What is the real cost of living in Asuncion, Paraguay as an expat?
Asuncion offers one of the lowest costs of living for any capital city in South America. Here's a realistic breakdown based on actual expat experiences in 2025-2026:
Monthly Budget Summary:
| Lifestyle | Monthly Total | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $660-900 | Basic apartment, cooking at home, minimal extras |
| Comfortable | $1,200-1,800 | Nice apartment, dining out, social activities |
| Premium | $2,500-3,500 | Upscale area, car, frequent dining, travel |
Detailed Breakdown (Comfortable Lifestyle):
Housing:
| Item | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 1BR apartment (Villa Morra/Carmelitas) | $450-650 |
| 2BR apartment (same areas) | $600-900 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, gas) | $50-80 |
| Internet (50+ Mbps) | $35-50 |
| Renters insurance | $15-25 |
| Housing Subtotal | $550-800 |
Food:
| Item | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Groceries (cooking at home) | $200-300 |
| Dining out (2-3x/week) | $150-250 |
| Coffee shops | $30-50 |
| Food Subtotal | $380-600 |
Transportation:
| Item | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Uber/Bolt (regular use) | $80-150 |
| OR Public bus | $25-40 |
| OR Car ownership | $300-500 (including fuel, insurance, parking) |
| Transport Subtotal | $80-150 (without car) |
Healthcare:
| Item | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Local health insurance (prepaga) | $50-150 |
| OR International insurance | $150-300 |
| Out-of-pocket expenses | $20-50 |
| Healthcare Subtotal | $70-200 |
Personal/Entertainment:
| Item | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Phone plan | $15-30 |
| Gym membership | $30-60 |
| Entertainment/social | $100-200 |
| Personal care | $30-50 |
| Personal Subtotal | $175-340 |
Sample Real Budgets:
Digital Nomad (Single, Comfortable):
- Furnished 1BR in Villa Morra: $550
- Utilities + internet: $80
- Groceries + dining: $400
- Uber/transport: $100
- Health insurance: $100
- Entertainment: $150
- Phone + misc: $50
- Total: $1,430/month
Retired Couple (Comfortable):
- 2BR apartment: $700
- Utilities: $100
- Food (mostly cooking): $500
- Transport (occasional Uber): $60
- Health insurance: $250
- Entertainment: $200
- Misc: $100
- Total: $1,910/month
Comparison to Other Cities:
| City | Monthly Cost (Comfortable) |
|---|---|
| Asuncion | $1,200-1,800 |
| Buenos Aires | $1,800-2,500 |
| Santiago, Chile | $2,000-3,000 |
| Medellin | $1,500-2,200 |
| Lisbon | $2,500-3,500 |
| Austin, TX | $3,500-5,000 |
Things That Are Cheap:
- Rent (60-70% less than US)
- Electricity (among cheapest in South America)
- Domestic help ($300-500/month for full-time)
- Fresh produce and meat
- Dining out at local restaurants
Things That Are More Expensive:
- Imported goods (electronics, brands)
- International cuisine ingredients
- Quality wine and imported alcohol
- New cars (import taxes)
Hidden Costs to Budget For:
- Residency application: $600-1,200 (one-time)
- Apartment setup: $1,500-3,000 (one-time)
- Annual trips home: Variable
Money-Saving Tips:
- Shop at local markets (Mercado 4, neighborhood ferias)
- Cook at home—local ingredients are incredibly cheap
- Use Uber/Bolt instead of owning a car
- Negotiate rent for longer terms
- Choose unfurnished if staying long-term
Bottom line: A comfortable lifestyle in Asuncion costs roughly $1,200-1,800/month. For someone earning in dollars or euros, this represents exceptional value with significant savings potential.
Immigration Information Disclaimer
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.