Cost of Living in Paraguay: Rent, Housing & Income

Paraguay is a landlocked country in South America, between Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia. Most of the population lives in and around the capital, Asunción, on the Paraguay River, with other centers at Ciudad del Este and Encarnación on the borders. The currency is the guaraní, and the figures here are converted into US dollars, so exchange rate changes move them. The page covers the country as a whole.

The data comes from Livingcost, which compiles crowd-sourced price reports. They are estimates that update continuously.

The World Bank's price level ratio for Paraguay was 34.8 in 2025, with the U.S. at 100. At market exchange rates, the same basket of goods and services cost about 35% of its U.S. price.

GDP per capita, adjusted for purchasing power, was 20,181 international dollars in 2025 (U.S.: 90,027 international dollars in 2025). Consumer prices rose 4.0% in 2025 (U.S.: 2.9% in 2024).

Livingcost lists $397/mo for one person without rent and $751/mo with it. The average salary after tax is listed at $573/mo, which is above the rent for a central one bedroom apartment in the table below.

A one bedroom apartment in a city centre is listed at $414/mo, and a cheaper one bedroom at $285/mo. A three bedroom in the centre is listed at $756/mo, against $532/mo for a cheaper one.

Housing in Asunción ranges from modern towers in upscale neighborhoods to houses in residential districts with yards. Many people prefer houses to apartments, and the housing stock reflects that. Properties are advertised through local agents, property portals and signs on the street. Contracts and deposit practices vary, so ask for a written lease and keep receipts for every payment.

Houses and apartments

A house with a yard can cost less per square meter than a tower unit, but may require paying for a generator, a guard or a gardener. Apartments in secure buildings simplify those issues and cost more. Decide how much space and security you need before you search.

Utilities for one person are listed at $26.70/mo, an internet plan at $19.30/mo, and a monthly local transport ticket at $38.70/mo.

Summers are hot, and air conditioning can increase electricity use significantly. Public transport relies on buses, which can be crowded and slow, so many residents who can afford it use a car or motorbike. The listed ticket covers buses only. Fuel, insurance and maintenance are separate.

A lunch menu is listed at $5.99 each. A liter of milk is listed at $1.11 each and a dozen eggs at $2.16 each. Grilled meat is a staple of local cooking, along with cassava, corn dishes and chipa bread. Markets and local shops offer lower prices than supermarkets, and imported foods cost more. Tereré, the cold herbal drink shared in groups, is part of daily life.

Border cities are their own shopping world. Ciudad del Este is known for electronics and imported goods, and many visitors cross from neighboring countries to shop. Prices there can differ from those in Asunción, so compare before a big purchase.

For a family of four, Livingcost lists $1,797/mo including rent and $1,204/mo excluding it. Private schools and health coverage are not itemized, so contact providers for current fees. Households often rely on extended family for childcare.

The lines above point to a low cost country. Local wages are modest, and imported goods and cars carry higher prices. Daily food and rent are the parts that keep the monthly total low. A person with income from abroad may find the budget very comfortable, while someone relying on local pay will watch the rent and transport lines.

Choose Asunción or a smaller city first, since the location sets the rent. Compare several listings, then add bills, transport and food. If you expect to drive, price a car separately. Keep a reserve for visits to the border cities and for travel to neighboring countries, where distances are long.

Weather also plays a role. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are mild but can have cold snaps. Check how a rental is cooled and whether the roof and walls are well insulated, since a house that keeps heat out lowers electricity use.

• Health insurance and out-of-pocket medical care
• Residency fees and legal help
• Car ownership, fuel and insurance
• Private school tuition
• Taxes, which depend on your status

Residency, tax and healthcare rules depend on nationality and situation. Check the official Paraguayan immigration website and ask a licensed advisor.