Cost of living in Paraguay: Food, transport, and more

Looking for a South American country where you can live without spending too much? We’ve got an attractive option today. Here’s everything you need to know about the cost of living in Paraguay, a destination not many travellers consider, but one that’s appealing in several ways, especially financially.

If you’re planning to move to Paraguay or stay long-term but don’t know how much money you’ll need, you’ve come to the right place. This country offers one of the lowest monthly budgets in the region, while still providing urban comfort, abundant nature, and a welcoming culture.

From central flats in Asunción to houses with gardens in mid-sized cities like Encarnación or Villarrica, Paraguay provides very affordable housing options. Fresh food is cheap, transport costs little, and daily life allows savings if you keep a moderate budget. That’s just the beginning, but we’ll tell you much more about the cost of living in Paraguay. Stay with us and see if it’s the right destination for your next adventure.

How much does accommodation cost in Paraguay?

The first component of the cost of living in Paraguay we’ll examine is accommodation, one of the main concerns when planning a move. You’ll be glad to know that rental prices are among the most attractive factors for those seeking financial stability and good living standards.

Paraguay offers a wide variety of options for temporary or permanent housing: from modern flats in urban areas to large houses in quiet neighbourhoods. The cities with the greatest supply are Asunción, Ciudad del Este, Encarnación, and San Lorenzo, although you’ll also find choices in rural or tourist areas.

The Paraguayan property market is far more accessible compared with other South American countries. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, property condition, and included services, but generally, you can rent for less than in medium-sized cities in neighbouring countries.

Here are some specific options with approximate prices:

Furnished flats: A practical choice for newcomers

Furnished flats are ideal for digital nomads, students, or newcomers who want to settle without buying furniture or appliances. You’ll find them in both new buildings and renovated older properties, and they usually include essentials: bed, table, fridge, equipped kitchen, air conditioning, and even internet connection.

In Asunción, Villa Morra, Carmelitas, and Los Laureles concentrate most of these flats. In Ciudad del Este and Encarnación, you’ll also find good options in central and safe areas. Some rentals include services such as weekly cleaning or 24-hour security, which raise the price slightly but improve the living experience.

Here’s a table with estimated costs for furnished flats in Paraguay:

Price of furnished flats in Paraguay

Is it worth renting via Airbnb in Paraguay?

Airbnb rentals are increasingly popular among medium-stay travellers and digital nomads seeking flexibility. In Paraguay, this trend has grown mainly in big cities like Asunción, Encarnación, and Ciudad del Este, where tourism infrastructure and digital connectivity support it.

Unlike traditional furnished rentals, Airbnb is usually more expensive for longer stays, but it offers greater flexibility for check-in and check-out. Plus, it’s designed for short or medium stays (days to weeks). Another advantage: prices usually include all services—internet, electricity, water, cleaning, and even Netflix.

You’ll also find “Airbnb Plus” or flats managed by professional hosts, which ensure higher cleaning and design standards. In central Asunción areas such as Villa Morra, Recoleta, or Barrio Jara, these properties are common. In more residential or peripheral districts, prices drop but so does variety.

On average, these are the Airbnb costs in Paraguay:

Cost of living in Paraguay: Rent cost on Airbnb

In summary, if you plan to stay for more than three months, a furnished flat rented outside of Airbnb is likely to be more economical. However, if your priority is comfort, minimal bureaucracy, and flexibility, Airbnb remains a very convenient option, especially at the beginning of your stay.

Coliving in Paraguay: An emerging option for digital nomads

The concept of coliving (living in community sharing spaces like kitchen, coworking, and common areas) is gaining ground in Paraguay, especially in the capital. Although there aren’t many spaces yet, some interesting options exist in Asunción, in districts such as Villa Morra, Recoleta, and the city centre, where culture, commerce, and universities concentrate.

These colivings usually include single or shared rooms, common kitchen, workspaces with high-speed internet, terrace or garden, and services. Some also provide activities like yoga classes, communal dinners, or cultural tours. It’s a great alternative if you’re coming alone and want to join a community quickly.

For example, Nomada Co-Living & Coworking (in Barrio Jara, Asunción) offers single and double rooms, coworking spaces, shared kitchen, garden, and weekly events at a cost between $280–400 (€258–368 approx.).

Although the supply is still small, the cost of living in Paraguay keeps these options accessible and convenient. Plus, the growing nomad community suggests this format will keep expanding.

Student residences in Paraguay: living close to university

Paraguay is becoming increasingly popular among foreign students, especially in medicine, dentistry, engineering, and international relations. For them, student residences are a safe, affordable, and well-located option during their studies.

Most public and private universities (like Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Universidad Autónoma de Asunción, or Universidad del Pacífico) offer access to residences or refer students to private ones that work with the institutions. They’re usually in San Lorenzo, Fernando de la Mora, Villa Morra, and Sajonia, depending on the campus.

Residences can be mixed or gender-specific. They provide single or shared rooms, shared kitchen and dining, laundry, security, WiFi, and sometimes cleaning services. They’re a practical solution if you don’t know the city and need stability from day one. Regarding costs, here’s an approximate table:

Cost of living in Paraguay: Student residences

Another advantage is that many of these residences don’t require guarantees or high deposits, unlike traditional rental contracts.

How do food prices affect the cost of living in Paraguay?

Besides housing, the second factor about the cost of living in Paraguay relates to food prices. Good news again: eating well is affordable, whether you cook at home or eat at local restaurants. Thanks to its climate and farming production, Paraguay offers fresh products, fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy at low prices, even in big cities.

In supermarkets and markets such as Stock, Superseis, La Bomba, or Abasto Norte, you’ll find quality products at good prices. In residential and student areas, it’s common to find fixed-price lunches, executive menus, buffets by weight, or even street food like chipas, empanadas, or sopa paraguaya.

Here are the prices of some basic supermarket products:

Cost of living in Paraguay: Food prices

Eating out in Paraguay is also affordable, especially at popular spots, food courts, and gastronomic patios. Only international restaurants in tourist or premium areas charge higher prices.

For instance, a simple breakfast (coffee + bread or chipa) costs $2.00–3.50 (€1.84–3.22), while dinner in a local restaurant is around $6.00–10.00 (€5.52–9.20). Meanwhile, an international restaurant meal costs about $12.00–20.00 (€11.04–18.40).

In summary, eating well in Paraguay isn’t only cheap, it’s also tasty. Local cuisine, with dishes like sopa paraguaya, chipa guasu, mbejú, or outdoor barbecue, brings flavour and variety to everyday diets.

Is it expensive to get around the country?

Transport is another factor that makes the cost of living in Paraguay so affordable. In places like Asunción, Encarnación, or Ciudad del Este, moving around is cheap both on public transport and private options. Distances aren’t huge, but rush-hour traffic can be a challenge, especially in the capital.

The public transport system is mainly based on city buses, many renewed recently with air conditioning and digital payment through cards like Jaha or MásCard. Apps like Bolt, MUV, or Uber also exist, though they’re less widespread than elsewhere. Traditional taxis remain common in central areas, though less efficient in price.

If you prefer cycling or driving, cities are improving cycle paths, and cars remain affordable, though insurance and maintenance add hidden costs.

Estimated transport prices in Paraguay (July 2025)

Transport-related costs in Paraguay

In short, Paraguay offers multiple ways to get around for little money. The key is choosing based on your routine: public transport for regular routes, apps for more comfort, and bikes for full independence and daily exercise.

Cost of living in Paraguay: Healthcare

Healthcare is another key aspect within the cost of living in Paraguay. The system is both public and private.

Public hospitals provide free access, but waiting times and resources are limited. That’s why many residents (foreigners and locals) choose private clinics or get an international or local health insurance.

Public hospitals serve everyone, though sometimes you’ll need to show an ID or passport. Private clinics provide faster, more personalised care with better facilities, although prices vary by speciality and medical centre.

Getting private insurance is a good idea if you’ll stay longer than a few months. Well-known providers include La Paraguaya, Mapfre, Familiar Seguros, and Panal, with plans covering consultations, tests, emergencies, and hospitalisation.

Approximate health insurance costs in Paraguay

Overall, Paraguay offers affordable healthcare if you have private insurance or choose your clinic carefully. Health won’t drastically increase your monthly expenses, but it’s wise to secure reliable coverage if you’ll stay long-term.

How much money do I need to stay connected in Paraguay?

Connectivity is another key factor within the cost of living in Paraguay, especially if you’re working remotely or studying. Luckily, the country has solid telecom infrastructure, particularly in big cities like Asunción and Encarnación, where download speeds and mobile coverage meet international standards.

The main internet providers are Tigo, Personal, Claro, and Copaco, offering fibre optic coverage with speeds from 30 Mbps up to 300 Mbps. For mobile, the most used are also Tigo, Claro, and Personal, with affordable prepaid and postpaid plans, good coverage, and frequent promotions.

Internet plans in Paraguay (most include modem and installation)

Local mobile plans (calls, messages, and data). Prices vary with promotions. All include minutes, messages, and social media.

If you’ll also travel in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, or elsewhere in South America, or if you need constant connection without relying on local SIMs, Holafly monthly plans are an excellent choice. You’ll get unlimited data in over 160 countries with one subscription activated without a physical SIM card. And, if you only need internet in Paraguay, the Holafly eSIM gives you unlimited data without billing surprises.

A perfect option for digital nomads, remote workers, and frequent travellers needing reliable, hassle-free connection.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

What leisure options are available and what is their average cost?

Although it’s not in the most popular tourism rankings, Paraguay surprises those who explore it. Within the cost of living in Paraguay, leisure is affordable and diverse, offering cultural spaces, natural parks, outdoor activities, and historic sites often enjoyed on a small budget or even free.

In Asunción, Encarnación, and Ciudad del Este you’ll find museums, theatres, and cultural centres with free entry, riverside walks, squares with food fairs, and experiences linked to Guaraní culture. You can also do eco-tourism or visit Jesuit missions, UNESCO heritage, at very low cost.

Here are some free attractions worth visiting:

• Costanera of Asunción: riverside promenade.
• Loma San Jerónimo: viewpoints and street art.
• Asunción Botanical Garden
• Paseo de los Yuyos (Market 4): Natural medicine and popular food route
• Plaza Uruguaya and Plaza Italia: Open cultural spaces
• Metropolitan Cathedral
• Cabildo Museum: National history and temporary exhibitions
• San José Beach (Encarnación): Perfect for sunny days
• Cerro Ñemby trails: Free trekking
• Craft fairs in Luque and Areguá: Free entry

Paid tourist attractions

Paid attractions in Paraguay

As you can see, enjoying Paraguay doesn’t require big spending. Culture, nature and hospitality are within everyone’s reach, making the country a hidden gem for those seeking authentic experiences without paying inflated tourist prices.

Conclusion: Is the cost in Paraguay high?

The cost of living in Paraguay remains one of the lowest in South America, making it an excellent choice if you’re seeking an affordable yet functional place to live in 2025. Although average local incomes are lower than in other countries, a foreigner earning in dollars or euros can live comfortably, enjoy leisure, eat well, and stay connected without major sacrifices.

Paraguay is a country for slowing down. It’s ideal if you value peace, green surroundings, local culture, and low urban stress. While it may lack the luxuries of a global capital, it’s perfect for those who prioritise essentials and seek quality of life without overspending.

Cost of living in Paraguay: Frequently asked questions

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