Real Estate in Bolivia (2024)

FAQs

Is Bolivia a good place for Americans to live? ›

Safety and Security in Bolivia

Bolivia boasts one of the lowest crime rates in South America and most major cities have a medium threat level for crime — comparable to larger cities in the United States of America. Santa Cruz is the only city that has a high threat level for crime.

The Bolivian Constitution grants citizens and foreigners the right to private property but stipulates that the property must serve a social or economic function.

Summary of cost of living in Bolivia: A family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,702.2$ (11,780.1Bs.) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 480.7$ (3,326.6Bs.)

The Andean country has approximately a population of eleven million inhabitants, maintaining a very low population density of 10 habitants per km2. For this reason, properties and lands in Bolivia that can be acquired at a low price compared to other countries in the region.

High Crime Rates: La Paz has a high crime rate and expats should take extra precautions when moving around the city. 5. Language Barrier: Spanish is the primary language in Bolivia and La Paz, and most locals don't speak English. This can make it difficult for expats to communicate easily with the locals.

For those wondering if Bolivia is safe to visit and retire to, the answer is that it is reasonably safe. The number one caution given to expats and tourists visiting the country is to exercise common sense. Petty crime is common in the country, which is why individuals must be careful when they go out.

Residence And Tourist Visas In Bolivia

There is no formal retiree visa, as you'll find in many Latin American countries that are expat hot spots. For those interested in settling in the country you'll have to apply to what's known as a Visa de Objecto Determinado, or Specific Purpose Visa.

Real estate and vehicles are annually subject to a property tax calculated at different rates based on a scale value determined by the municipal government.

With a visitor visa, you may stay 30 days per trip, not to exceed 90 days per year. A Bolivian visitor visa costs $160 US and can be paid in U.S. or local currency upon arrival. Visitors must show proof of a round-trip ticket or confirmation of plans to depart Bolivia.

Average wages

However, to provide a general figure, as of recent years preceding 2024, data suggest that the average salary in Bolivia is typically around $300 to $500 USD per month. This range places Bolivia among the lower-middle-income countries in terms of earnings.

How much does an acre cost in Bolivia? ›

Drumroll please…it is Bolivia! The reason this country has the cheapest cost per acre of land is because of its low level of development as well as the potential to be a violent environment. The cost per acre of land starts at less than $100.

4. Minimum wage. The minimum wage in Bolivia in 2023 is at 2,250 BOB/month or USD 327/month.

Yearly Trade

The most recent exports are led by Petroleum Gas ($3.08B), Gold ($3.01B), Zinc Ore ($1.68B), Soybean Meal ($1.03B), and Soybean Oil ($874M). The most common destination for the exports of Bolivia are India ($2.27B), Brazil ($1.89B), Argentina ($1.76B), Colombia ($1.06B), and Japan ($963M).

Top places to live in Bolivia

Bolivia is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes and cultures. The top places to live in Bolivia depend on personal preferences and priorities. Some popular destinations include La Paz, Santa Cruz, Sucre, and Cochabamba.

Bolivia's current macroeconomic stability, abundant natural resources, and strategic location in the heart of South America make it a prospective country for investment.

Living in Bolivia as an expat

The population of expats in Bolivia is small, and most foreigners can be found either in one of the capital cities, Sucre and La Paz or in other major cities like Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Cochabamba. Most expats are employed by NGOs or volunteer for a brief period.

Bolivia ranks at or near the bottom among Latin American countries in several areas of health and development, including poverty, education, fertility, malnutrition, mortality, and life expectancy.