Best Places to Live in Paraguay
Compare Asunción, Encarnación, Ciudad del Este, and Villarrica. Find the perfect city for your budget, lifestyle, and priorities.
TL;DR - Best Places to Live in Paraguay
- → Best all-rounder: Asunción - fiber internet, healthcare, expat community
- → Best for retirees: Encarnación - safest city, beaches, 25% cheaper than capital
- → Best budget option: Villarrica - rent from $200/mo, total costs under $800/mo
- → Best for business: Ciudad del Este - border trade hub, but lower safety
- → Weekend escape: San Bernardino - summer resort, 45 min from Asunción
Quick City Comparison
Asunción
The Capital & Economic Hub
Best for:
Encarnación
Pearl of the South
Best for:
Ciudad del Este
The Commercial Hub
Best for:
Villarrica
Cultural & Budget Haven
Best for:
1. Asunción
The default choice for 90% of expats - infrastructure, healthcare, and community
Cost of Living
Infrastructure
Best Neighborhoods
Commercial hub, walkable, nightlife
Balanced, residential, good value
Upscale, embassies, gated communities
2. Encarnación
Paraguay's cleanest, safest city - beaches, relaxed lifestyle, 25% cheaper than Asunción
Cost of Living
Lifestyle
Note: 365 km from Asunción (6-7 hour bus). Healthcare is good but complex cases go to the capital. Limited coworking - most work from cafes. Carnival season (Feb) brings huge crowds.
3. Ciudad del Este
The Commercial Hub - Border city, trade focus
Hectic, noisy, not typical for expat living. Best for import/export entrepreneurs or those wanting easy access to Brazil/Argentina.
4. Villarrica
Cultural Heart - University town, ultra-affordable
Authentic Paraguay. "Slow living." German heritage in surrounding colonies. Live well on $800-1,000/month total. Very limited English spoken.
Full Comparison Table
| Feature | Asunción | Encarnación | Ciudad del Este | Villarrica |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost Index | 100 (baseline) | 75 | 80 | 60 |
| Rent (1BR) | $500+ | $350 | $300 | $200 |
| Internet | Fast (Fiber) | Good | Variable | Slow |
| Safety | Moderate | High | Low | High |
| Healthcare | Excellent | Good | Very Good | Basic |
| Expat Community | Large | Growing | Diverse/Trade | Small |
| Best For | Career/City | Lifestyle/Beach | Business | Budget |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best city to live in Paraguay for expats?
Asunción is the best city for most expats due to its infrastructure, healthcare, fiber internet, and large expat community. For retirees seeking peace and beaches, Encarnación is ideal. For budget living under $1,000/month, Villarrica offers the lowest costs.
What is the cheapest place to live in Paraguay?
Villarrica is the cheapest city for expats, with rent as low as $200/month for apartments and total living costs under $800/month possible. Encarnación is also affordable at 25% cheaper than Asunción while offering better amenities.
Is Asunción or Encarnación better for expats?
Asunción is better for digital nomads, families, and those needing top healthcare and fast internet. Encarnación is better for retirees, beach lovers, and those prioritizing safety and a slower pace. Encarnación is 25% cheaper but has fewer amenities.
Which Paraguay city has the best internet for remote work?
Asunción has the best internet with widespread fiber optic coverage offering 100-300 Mbps speeds. Encarnación has good internet (50-100 Mbps) in the center. Villarrica and smaller towns have slower, less reliable connections (20 Mbps average).
What is the safest city in Paraguay?
Encarnación is widely considered the safest city in Paraguay, with low crime rates and a walkable environment day and night. In Asunción, neighborhoods like Villa Morra, Recoleta, and Las Lomas are safe expat areas. Ciudad del Este has higher crime due to border traffic.
Can I live in Paraguay on $1,000 per month?
Yes, you can live comfortably in Villarrica or rural areas on $1,000/month. In Encarnación, $1,200-1,500/month provides a good lifestyle. In Asunción, budget $1,500-2,000/month for comfortable living in safe neighborhoods with modern amenities.
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