Cost of Living in Asunción 2026: Rent, Food and Monthly Budgets
Cost of Living in Asunción 2026: Rent, Food and Monthly Budgets
One of the most common questions we get from Europeans considering Paraguay is what it actually costs to live there. The short answer is less than in Western Europe, but rent in the popular central neighborhoods has risen, and the answer depends a lot on where you live and whether you have children in international school.
How these figures were put together. They are estimates, not a statistical survey. They are based on current rental listings and market overviews, published supermarket, fuel and provider prices, Paraguayan news reports, our own experience living in Asunción and conversations with other residents. We checked them in November 2026. Prices in guaraníes (Gs) are the primary figures; dollar amounts use the Banco Central del Paraguay rate of about Gs 5,945 per US dollar (30 October 2026). Sources are listed at the end.
The bottom line
Sample monthly totals for a comfortable, not extravagant, life in a central neighborhood:
- Single person: about $1,400 to $2,200 per month
- Couple: about $2,000 to $3,200 per month
- Family with two children in private school: about $3,500 to $5,500 per month
These include rent, utilities, food, transport, health insurance and everyday expenses. The low end assumes an older building or a less central neighborhood; the high end a newer building in Villa Morra or Manorá. Living outside the center, or in Luque or San Lorenzo, can bring the totals down considerably.
How much is rent in Asunción?
Rent is the biggest variable in any budget. The figures below are asking prices from market overviews based on current listings; negotiated rents can be somewhat lower.
Apartments (monthly)
| Neighborhood | 1 bedroom | 2 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|
| Villa Morra | Gs 4.5 to 6.0 million (about $760 to $1,010) | Gs 6.5 to 9.0 million (about $1,090 to $1,510) |
| Manorá | Gs 4.5 to 6.0 million (about $760 to $1,010) | Gs 6.5 to 9.0 million (about $1,090 to $1,510) |
| Carmelitas | Gs 4.0 to 5.5 million (about $670 to $925) | Gs 6.0 to 8.5 million (about $1,010 to $1,430) |
| Recoleta | Gs 3.0 to 4.5 million (about $505 to $760) | Gs 4.5 to 6.5 million (about $760 to $1,090) |
| Mburucuyá | Gs 2.5 to 3.5 million (about $420 to $590) | Gs 3.5 to 5.5 million (about $590 to $925) |
Across the city, the average advertised 1-bedroom outside the center is around Gs 2.2 million (about $370).
Houses (monthly)
- 3-bedroom house in Villa Morra: about Gs 12 to 18 million ($2,020 to $3,030)
- 3-bedroom house in Manorá: about Gs 12 to 20 million ($2,020 to $3,360)
- 3-bedroom house in Mburucuyá: about Gs 6 to 9 million ($1,010 to $1,510)
- Top-end homes advertise at up to about Gs 20 million ($3,360).
What to expect
Many expat-oriented apartments are offered furnished or semi-furnished. Air conditioning is essential, as it gets very hot from October to March. Buildings with a pool, gym and 24-hour security usually charge a monthly condominium fee of roughly Gs 300,000 to 1.5 million ($50 to $250) on top of the rent.
For your search, MyParaguay.net is also worth a look: a multilingual directory of property, holiday rentals and local service providers in Paraguay.
Utilities (electricity, water and gas) for an 85 m² apartment cost about Gs 300,000 ($50) a month, and noticeably more in summer with heavy air conditioning use. Electricity is the variable that moves most, because of air conditioning. Paraguay generates almost all of its electricity from hydropower (Itaipú, Yacyretá and Acaray), and ANDE's residential tariff has not changed since 2017. ANDE is studying a tariff adjustment, so it is sensible to budget a little higher.
Which neighborhoods do expats prefer in Asunción?
- Villa Morra / Carmelitas: central and walkable, with many restaurants and shops. The most expensive area.
- Manorá: quieter and more residential, good for families, and still close to everything.
- Recoleta and Mburucuyá: close to the center at noticeably lower rents.
- Luque / San Lorenzo: suburbs, much cheaper, but you will need a car.
How much do food and groceries cost in Asunción?
Local produce and meat are good value. Paraguay is one of the world's ten largest beef exporters, although beef prices have risen sharply over the last two years. Imported European products such as cheese, wine and specialty items cost more, sometimes close to European prices.
Examples of supermarket prices
- Beef: ribs (costilla) about Gs 26,000 to 39,000 per kg ($4.40 to $6.50); vacío about Gs 47,000 to 56,000 ($7.90 to $9.40); premium cuts such as tapa cuadril Gs 80,000 to 98,000 ($13.50 to $16.50)
- Chicken breast (bone-in): about Gs 19,000 to 22,000 per kg ($3.20 to $3.70)
- Whole milk, 1 liter: about Gs 6,000 to 7,400 ($1.00 to $1.25)
The main supermarket chains in Asunción include Stock, Superseis, Biggie, Casa Rica and Real.
Monthly grocery budget (estimate)
- Single person: $250 to $350
- Couple: $400 to $550
- Family of four: $600 to $800
How expensive is eating out?
- Simple restaurant meal or lunch menu (menú ejecutivo): about Gs 42,500 ($7)
- Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: about Gs 250,000 ($42)
- Cappuccino: about Gs 19,500 ($3.30)
- Draught beer at a bar: about Gs 12,000 ($2)
How much does transport cost in Asunción?
Asunción has no metro or train. City buses cost Gs 2,300, or Gs 3,400 with air conditioning, but most expats use ride-hailing apps or drive.
- Bolt / Uber: roughly $4 to $8 for most trips within the city. Bolt does not publish a fare table, so treat this as indicative.
- Fuel (October 2026): regular gasoline (88 to 95 octane) Gs 6,990 to 7,490 per liter ($1.18 to $1.26); premium gasoline about Gs 9,000 ($1.51 to $1.55); regular diesel Gs 9,285 to 9,490 ($1.56 to $1.60). Fuel prices rose several times during 2026.
- Cars: reliable used cars generally start in the high four figures in dollars, and imported new cars are not cheap because of import duties.
- Monthly transport budget: about $120 to $200 using ride apps; $250 to $400 with your own car, including fuel, insurance and upkeep.
Traffic can be heavy at rush hour (roughly 7 to 9 AM and 5 to 7 PM). The city is spread out, so where you live matters.
How much does private healthcare cost in Asunción?
Expats in Asunción almost always use private healthcare.
- Local prepaid health plans (for example MediLife, Santa Clara or Asismed): from about $50 per adult per month, rising with age. Coverage differs a lot between plans, so compare the conditions in writing before you sign.
- International health insurance: roughly $150 to $500 per month, depending on cover and age.
- A private GP consultation without insurance: roughly $15 to $40, more at the large sanatoriums.
Well-known private hospitals in Asunción include Sanatorio Migone, Sanatorio Italiano, Centro Médico Bautista and Centro Médico La Costa. For highly specialized treatment, some people travel to Buenos Aires or São Paulo.
Our Vanguard package includes health insurance guidance and enrollment assistance.
What do international schools in Asunción cost?
School fees are the largest single expense for families.
- Colegio Goethe (German curriculum): Gs 3,475,000 to 4,175,000 per month in 2026 (about $585 to $700), depending on level.
- American School of Asunción: $7,750 (kindergarten to grade 5) to $9,500 (grades 9 to 12) per year in tuition, plus a one-time entrance fee.
- Local private schools: from about Gs 250,000 to 500,000 ($40 to $85) a month at the budget end, Gs 900,000 to 1.5 million ($150 to $250) in the middle range, and over Gs 3 million ($500) at the top schools.
Our Vanguard package includes school finding assistance for families.
Is the internet in Asunción good enough for remote work?
For most remote workers, yes.
- Home fiber: from about Gs 129,000 ($22) a month for 60 Mbps or more; faster plans from Tigo, Personal and Claro cost more.
- Mobile plan with 10 GB of data: about Gs 100,000 ($17) a month.
A backup mobile hotspot is sensible for important calls.
Household help
Hiring domestic help is common. Domestic workers are entitled to the full minimum wage, which since 1 July 2026 is Gs 117,077 per day (Gs 3,044,000 per month). Help two days a week therefore costs at least about Gs 1 million ($170) a month, plus IPS social security contributions if the person is formally employed.
Sample monthly budgets
These are illustrations, not quotes. Adjust the rent line first: it moves the total more than anything else.
Single person, central neighborhood
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rent (1 bedroom, newer building) | $750 |
| Condominium fee | $80 |
| Utilities | $80 |
| Internet and phone | $45 |
| Groceries | $300 |
| Eating out | $150 |
| Transport (ride apps) | $130 |
| Health insurance | $90 |
| Personal and leisure | $200 |
| Total | $1,825 |
Couple, central neighborhood
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rent (2 bedrooms) | $1,000 |
| Condominium fee | $100 |
| Utilities | $110 |
| Internet and phones | $65 |
| Groceries | $450 |
| Eating out | $250 |
| Transport | $180 |
| Health insurance (2 people) | $200 |
| Personal and leisure | $250 |
| Total | $2,605 |
Family of four
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rent (3-bedroom house, for example in Mburucuyá) | $1,500 |
| Utilities | $180 |
| Internet and phones | $80 |
| Groceries | $700 |
| Eating out | $220 |
| Car (fuel, insurance, upkeep) | $350 |
| Health insurance (family) | $380 |
| School (1 child, Colegio Goethe) | $640 |
| School (1 child, local private) | $250 |
| Personal and leisure | $250 |
| Total | $4,550 |
How much cheaper is Asunción than Western Europe?
Crowd-sourced indexes give a rough idea: Expatistan's data (May 2026) suggests overall costs in Asunción are well under half of those in Amsterdam. Treat this as an indication, not a precise figure. The saving is largest on services, local food and domestic help, and smallest on rent in the most popular neighborhoods and on international schooling.
What costs more in Paraguay than in Europe?
- Imported European foods and specialty products
- Electronics and other imported goods, because of import duties
- New cars
- Some international clothing brands
The general rule: locally produced goods and services are cheap, while imported goods often cost the same as or more than in Europe.
Next steps
Considering the move? Book a free consultation and we will discuss your specific situation, including a realistic budget for your lifestyle and family size.
For the residency process itself, see our complete residency guide or our step-by-step process page.
Sources
- Rents by neighborhood: UbicaProp, rental prices in Asunción by neighborhood (updated 27 October 2026)
- City-wide rents, utilities, condominium fees, eating out, internet, mobile, bus fares and health insurance: The Rio Times, cost of living in Asunción for expats (13 September 2026)
- Exchange rate: Banco Central del Paraguay (30 October 2026)
- Electricity tariff: La Nación, 7 May 2026
- Fuel prices: ABC Color, 28 October 2026
- Beef prices: La Nación, 11 June 2026; beef exports: La Nación, 19 August 2025
- Chicken and milk: San Cayetano online catalogue (November 2026)
- School fees: El Nacional, 1 March 2026 and RDN, 16 January 2026
- Minimum wage: Ministry of Labour (MTESS)
- Overall comparison: Expatistan, Asunción and Amsterdam against the same reference city (May 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a car to live in Asunción?
Not if you live centrally. In Villa Morra and Carmelitas most daily needs are within walking distance, and a Bolt or Uber ride within the city typically costs about $4 to $8. In suburbs such as Luque or San Lorenzo you will need a car.
How much do international schools in Asunción cost?
In 2026 Colegio Goethe charges Gs 3,475,000 to 4,175,000 a month (about $585 to $700), and the American School of Asunción charges $7,750 to $9,500 a year in tuition plus a one-time entrance fee. Local private schools range from about Gs 250,000 to over Gs 3 million a month.
How much does eating out cost in Asunción?
A simple restaurant meal or lunch menu (menú ejecutivo) costs about Gs 42,500 ($7), and dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant about Gs 250,000 ($42).
Is the internet in Asunción good enough for remote work?
Yes, for most people. Home fiber of 60 Mbps or more costs from about Gs 129,000 ($22) a month, with faster plans from Tigo, Personal and Claro costing more. A mobile hotspot as backup is sensible for important calls.
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