Bolivia🇧🇴

At a Glance

How Bolivia compares across key indices

Quality of Life99Safety36Healthcare47Affordability28Climate75Clean Air73

Cost of Living

28 vs NYC

100 = NYC

Safety Index

36/100

Healthcare

47/100

Quality of Life

99/200

Climate

75/100

Cost of Living

How far your money goes in Bolivia

Cost of Living

28

100 = NYC baseline

Rent Index

8

100 = NYC rent

Groceries

29

100 = NYC groceries

Restaurant Prices

22

100 = NYC dining

City Costs Comparison

Santa Cruz

Cheapest

$926/mo

Food$76

Safety & Crime

Higher Risk

How safe residents feel in Bolivia — based on surveys of people living there

Safety Index

36/100

Crime Index

64/100

Lower is better

Crime Trend

78/100

Crime perceived as increasing

Walking Safety

Daytime54
Nighttime26

28 point drop from day to night

Problem Severity

Corruption & bribery
Very High87
Property crimes
High68
Drug-related crime
High63
Violent crimes
Moderate60

0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem

What Residents Worry About

Being mugged or robbed
High69
Things stolen from car
High66
Being physically attacked
High62
Car stolen
Moderate60
Home broken into
Moderate58
Being insulted or harassed
Moderate54
Targeted for skin/ethnicity/religion
Low40

Based on 227 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.

Cities in Bolivia

Bolivia has 1 city with Numbeo data. Santa Cruz has the lowest estimated monthly cost at $926.

💸Most Affordable

Santa Cruz

$926/mo

CityMonthly CostSafetyQuality of LifeHealthcarePollution
Santa Cruz$926————

Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.

Compare Cities Side by Side

Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life

Healthcare

Healthcare system overview for Bolivia

Healthcare Index

47/100

Quality Breakdown

Accuracy & Completeness48/100
Speed of Service47/100
Friendliness & Courtesy45/100
Staff Skill & Competency42/100
Modern Equipment41/100
Responsiveness & Waitlist31/100
Cost Satisfaction57/100

How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality

Based on 37 survey responses

Insurance Coverage

None
35.1%
Public
21.6%
Private
21.6%
Employer Sponsored
21.6%
Healthcare47Safety36Quality of Life99
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Environment

Polluted

Air quality, water, and environmental conditions in Bolivia

Pollution Index

73/100

Lower is better

Environmental Quality

Drinking Water Quality52/100
Green Spaces & Parks52/100
Comfortable to Spend Time38/100
Air Quality35/100
Garbage Disposal34/100
Clean & Tidy33/100

Concerns

Water Pollution66/100
Noise & Light Pollution59/100

0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern

Based on 63 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.

Transport & Commute

How people get around in Bolivia

Average One-Way Commute

40minutes

Average

Traffic Index

159

Moderate congestion

Inefficiency

177

Time wasted in traffic

CO2 Emissions

4.3kg/trip

How People Commute

Car44.4%
Bus/Trolleybus27.8%
Walking16.7%
Bicycle5.6%
Working from Home5.6%

Based on 18 survey responses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living in Bolivia, answered with data

What is the cost of living in Bolivia?

Bolivia has a cost of living index of 28 relative to New York City (100). It is significantly cheaper than the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $926 in Santa Cruz.

Is Bolivia safe for expats?

Bolivia has a safety index of 36/100, making it worth researching carefully before committing for expats and travellers.

How good is healthcare in Bolivia?

Bolivia scores 47/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it adequate by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.

Is Bolivia cheaper than the United States?

Yes. Bolivia's cost of living is roughly 72% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 92% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.

What is the air quality and pollution like in Bolivia?

Bolivia has a pollution index of 73/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.

Before You Go

Your pre-departure checklist for Bolivia

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Set Up International Banking

Get a multi-currency account before you leave. Essential for managing money abroad.

Get Connected

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Book Your First Accommodation

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