About Us

Who We Are and Our Lifestyle

We are a two-person family in our late 20s and early 30s living in Asunción. Both of us work remotely full-time from home, spending most of our days on our computers. Because of this, our lifestyle is relatively quiet and centered around our apartment and neighborhood.

Our daily routine is pretty balanced — we cook most of our meals at home, enjoy local markets for fresh ingredients, and sometimes eat out to experience Paraguay’s vibrant food scene. We also value good internet and a comfortable living space since our work depends on being connected and focused.

We don’t spend much on nightlife or extravagant entertainment, but we do enjoy occasional outings or parties, outdoor activities, and social gatherings with friends.

This lifestyle allows us to live comfortably while keeping our monthly expenses moderate, and we’ll break down these expenses to give you a realistic view of what it costs for two people like us to live in Paraguay today.

Housing

Our Spacious and Affordable Home

We live in a three-bedroom apartment that has three bathrooms, a large living room, a nice kitchen, and a big balcony with a built-in barbecue. It’s a great space — perfect for hosting friends or relaxing at home.

We share the apartment with a close friend who’s our roommate, which helps with expenses and adds a nice social dynamic. Our monthly rent is about ₲3,400,000 or $460 USD (including a parking space and water), which we find very reasonable given the size and amenities.

Our neighborhood is a mix of residential and industrial zones. While that means it’s a bit noisier than purely residential areas, we like the strategic location and haven’t had many complaints. At least we’re not right on a busy avenue, so noise is manageable.

There are many other excellent neighborhoods in Asunción to explore, and if you’re curious, you can check out the article Housing in Paraguay.

Groceries & Food

Cooking Well Without Overspending

Groceries in Paraguay can be as affordable or as indulgent as you want them to be — it really depends on your habits and preferences. In our case, we’re two people who mostly cook at home, and we enjoy eating balanced meals with about one-third carbs, one-third vegetables, and one-third protein. We typically eat two big meals and one light one each day.

If I do all my shopping in one supermarket — including meat, poultry, canned fish, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and cleaning supplies — I usually spend about ₲400,000 to ₲600,000 ($53 to $80 USD) per week for both of us. That’s the comfortable and convenient option: one stop, one cart, done.

But if I decide to be more intentional and frugal about our purchases, the cost drops significantly. In that case:

• I usually buy meats in bulk from specialized meat distributors or butcher shops that offer better prices than supermarkets. For example, we spend around ₲130,000 to ₲250,000 ($17 to $33 USD) every time we buy meat or chicken in bulk and lasts around a month and a half.

• Dry goods like rice, flour and lentils are bought in larger quantities elsewhere when prices are better.

• I still get most vegetables, fruits, dairy and bakery items at the supermarket because the quality is consistent and it’s more convenient. But if you like to cook in bulk and want to save money, I recommend buying them in commercial areas such as Mercado 4 or Mercado Abasto.

• I also make an effort to avoid buying cleaning supplies at supermarkets.

When we follow this frugal strategy and only buy essential weekly fresh items — like fruits, vegetables, bread, and dairy — we usually spend around ₲170,000 to ₲250,000 ($22 to $33 USD) per week for two people. It’s more work, but it definitely helps us stretch our budget without compromising the quality of what we eat.

If you enjoy cooking and don’t mind planning your shopping trips, Paraguay is a fantastic place to eat well on a modest budget. You can really enjoy clean, high-quality food with lots of variety, even with limited spending.

Eating Out: From Street Food to Fine Dining

We don’t eat out very often, but when we do, we usually stick to our favorite safe and tasty spots. Here’s a general idea of what eating out can cost:

• Street food or casual burgers: ₲30,000 to ₲40,000 ($4 to $5 USD)

• Promotional fast food deals: As low as ₲20,000+ ($3 USD+)

• Large pizzas: ₲80,000 ($10 USD) for a high-quality one, but you can find decent options from ₲40,000 ($5 USD)

• Nice mid-range restaurants: ₲50,000 to ₲100,000 ($7 to $13) per person

• High-end dining: Usually starts around ₲130,000 to ₲250,000 ($17 to $33 USD) per person

And of course, this is Paraguay — so barbecues are a huge part of the culture. Whether it's at someone’s home or a restaurant, you’ll find asado (grilled meats) happening everywhere. Many homes even have built-in barbecue grills. 

Utilities & Internet

Stable, Affordable, and Easy to Manage

Utilities in Paraguay are quite affordable — especially compared to countries with high utility costs — and that’s a huge plus for anyone considering living here.

Water is very cheap. Most rental properties already include water in the rent, and many homes have their own water pumps or wells. That’s one of the reasons people can afford to maintain pools or lush gardens without spending a fortune. If we were to pay our water bills for our apartment, we would probably spend ₲70,000 ($9 USD) per month for 3 people.

Electricity is also reasonably priced thanks to Paraguay’s abundance of hydroelectric power. That said, electricity costs depend heavily on the season and your usage. In our case:

• We use air conditioning for about 3 to 4 months a year, especially during the summer. For those hotter months, with three people living and working from home and running ACs and computers all day, we have spent a maximum of ₲650,000 ($87 USD) in electricity.

• During the cooler months, without air conditioning, our electricity bill usually drops to ₲200,000–₲300,000 ($27 to $40 USD).

Internet is surprisingly solid, especially in Asunción. I rely on it daily for both work and leisure, and for the most part, it’s stable and fast enough for everything I need. We currently use a provider called Personal, which I’ve found to be the most stable option in Asunción.

We pay ₲140,000 ($19 USD) per month for a 200 Mbps download plan, and there are cheaper or faster options depending on your needs and neighborhood.

Phone bills are also budget-friendly. There are great prepaid and postpaid promotions — for example, for just ₲50,000 ($7 USD), you can get around 4 GB of mobile data plus unlimited calls. Higher packages are available too, but even the basics cover most people’s needs.

Paying bills is super convenient. We pay everything through online banking apps — electricity, phone and internet — all in just a few taps from our phones. That said, if you prefer the old-school way, you can still go to local payment centers, use ATMs, or even pay over the counter at pharmacies, convenience stores, or designated kiosks. But honestly, the majority of people nowadays use e-banking for everything.

Transportation

Moving Around Asunción Affordably

Transportation in Paraguay — especially in Asunción — is extremely affordable. Whether you're using public transport, apps like Uber, or your own car, there are plenty of low-cost options.

Public Transportation (Buses)

Buses are the most common form of public transport in the city. There are two main types:

• Standard buses cost around ₲2,400 per ride

• Modern buses with air conditioning (climatizados) cost ₲3,400 per ride

Sometimes, you may need to take two different buses to reach your destination, which means doubling the fare. But even then, it’s still an economical way to get around.

Today, there are mobile apps that help you figure out which buses to take and where they go. That said, one thing that surprises many newcomers is that there are no official bus stops with names. Most "stations" are informal — locations where people commonly gather and wave for buses to stop. In some high-traffic areas, the city has placed small benches or shelters where people tend to wait, but they’re not labeled or standardized. You’ll just have to look out for the right bus and flag it down.

Owning a Car

Many locals and expats use their own cars to get around — especially for convenience and flexibility. Used cars are widely available, including many refurbished vehicles imported from Chile, which are resold at low prices. Some people have found working vehicles starting around ₲20,000,000 ($2700 USD).

If you're looking for something new, you’ll find a full range of international brands here — Korean, Japanese, American, and German, among others. Dealerships often offer financing plans, with basic new cars sometimes available for monthly payments starting around $300 USD. Although financing terms can go up to 10 years, most people prefer to pay off their cars in 5 years.

Car insurance is not legally required in Paraguay, but it’s highly recommended. There are many providers and plan types available, from basic coverage to full comprehensive plans. Of course, the exact price depends on your car’s make, model, and age, but in general, insurance can cost between ₲250,000 and ₲400,000 ($34 to $54 USD) per month for a standard car.

Ride-Sharing Apps: Uber & Bolt

If you don’t own a car, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are very common in Asunción:

• Uber tends to be safer. It accepts credit cards and is generally well-regulated.

• Bolt is more budget-friendly but may not always accept cards, and the experience can vary depending on the driver.

A ride within Asuncion during active times can cost you from ₲10,000 to ₲60,000 ($1 to $8 USD).

For local travel inside the capital, both options are very affordable. A short ride across the city usually costs much less than in most major cities worldwide.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Paraguay is one of the things that surprises people the most — it’s accessible, and the private healthcare system is both affordable and high quality.

Public Healthcare

Yes, public healthcare is free in Paraguay and available at all government-run hospitals. However, due to high demand, it’s not always the most convenient option. You usually have to go very early in the morning to get a number and wait your turn, which could take hours. For this reason, most people — especially in cities — prefer to go to private clinics and hospitals for faster and more comfortable care.

One notable institution is IPS (Instituto de Previsión Social), which is Paraguay’s social security-based health system. Employers contribute a percentage of employees’ salaries to this system, so their workers (and their families) can access IPS healthcare services. IPS has its own hospitals and clinics and is often considered the best public option available in terms of infrastructure and coverage — but wait times are still common.

Private Healthcare

Private hospitals and clinics are very popular — and still much more affordable than in many other countries. Some of the most well-known and respected private institutions in Paraguay include:

• La Costa (currently the largest and most modern)

• Santa Clara

• Hospital Británico

• San Roque

• Hospital Italiano

These facilities are equipped with modern technology, well-trained professionals (many of whom studied abroad), and offer a very good patient experience. The Medical School of the National University of Asunción is also considered one of the most prestigious in South America, so local training is strong as well.

Health Insurance (Optional but Available)

In Paraguay, health insurance is not mandatory, and many people — especially younger, healthier adults — don’t see the need for it. Personally, I don’t have a health insurance plan right now. I prefer to pay out of pocket whenever I need medical care, and so far that’s worked well for me.

For example:

• When I need to see a specialist, the cost of a private appointment is usually around ₲200,000 ($27 USD).

• I also make sure to get a full annual checkup, which includes imaging and bloodwork. The whole package typically costs me about ₲2,000,000 ($270 USD).

That said, if I ever felt the need to get insured, there are plenty of options available:

• Basic plans for individuals can start at around ₲200,000 ($27 USD) per month 

• Family plans with broader coverage may start at ₲1,000,000 ($135 USD) per month, and many include coverage for children and dependents 

Prices vary depending on your age, the provider, and the coverage you choose. But overall, health insurance in Paraguay is quite accessible, and even without it, you can access private healthcare services without breaking the bank.

Leisure & Nightlife

Asunción is a young, energetic city with a vibrant nightlife and an ever-changing cultural scene. New places are always popping up — from cozy bars and trendy nightclubs to jazz lounges and underground venues. Whether you’re into reggaeton, rock, techno, or classical music, there’s always something happening.

Bars, Clubs & Drinks

There’s a huge variety of bars and nightlife venues, and most of them are quite affordable:

• A pint of local beer at a bar typically costs around ₲7,000 ($1 USD)

• Artisanal beers can go up to ₲25,000 ($3 USD)

• A cocktail is around ₲15,000 ($2 USD)

• Nightclub entry fees usually cost between ₲30,000 and ₲100,000 ($4 to $13 USD), depending on the event and the venue

• There are lots of Argentinian and Chilean wines starting from ₲40,000 ($5 USD)

The music scene is mostly reggaeton and Latin pop, but there are also dedicated spots for techno/house, as well as rock, metal and even jazz bars for alternative crowds. There's truly something for every taste.

Concerts & Events

Live concerts from well-known international artists are held in the city. Tickets can start from ₲250,000 to ₲800,000 ($33 to $100 USD) or more for big names such as Shakira, right now everybody is hyped about her concert!

In contrast to the commercial scene, there’s a strong and growing cultural offering as well:

• Classical concerts, ballets, and theater performances are often either free or very inexpensive

• Many public cultural events take place in institutions like the Centro Cultural de España, El Cabildo, or the Teatro Municipal

Street Life & Community

Asunción also has a strong community and street culture, especially in the downtown area (Centro). Streets like Palma, once a major pedestrian avenue, still occasionally host weekend street festivals, markets, open-air performances, and pop-up art installations. While it's not as frequent as it used to be, the energy of these events still pulses through the heart of the city.

Final Thoughts

As you’ve seen, the cost of living in Paraguay — especially in Asunción — can be surprisingly affordable, even for a comfortable lifestyle. This article wasn’t just about numbers; it was about sharing a real, lived experience. We’re a small, remote-working household who enjoys good food, a spacious home, and the freedom to build a meaningful life without the financial pressure we felt elsewhere.

Paraguay isn’t for everyone, but if you're someone looking to slow down a bit, focus on your wellbeing, and enjoy a more balanced way of living, then maybe it’s exactly what you’ve been looking for. We made the leap — and we haven’t looked back.

If you're curious to explore what your life could look like here, I’d love to chat. You can book a virtual appointment with me through Calendly, and I’ll walk you through what it takes to get your residency in Paraguay, step by step. No pressure — just a friendly conversation to help you figure out if this is the right move for you.

Let’s talk about your next chapter. 🌿