| Category | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | 1-bedroom apartment in city center | $400 – $600 per month |
| 1-bedroom apartment outside city center | $300 – $500 per month | |
| Apartment Purchases | Price per square meter in city center | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Price per square meter outside city center | $800 – $1,200 | |
| Transportation | One-way local transport ticket | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Monthly local transport pass | $20 – $30 | |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | $0.90 – $1.10 | |
| Taxi (1 km) | $1.00 – $1.50 | |
| Groceries | Milk (1 liter) | $0.80 – $1.20 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.00 – $2.00 | |
| Rice (1 kg) | $1.00 – $1.50 | |
| Chicken breasts (1 kg) | $3.00 – $5.00 | |
| Restaurants | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $30.00 – $50.00 | |
| Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald’s) | $4.00 – $6.00 | |
| Utilities | Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment | $50.00 – $100.00 per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | $30.00 – $50.00 per month | |
| Mobile phone (prepaid, no contract) | $0.10 – $0.20 per minute | |
| Private School Tuition | Preschool (monthly) | $150.00 – $300.00 |
| Elementary School (monthly) | $200.00 – $400.00 | |
| Middle School (monthly) | $300.00 – $500.00 | |
| High School (monthly) | $400.00 – $600.00 |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in La Paz
“The cost of living in La Paz, is generally considered to be affordable, especially when compared to larger cities in Mexico or the United States. Housing costs, such as rent and utilities, are relatively low, while groceries and transportation are also reasonably priced. Eating out at local restaurants can be inexpensive, but prices may increase at more upscale establishments. Healthcare is typically affordable, with both public and private options available. Overall, La Paz offers a comfortable lifestyle at a lower cost than many other cities,” said one expat living in La Paz.
Can I live in La Paz on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in La Paz for a while now, and I can tell you that it is possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for a rental in neighborhoods like El Centenario, El Zacatal, or Colonia Pueblo Nuevo. These areas are more budget-friendly compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Fidepaz or Costa Baja.When it comes to utilities, you’ll need to be mindful of your usage. Electricity can be expensive, especially if you’re using air conditioning a lot. Try to use fans and open windows to keep your home cool instead. Also, consider getting a propane gas tank for cooking and heating water, as it’s more cost-effective than electricity.For groceries, I suggest shopping at local markets and smaller grocery stores, where you can find fresh produce and other essentials at lower prices. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local eateries and street food, but avoid high-end restaurants and touristy areas, as they tend to be more expensive.Transportation is relatively cheap in La Paz. You can use public buses or colectivos (shared vans) to get around the city. Taxis and Uber are also available, but they can add up if you use them frequently. If you’re planning to stay for a while, consider buying a used bicycle or even a used car to save on transportation costs.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in La Paz. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, go for hikes, or visit local parks. There are also many cultural events and festivals throughout the year that you can attend for free or at a low cost.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in La Paz is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, shopping smart for groceries, and taking advantage of low-cost or free activities, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in La Paz.
Can I live in La Paz on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in La Paz for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you’ll need to choose a neighborhood that’s more affordable. I’d recommend looking into areas like El Centenario, El Zacatal, or even Colonia Pueblo Nuevo. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options while still providing access to modern amenities. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Fidepaz, Lomas de Palmira, or Costa Baja, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the cost of gas and maintenance. I’d recommend using public transportation or even biking to get around the city. La Paz has a decent bus system, and it’s relatively easy to navigate. Plus, it’s a great way to save money and reduce your environmental impact.Eating out can also be a significant expense, especially if you’re used to dining at high-end restaurants. I’d suggest cooking at home more often and exploring the local markets for fresh produce and ingredients. When you do eat out, try to stick to more affordable local eateries instead of the more expensive tourist-oriented restaurants.Another thing to consider is your entertainment budget. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in La Paz, such as visiting the beautiful beaches or exploring the city’s parks, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or outings. For example, if you’re used to going to the movies or attending concerts regularly, you might need to limit those activities to once or twice a month.Lastly, it’s essential to keep track of your expenses and create a monthly budget to ensure you’re not overspending. This will help you identify areas where you can cut back and make adjustments as needed.Overall, living in La Paz on $3,000 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, cooking at home, and being mindful of your entertainment expenses, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget,” said one expat living in La Paz.
Can I live in La Paz on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in La Paz for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you’ll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you’ll want to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more budget-friendly areas in La Paz include El Centenario, El Zacatal, and Colonia Pueblo Nuevo. These neighborhoods offer a mix of local and expat communities, and you can find decent housing options at reasonable prices. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Costa Baja, Fidepaz, and Lomas de Palmira, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the cost of gas and maintenance. Instead, consider using public transportation or even biking around the city. La Paz is relatively small, so getting around shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.As for groceries and dining out, you’ll find that local markets and street food vendors offer affordable and delicious options. However, if you’re craving international cuisine or high-end dining experiences, you might have to limit those outings to special occasions, as they can be quite pricey.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of entertainment and leisure activities. While there are plenty of free or low-cost options like visiting the beach or exploring the city’s parks and plazas, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like golfing, boating, or attending concerts and events.Lastly, when it comes to healthcare, you’ll want to look into getting private health insurance, as the public healthcare system in Mexico can be quite crowded and slow. Private insurance can be affordable, but it’s still an additional expense to consider.Overall, living in La Paz on $5,000 a month is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and being selective with your entertainment and dining choices, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful Mexican city,” commented an expat living in La Paz.
