Cost of living in Paraguay in : technical guide
Detailed analysis of prices, housing, education, and services for investors looking to maximize their quality of life and purchasing power in .
Monthly budget planner
Adjust the parameters based on your lifestyle and discover the cost of living in Paraguay.
In a city like Madrid, London, or Miami, an equivalent lifestyle would cost approximately:
$0*Estimation based on market prices. Costs may vary based on personal habits.
General analysis of the cost of living in
Paraguay is internationally positioned as a haven of economic efficiency. For an international investor, purchasing power in the country is significantly higher than in Europe or North America, allowing for a high-end lifestyle with a moderate monthly investment.
Housing and real estate market
The real estate market in Paraguay, especially in Asunción, offers options ranging from modern lofts in corporate areas to residences with large gardens. Prices vary by neighborhood and amenity levels.
| Property type | Premium area (Asunción) | Standard residential area |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment | 600 - 900 USD | 350 - 550 USD |
| 3-bedroom apartment | 1,200 - 2,500 USD | 700 - 1,100 USD |
| Single-family house (4-bed) | 2,500 USD + | 1,200 - 1,800 USD |
* Prices include "expensas" (HOA/community fees) in most modern buildings.
Domestic service and assistance staff
One of the greatest improvements in quality of life experienced by international residents in Paraguay is the accessibility of private assistance staff. In , costs allow for daily professional support for a fraction of what it would cost in other jurisdictions.
Estimated assistance costs
- Housekeeper (full-time): Between 400 USD and 600 USD monthly based on experience and modality (live-in or live-out).
- Cleaning service by the hour: Approximately 15 - 25 USD per 8-hour shift.
- Maintenance staff (gardening/pool): Between 50 and 100 USD monthly for weekly visits.
Utilities and connectivity
Thanks to the abundance of hydroelectric energy from sources like Itaipú, the cost of electricity is among the lowest globally, a determining factor for domestic and business savings.
Electricity and water
For a 2-person apartment, spending ranges between 40 and 80 USD monthly, even with intensive air conditioning use.
High-speed internet
Symmetrical fiber optic plans (300 Mbps to 1 Gbps) range between 25 and 50 USD monthly.
Food, supermarkets, and leisure
The quality of fresh produce in Paraguay is exceptional. As a major food exporter, local prices are very affordable in .
Grocery basket
A monthly budget of 300-500 USD covers a high-quality basket for two people with premium and imported products.
Dining and leisure
Dining at a top-tier restaurant in the corporate axis costs between 25 and 45 USD per person (including wine and dessert).
Electronics, technology, and luxury shopping
Paraguay is known as the region's shopping hub. Thanks to a low-tariff policy for re-export and domestic consumption, technology and luxury products often have lower prices than in neighboring countries and are similar to those in the United States.
High-end international brands in fashion, watches, and perfumes have a direct presence in Asunción's main shopping centers, offering an exclusive shopping experience in .
International education and schools in
For families moving their residency to Paraguay, the private educational offering in Asunción meets world-class standards, offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programs and North American or European academic calendars.
Investment in private education
Costs vary by the institution's prestige and the student's academic grade:
- Annual enrollment fee: Between 500 USD and 1,200 USD (one-time payment per year).
- Monthly tuition: Between 400 USD and 950 USD depending on the school (American, International, St. Anne's, etc.).
- Extra services: School transport and lunch usually range between 100 and 200 USD additional per month.
You can find more technical details on the pedagogical model in our section on the Paraguayan education system.
Transportation and mobility
Fuel in Paraguay is competitively priced, and mobility apps (Uber/Bolt) are extremely affordable for urban travel.
- Fuel: A liter of premium gasoline is around 1.10 USD.
- Private mobility: A 15-minute ride on digital platforms costs between 3 and 6 USD.
- Importing: See our guide on how to import a vehicle for reduced tariffs for residents.
Private healthcare and high-end medical insurance
The private healthcare system in Paraguay is of excellent quality in the capital's reference centers. Having medical insurance is standard practice for international residents in .
VIP medical insurance
Premium plans with full coverage in elite hospitals (La Costa, Santa Julia, Migone) cost between 70 and 130 USD monthly per adult.
Family plans
Insurers offer significant discounts for family groups, covering a family of 4 for about 250 - 350 USD total.
Medications and pharmacy
Drug costs are moderate, and pharmacy networks offer discounts of up to 30% through medical insurance.
Summary of estimated monthly budget
Below is an estimate of the expenses to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in Asunción during the fiscal year:
| Category | Single / Nomad profile | Family profile (4 people) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Central area) | 700 USD | 1,800 USD |
| Food and household | 400 USD | 900 USD |
| Utilities and connectivity | 100 USD | 250 USD |
| Health and leisure | 300 USD | 700 USD |
| ESTIMATED TOTAL | 1,500 USD | 3,650 USD |
Frequently asked questions
Can you pay in dollars in Paraguay?
The official currency is the Guaraní, but the US dollar is widely accepted for high-value transactions such as rent, vehicle purchases, and real estate.
What is the minimum wage in the country?
In , the legal minimum wage is around 370 USD. This explains why domestic and assistance services are very affordable for expats.
Do prices include taxes?
Yes, by law, all prices shown to the end consumer must include VAT (10% or 5%).
Technical note: The prices reflected here for are averages obtained from local real estate market sources and consumer databases. Actual spending will strictly depend on each resident's individual habits.