How much money do I need to live comfortably in Asuncion in 2026?

To live comfortably in Asuncion in 2026, budget $1,200-1,500 per month. This covers a nice apartment in Villa Morra or Carmelitas ($450-620), groceries and dining out ($300-400), utilities and internet ($60-80), transportation ($50-100), and entertainment. Budget travelers can manage on $800-1,000 per month with a smaller apartment and cooking at home.

Is Asunción expensive compared to other cities?

No, Asunción is one of the most affordable capitals in South America. According to Numbeo 2026 data, Asuncion is 72% cheaper than New York City (excluding rent) and rent is 89% lower. It costs about 60% less than Lisbon, 50% less than Mexico City or Medellín, and 40% less than Montevideo. Only La Paz (Bolivia) is comparably affordable among major Latin American cities.

How much does rent cost in Asuncion 2026?

In 2026, a 1-bedroom apartment in Asunción city center costs $450-620/month (₲3,150,000-4,350,000). Outside the center, expect $360-430/month (₲2,500,000-3,000,000). Expat-friendly areas like Villa Morra and Carmelitas range $500-800/month. Utilities add $40-60/month and high-speed internet costs $18/month.

What are monthly grocery costs in Asunción?

Groceries cost $200-300 per month for one person shopping at supermarkets like Stock or Superseis. Local markets are 30-40% cheaper. Sample 2026 prices: milk $1/liter, bread $1.15/loaf, chicken $3.75/kg, beef $7.70/kg. Restaurant meals: local lunch $5-8, mid-range dinner for two $33.

How expensive is transportation in Asunción?

Transportation is very affordable: Uber/MUV rides within the city cost $2-5, bus tickets cost $0.50, and monthly bus passes cost $15-20. Most expats use Uber for convenience. If you buy a car, gasoline costs about $1 per liter and parking is generally free.

What is the cost of healthcare in Asunción?

Healthcare is affordable: Doctor visits cost $20-40, specialist consultations cost $40-80, and private health insurance costs $50-150/month depending on age and coverage. Many expats pay out of pocket for routine care and maintain travel insurance for emergencies. Prescription medications are 50-70% cheaper than in the US.

How does Asunción compare to Numbeo cost of living data?

According to Numbeo 2026, a single person in Asunción needs approximately $480/month excluding rent. With a 1BR apartment in the city center ($450-620), total monthly costs are $930-1,100. Numbeo ranks Asunción as 72% cheaper than NYC and among the most affordable capitals worldwide.

What is the cost of living in Asunción in GBP and EUR?

At current 2026 exchange rates: A comfortable lifestyle ($1,200-1,500/month) equals £960-1,200 GBP or €1,040-1,300 EUR per month. Budget living ($800-1,000/month) equals £640-800 GBP or €690-865 EUR. Rent for a 1BR in the city center is £360-500 GBP or €390-540 EUR monthly.

What are one-time moving costs to Asunción?

One-time moving costs to Asunción total $2,850-4,900. This includes apartment deposit ($400-800), residency visa fees ($1,450-1,600 including attorney), document translation/apostille ($200-500), and basic furniture ($800-2,000). Most expats spend $3,000-4,000 on initial setup. Furnished apartments reduce costs but have higher monthly rent.

How much does Paraguay residency cost?

Paraguay residency costs $1,450-1,600 total, including attorney fees and government processing. You will need apostilled documents (birth certificate, police clearance) which cost $200-500 to translate and authenticate. The process takes 3-6 months. Recent changes require obtaining an embassy visa before arriving in Paraguay.

What is the cheapest neighborhood in Asunción?

The cheapest neighborhoods in Asunción are San Lorenzo ($250-350/month), Barrio Obrero ($260-340/month), and Sajonia ($280-320/month). These budget areas offer good connectivity to the city center. For expats wanting more amenities, mid-range areas like City Center ($440-620) or Recoleta ($450-650) offer better value than upscale Villa Morra or Carmelitas.

What is the Paraguay cost of living compared to other countries?

Paraguay has one of the lowest costs of living in South America. According to Numbeo 2026, Asuncion is 72% cheaper than NYC, 60% cheaper than Lisbon, and competitive with Bangkok and Medellín. A comfortable lifestyle costs $1,200-1,500/month, making Paraguay an attractive destination for digital nomads and retirees seeking affordable living with territorial tax benefits.

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70% Cheaper Than NYC

Updated February 2026

Cost of Living in Asunción

Asunción cost of living is exceptionally affordable for expats and digital nomads. Live comfortably on $1,200-1,500/month (£960-1,200 GBP / €1,040-1,300 EUR) or budget at $800-1,000/month—72% cheaper than New York, 60% cheaper than Lisbon.

TL;DR - Cost of Living in Asunción Paraguay

→ Monthly budget: $800-1,000 (budget) to $1,200-1,500 (comfortable)
→ Rent (1BR city center): $450-620/month (₲3.15-4.35M)
→ Groceries: $200-300/month at supermarkets like Stock or Superseis
→ Utilities + Internet: $60-80/month total
→ vs NYC: 70% cheaper (excluding rent), rent 89% lower per Numbeo 2026
→ Local salary: Average ₲3.5M/month ($500) - expats live well above local standard

Asunción Living Expenses: Monthly Budget Options

$800-1,000

Budget Lifestyle

→ Suburban apartment ($250-350)
→ Local dining & markets
→ Public transportation
→ Basic utilities & internet

$1,200-1,500

Comfortable

→ Mid-range apartment ($440-620)
→ Mix local/int'l dining
→ Gym & coworking space
→ Premium internet & services

$2,000+

Luxury

→ Villa Morra/Carmelitas ($800+)
→ Fine dining & entertainment
→ Car or frequent ride-sharing
→ Premium amenities

Specific Prices: Groceries, Dining & Everyday Costs (2026)

All prices shown in both Paraguayan Guaraníes (₲) and US Dollars at the February 2026 rate of ₲7,800 = $1 USD. Source: Numbeo, local supermarket surveys.

Groceries

Milk (1 liter)₲7,000 / $0.90

White bread (500g)₲5,500 / $0.70

Eggs (12)₲14,000 / $1.80

Chicken breast (1kg)₲28,000 / $3.60

Rice (1kg)₲6,200 / $0.80

Bananas (1kg)₲5,500 / $0.70

Tomatoes (1kg)₲8,000 / $1.00

Water (1.5L bottle)₲4,000 / $0.50

Local beer (500ml)₲7,800 / $1.00

Wine (mid-range)₲50,000 / $6.40

Dining & Transport

Lunch menu (restaurant)₲35,000 / $4.50

Dinner for 2 (mid-range)₲200,000 / $25.60

Cappuccino (café)₲18,000 / $2.30

Fast food meal₲45,000 / $5.80

Uber (5km ride)₲20,000 / $2.60

Bus fare (one-way)₲3,800 / $0.49

Gasoline (1 liter)₲7,500 / $0.96

Gym membership (month)₲250,000 / $32

Movie ticket₲40,000 / $5.10

Internet (100 Mbps)₲195,000 / $25

How Much Cheaper Than the US?

Based on Numbeo 2026 data, Asunción is approximately:

70%

cheaper overall (excl. rent)

89%

cheaper rent vs NYC

65%

cheaper groceries

80%

cheaper restaurants

Cost of Living Trends: 2023-2026

Paraguay has experienced moderate inflation (3-5% annually), but costs remain extremely low by global standards. The guaraní has been relatively stable against the US dollar.

Category	2023	2024	2025	2026	3-Year Change
1BR Rent (center)	$380-520	$400-560	$430-590	$450-620	+15-19%
Monthly Groceries	$170-250	$180-270	$190-280	$200-300	+18-20%
Lunch (restaurant)	$3.50-5.00	$3.80-5.50	$4.00-6.00	$4.50-7.00	+28-40%
Utilities (basic)	$35-50	$38-55	$40-55	$40-60	+14-20%
Internet (100 Mbps)	$20	$20	$22	$25	+25%
USD/PYG Rate	₲7,300	₲7,400	₲7,600	₲7,800	+6.8%

Key Takeaway

While costs have risen 15-20% over 3 years (averaging 5-7% annually), Asunción remains dramatically cheaper than Western cities where inflation has been similar or higher. The dollar-guaraní exchange rate has been favorable for USD earners.

Dining Prices Rising Faster

Restaurant prices have increased more than other categories (28-40%) as Asunción's dining scene has grown. However, even with these increases, eating out remains extremely affordable by global standards.

Calculate Your Personal Budget

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Rent Prices by Neighborhood

Budget

San Lorenzo

$250-350

Growing suburban area, good connectivity, popular with young professionals

Budget

Luque

$300-380

Near airport, well-developed infrastructure, strong local identity

Budget

Sajonia

$280-320

Quiet residential near city center, Carlos Antonio López Park, affordable

Budget

Barrio Obrero

$260-340

Historic area, active neighborhood, hospital and transport links

Mid-Range

City Center (1BR)

$440-620

Central location, walkable to amenities, modern apartments

Mid-Range

Recoleta

$450-650

Residential area, family-friendly, good local amenities

Mid-Range

Las Mercedes

$500-700

Quiet upscale residential, good restaurants, growing expat community

Upscale

Villa Morra

$500-800

Premier expat area, modern amenities, pools & gyms, walking distance to shopping

Upscale

Carmelitas

$500-900

Vibrant nightlife, trendy bars & restaurants, popular with digital nomads

Price of Living in Asunción: Daily Expenses

Food

Local meal$5

Restaurant (per person)$16

Monthly groceries$175

Transport

Bus ticket$0.48

Monthly pass$29

Utilities

Electric + water$42

Mobile plan (10GB)$14

Services

Internet (60+ Mbps)$18

Gym membership$30

Coworking$65-120

Asuncion vs Numbeo Data 2026

How our prices compare to Numbeo's Asunción cost of living index for 2026.

vs NYC

70%

Cheaper than New York (excl. rent)

Rent

89%

Lower rent than NYC

Monthly

$480

Single person (excl. rent) per Numbeo

Ranking

Top 10

Most affordable capitals

How Asunción Compares to Other Cities

vs Lisbon

60% Cheaper

Lisbon 1BR: $1,418-1,547 | Asunción: $450-620

vs Bangkok

Similar

Bangkok 1BR: $500-695 | Asunción: $450-620

vs Medellín

Competitive

Medellín 1BR: $458-834 | Asunción: $450-620

Local Salary Context

The average net salary in Asunción is approximately ₲3.5M/month ($500) per Numbeo 2026 data. This means expats earning $2,000-4,000/month from remote work live significantly above the local standard of living - affording premium apartments, regular dining out, and a comfortable lifestyle that would cost 3-4x more in Western cities.

Paraguay's territorial tax system means foreign-sourced income (like remote work for non-Paraguayan companies) is tax-free, maximizing your purchasing power.

Education & Childcare Costs in Asunción

For expat families, schooling options range from affordable local schools to premium international institutions.

Preschool

$150-210/month

Private preschool, full-time (₲1.0-1.5M)

Private School

$200-400/month

Bilingual private schools (₲1.4-2.8M)

International

$6,000-12,000/year

American School of Asunción, international curriculum

Note: International schools (American School, etc.) cost $500-1,000/month but offer IB curriculum and English instruction. Many expat families choose bilingual private schools at $200-400/month as a cost-effective alternative with quality education.

Cost of Living in Multiple Currencies

Asunción costs in USD, GBP, EUR, and local Guaraníes (₲). Rates as of February 2026: $1 = ₲7,800 = £0.79 = €0.95

Expense	USD	GBP	EUR	Guaraníes
1BR City Center	$450-620	£360-500	€390-535	₲3.1-4.3M
1BR Outside Center	$360-430	£290-345	€310-370	₲2.5-3M
Utilities	$43	£34	€37	₲301K
Internet (60+ Mbps)	$18	£14	€15	₲126K
Groceries/month	$200-300	£160-240	€170-260	₲1.4-2.1M
Restaurant (2 ppl)	$33	£26	€28	₲230K
Local Meal	$5-8	£4-6	€4-7	₲35-56K
Comfortable Total	$1,200-1,500	£960-1,200	€1,030-1,290	₲8.4-10.5M
Budget Total	$800-1,000	£640-800	€690-860	₲5.6-7M

Scroll right for Guaraníes column

One-Time Moving Costs to Asunción

Initial setup costs for relocating to Paraguay, including housing deposits, visa fees, and essential purchases.

Housing

$400-800

Apartment Deposit

1-2 months rent, typically refundable at end of lease

Legal

$1,450-1,600

Residency Visa Fees

Attorney fees + government processing for temporary residency

Documents

$200-500

Translation & Apostille

Document translation and authentication for residency application

Setup

$800-2,000

Basic Furniture

Bed, desk, sofa, kitchen essentials for unfurnished apartments

Total One-Time Costs: $2,850-4,900

Most expats spend $3,000-4,000 on initial setup. Furnished apartments reduce furniture costs but may have higher monthly rent. See our Visa & Residency Guide for detailed immigration requirements.

Related Asunción Guides

Check Your Residency Eligibility

Find out what documents you need, estimated costs, and timeline for your nationality.

Residency Calculator →

Internet

Essential Cost of Living Resources

Cost Comparison Tools

Numbeo Asunción
Comprehensive cost data, $497.6/month single person estimate
Numbeo Cost Estimator
Budget calculator for new arrivals
Wise Cost of Living
Neighborhood cost comparisons

Housing & Rentals

Mercado Libre Real Estate
Property listings from $91,000-$219,000
Airbnb Asunción
Long-term rental options

Coworking Spaces

Regus Asunción CitiCenter
From $149/month per person
Bauwork
Nature-surrounded space with tennis court
KOGA Impact Lab
First B Corp certified coworking in Paraguay

Utilities & Transportation

ANDE
Electricity provider (~$42/month basic utilities)
Essap
Water and sewerage services
Jaha App
Public transport card and GPS navigation

Local Services for Expats

Expat Service Finder
Directory of local services for expats - plumbers, dentists, hospitals, and more

Plan Your Budget

Get a personalized monthly budget based on your lifestyle and preferences.

Open Budget Calculator →

Cost of Living in Asunción

TL;DR - Cost of Living in Asunción Paraguay

Asunción Living Expenses: Monthly Budget Options

$800-1,000

$1,200-1,500

$2,000+

Specific Prices: Groceries, Dining & Everyday Costs (2026)

Groceries

Dining & Transport

How Much Cheaper Than the US?

Cost of Living Trends: 2023-2026

Key Takeaway

Dining Prices Rising Faster

Calculate Your Personal Budget

Rent Prices by Neighborhood

San Lorenzo

Luque

Sajonia

Barrio Obrero

City Center (1BR)

Recoleta

Las Mercedes

Villa Morra

Carmelitas

Price of Living in Asunción: Daily Expenses

Food

Transport

Utilities

Services

Asuncion vs Numbeo Data 2026

How Asunción Compares to Other Cities

vs Lisbon

vs Bangkok

vs Medellín

Local Salary Context

Education & Childcare Costs in Asunción

Cost of Living in Multiple Currencies

One-Time Moving Costs to Asunción

Apartment Deposit

Residency Visa Fees

Translation & Apostille

Basic Furniture

Total One-Time Costs: $2,850-4,900

Related Asunción Guides

Check Your Residency Eligibility

Digital Infrastructure

Healthcare Guide

First 30 Days

Tax Benefits

Essential Cost of Living Resources

Cost Comparison Tools

Housing & Rentals

Coworking Spaces

Utilities & Transportation

Local Services for Expats

Plan Your Budget