Cost of Living

The following referral costs are provided for your reference and are approximate, starting from this amount and above.

Important:  Please note that the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar may fluctuate daily.

FOOD

• Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district Bs. 45 (USD 4.7) 

• Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Hamburger and fries or similar) Bs. 50 (USD 5.26) 

• 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast Bs. 22 (USD 2.31) 

• 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk Bs. 7  (USD 0.73) 

• Carton of 12 eggs Bs. 14.50  (USD 1.52) 

• 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes Bs. 7 (USD 0.73) 

• 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese Bs. 34 (USD 3.57) 

• 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples Bs. 36 (USD 3.78) 

• 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes Bs. 13 (USD 1.36)

• 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket Bs. 9.20 (USD 0.96)

• 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality Bs. 80 (USD 8.42)

• 2 liters of Coca-Cola Bs. 14 (USD 1.47)

• Bread for 2 people for 1 day Bs. 5 (USD 0.52)

HOUSING

• Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...)  Bs. 400 (USD 42.10)

• Internet - basic package includes cable, mobile service and WiFi Bs. 399 (USD 42) 

•  40” flat screen TV Bs. 3000 (USD 315)

• Microwave 800/900 Watt (Bosch, Panasonic, LG, Sharp, or equivalent brands)   Bs. 1,169 (USD 123) 

• Blender 800 Watt 2 - 1.75 Lts. (Moulinex, Bosch, or equivalent brands) Bs. 789 (USD 83.05)

• Toaster (Oster, Bosch or equivalent brands) Bs. 529 (USD 55.68)

• Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) Bs. 89 (USD 9.36)

• Daily rate for cleaning help Bs. 180  (USD 12.63)

CLOTHING

• 1 pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar) Bs. 600 (USD 63.15)

• 1 dress in a High Street Store (Zara, H&M or similar retailers) Bs. 600 (USD 63)

• 1 pair of sport shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent brands) Bs. 1000 (USD 105)

• 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes Bs. 600 (USD 63)

TRANSPORTATION

Public transportation within the city includes “mini buses", "Trufi" and taxis. Trufi will cost Bs. 3.00 to 4.50 depending on the distance.  A mini bus will cost Bs. 3.00  to Bs. 3.50 depending on the distance.  Mini buses are the most affordable mode of transportation but learning the system takes time as there is not a good comprehensive map and there are no schedules. Mini buses are usually packed full so it is not recommended to carry valuables; women are urged not to ride alone. 

Another form of public transportation is the Puma Katari, a bus that has fixed schedules and routes. You can find more them in http://www.lapazbus.bo/

Radio taxis are the safest form of public transportation because the taxi driver is accountable to someone. These taxis have a radio dispatch system and can be identified by a sticker in the window. Radio taxis are easy to find almost anywhere in the city or can be called and sent to your location. 

Taxi prices vary depending on how far you go or how long you want to hire the taxi. Taxis are easy to find and are quite inexpensive. Depending where you live, a trip to/from the school to most places in the "south zone" will likely cost around Bs. 15 but getting "to the center of the city" will cost from Bs. 30 to Bs. 45.  Price goes up later in the evening. The price should be negotiated prior to getting in the taxi or you may pay more than you should.   

Bicycles are not considered safe transportation throughout the city because Bolivian divers can be aggressive. However, if you enjoy bike riding, there are plenty of places to ride for fun.

CURRENCY

The Bolivian currency is called the Boliviano. The current exchange rate (April 2026) is 9.50 Bolivianos to the US Dollars. Please note that the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar may fluctuate daily.  The smaller denomination is called a centavo. There are 100 centavos in a boliviano just as there are 100 cents in a dollar. Bolivianos come in coins (1’s, 2’s and 5’s) and bills (10’s, 20’s, 50’s, 100’s, and 200’s) and all centavos are coins (10’s, 20’s, and 50’s). Travelers’ checks are seldom used and credit cards are usually used for purchasing things like airline tickets. However, you can use your credit/debit card at most supermarkets, shops and restaurants, but cash is much more common. 

ATMs are easy to find but only some expend dollars. When buying small items the amount you give to any vendor should be as close to the purchase price as possible because change is hard to come by. Small businesses are often unable to make change. For example, if you go to a restaurant and your check totals 25 Bs, you should not pay with a 100 Bs bill because the restaurant is not likely to have change. Do not bring dollars with the smallest rip in the bill because they will not be accepted. Bolivianos can be ripped and taped together and will be accepted but dollars must be absent of any tears to be accepted.

Personal Care

• Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Frenadol, Coldrex, or equivalent brands) Bs. 70 (USD 7.36)

• 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) Bs. 70 (USD 7.36)

• Short visit to private Doctor (15 minutes) Bs. 300 (USD 31.5)

• 1 box of 12 tampons (Tampax, OB, ...) Bs. 35 (USD 3.6)

• Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) Bs. 28 (USD 2.94)

• Hair shampoo (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) Bs. 60 (USD 6.31)

• 4 rolls of toilet paper is approximately Bs. 12 (USD 1.26)

• Toothpaste (180 gr.) Bs. 16 (USD 1.68)

• Standard men's haircut in the neighborhood of the city Bs. 100 (USD 10.52)

• Standard beauty salon with manicure, pedicure and nails Bs. 120 (USD 12.63)

ENTERTAINMENT

• Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub Bs. 400 (USD 42.10)

• 2 tickets to the movies Bs. 90 (USD 9.47)

• 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) Bs. 120 (USD 12.63)

• Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant including appetizers, main course, wine and dessert Bs. 450 (USD 47.36)

• 1 cocktail drink in downtown club is approximately Bs. 45 (USD 4.73)

• Cappuccino at a coffee shop Bs. 25 (USD 2.63)