfortable Couple
- Modern apartment — $500
- Daily life — $450
- Transport + short trips — $130
- Leisure & health — $160
Total: ~$1,240
FAQ
Can you live in Paraguay with less than $1,000 per month?
Yes — if you rent outside the most expensive areas and buy local food, it’s possible. The biggest expenses are international schooling and air conditioning during summer.
Are prices increasing?
Moderately. Paraguay remains one of South America’s most affordable countries for housing and services. Imported goods (electronics, European cheese, wine) are closer to international prices.
Do I need residency to rent a home?
No. Many owners rent to foreigners with just a passport, especially if you pay a few months in advance or provide a reasonable deposit.
Ready to start your life in Paraguay?
We help with temporary residency, cédula (ID), RUC (tax number), and bank account setup in Paraguay.
Start your residency →USD 300 to start · Balance paid locally · Refund if not feasible after review
