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Last Updated on February 13, 2025

We’re experts in Bolivian real estate, helping people throughout our country understand and manage their real estate projects. As Bolivians ourselves, we know the ins and outs of the real estate market here (you can check out our Bolivian real estate website). We hope you’ll find the information in this article trustworthy. With that said, let’s get started!

Bolivian houses range in price from $15,000 for the most basic to $3,000,000 for the most exclusive and luxurious. A Bolivian house comparable to an average house in a developed country costs around $400,000, with prices ranging from $200,000 to $1,500,000. Mid-range apartments are priced around $80,000.

In this article, we’ll cover all the details about the sale prices of homes, apartments, and other types of real estate in Bolivia. We’ll also discuss how the Bolivian real estate market performs and how it compares to markets in top-tier countries in terms of pricing.

The 3 Types of Houses Available in Bolivia

Considering factors like location, construction materials, the current state of the real estate market, and the types of families who typically occupy them, we can categorize Bolivian houses into three main types.

These are the three main types of houses you’ll find in Bolivia’s major cities:

1. Modest houses
2. Mid-range houses
3. Residential and luxury houses

Type of House	Avg. House Price	Price Range in Category
Most Modest Houses	$30,000	$15,000 to $80,000
Mid-Range Houses	$200,000	$80,000 to $300,000
Luxury and Residential Houses	$600,000	$300,000 to $3,000,000

1) Modest Houses

These homes are typically located on the outskirts of urban areas. While they usually have basic utilities like water, electricity, and phone service, some may not.

Many of Bolivia’s lower-income residents live in this type of house. They are often constructed with lower-quality materials and may not be very durable. They’re usually small, consisting of a few bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, and some common areas.

The Cost of This Type of House

Modest houses typically range in price from $15,000 to $80,000. Much of their value lies in the land, as it’s expected to appreciate significantly in the coming years.

Modest, inexpensive Bolivian houses, including the land, will cost between $15,000 and $80,000.

Pros and Cons of This Type of House

As an expat, living in this type of house could be challenging and potentially dangerous, unless you’re comfortable with the risks associated with less secure neighborhoods and the possibility of limited utility services.

These houses are typically occupied by lower-income families. Residents often face long walks to the nearest bus stations (usually 10 to 30 minutes), followed by potentially long waits for the bus. The bus ride itself can take an hour or more to reach the city’s main commercial and business areas.

Owning a car in these areas can be risky. Thieves may target you as a foreigner, and your car, or even your personal safety, might be at risk.

The primary advantage of buying this type of house is for investment. After purchasing, you would need to hire a caretaker. Over time, the property value could increase significantly. Typically, after five years, the selling price could be two to three times the original purchase price.

2) Mid-Range Houses (The Majority)

This type of house is home to most of Bolivia’s middle-class families. These are families who are not experiencing moderate poverty, often holding informal jobs, but also formal positions in both private and public sectors.

The average income of residents in these homes is typically between $500 and $1,000 per month, allowing them to afford rent in the range of $200 to $300, which is common for these properties.

These houses generally have all basic utilities, including internet, cable TV, and gas. However, they often lack garage space. Additionally, many are built with materials of questionable quality. Most of these houses offer limited space, typically lacking amenities like a housekeeper’s room, spacious bathrooms, large kitchens, or expansive living rooms.

It’s also important to note that these homes are not located in the central commercial or key areas of the city. You should expect a commute of 20 to 40 minutes to reach your office or workplace. It’s also uncommon (if not unheard of) to find expats living in these types of houses, so neighbors might view you with caution or even negativity.

The Cost of This Type of House

To purchase a middle-class Bolivian house, you’ll need between $80,000 and $300,000. This wide price range is largely dependent on the city and specific zone where the house is located, as well as its size.

For example, in densely populated cities with limited space for construction, like La Paz, Potosi, and some parts of Cochabamba, Sucre, or Tarija, the land value significantly drives up the price. Land can be very expensive in these cities due to limited availability. As a result, an average house can cost $300,000 or even more.

However, in cities with *ample space*, such as Santa Cruz, Trinidad, Oruro, and some areas of Cochabamba, Sucre, and Tarija, you’ll find that an average middle-class home costs around $150,000. You might even find some offers closer to $100,000 in these cities.

Buying a mid-range house in Bolivia, including the land, will cost between $80,000 and $300,000.

Pros and Cons of This Type of House

The main advantages of these houses are *some* degree of comfort and security, although not extensive. You also won’t have an excessively long commute to work or other destinations (around 45 minutes). Furthermore, your neighbors will *generally* be educated individuals who understand that you are from another country and will treat you appropriately.

The downsides are that, as mentioned, *some* people might view you negatively because it’s unusual to see foreigners living in these houses (you might also be more vulnerable to theft). In addition, the construction materials might be of questionable quality, and there will likely be a lack of space for things like parking, extra rooms, or spacious living areas, bathrooms, and kitchens.

From a financial perspective, you’ll get an average-quality house (by Bolivian standards) that will last for decades, but it won’t be built with premium materials and will likely require both major and minor repairs over time. Also, the land may not have the highest potential for appreciation; these houses are not expected to increase in value as much as those on the outskirts of cities.

After about five years, you might be able to sell a house like this for 1.2 to 1.5 times its initial price. *This can vary* in cities experiencing rapid development, such as Santa Cruz, El Alto, and Trinidad, or in tropical areas of Bolivia, where these middle-class houses are appreciating at a faster rate. In those locations, you might be able to sell for 1.5 to 2 times the initial price after five years.

Note that there may be less expensive houses of this type in Santa Cruz, the largest city in Bolivia.

3) Residential and Luxury Houses in the Best Zones

These houses are located in the most exclusive neighborhoods and zones, where most upper-class and wealthy Bolivians reside, along with many expats. These areas offer amenities similar to those found in suburban areas of the US. The culture and daily lifestyle are also more aligned with those of developed countries. The average income of residents in these areas ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 per month, and in some cases, significantly more.

It’s also worth noting that many people in these zones and neighborhoods speak English and will be able to communicate with you easily. Employees of embassies, international organizations, and those working for international companies in Bolivia often choose to live in these areas. You should also know that residents there will likely view you positively, as they tend to appreciate foreigners from developed countries. For Bolivians, living in these zones is a sign of success, and successful individuals often move to these areas.

The Cost of This Type of House

You might assume these houses are extremely expensive, but they’re relatively affordable compared to properties in developed countries. *Most luxury Bolivian houses typically cost between $300,000 and $1,000,000*, with some reaching $2,000,000 or $3,000,000.

Keep in mind that you can find less expensive houses of this type in Santa Cruz De La Sierra, Bolivia’s major tropical city. Due to the abundance of space for construction, less expensive houses are available in the best zones and neighborhoods of this city. They typically cost between $300,000 and $500,000, or even less in some cases, while offering all the comforts and amenities you’d expect in a typical area of a developed country.

Residential and luxury Bolivian houses, including the land, will cost between $300,000 and $3,000,000, but most will fall within the range of $300,000 to $1,000,000.

Pros and Cons of This Type of House

These houses offer everything you need for a comfortable life: all basic utilities, parking for multiple cars, extensive security measures, and proximity to important locations such as the city center, supermarkets, top private hospitals, schools and universities, entertainment areas, various clubs, commercial centers, and more.

The houses themselves are constructed with high-quality materials designed for longevity. They include comprehensive security features and ample space, with numerous extra rooms and bathrooms, well-appointed kitchens, and some even featuring penthouses, beautiful gardens, basements, and other amenities.

The downsides of these houses are, of course, the price (which, incidentally, is comparable to an average home in the US), and the fact that these neighborhoods might seem “ordinary” to you and not overly luxurious, even though they are considered so by Bolivian standards. You might feel like you’re in a standard setting, without the true luxury you might anticipate in a developed country.

Another drawback is, as mentioned, the cost. You may need to invest a substantial amount to own one of these Bolivian houses. *That’s why we recommend*, *instead of buying one of these homes*, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Bolivia and its culture, *that you initially rent*.

We discuss this option (renting) later in the article, but we can tell you that renting a house here is relatively straightforward. You’ll likely spend between $500 and $2,000 per month to rent one of these luxury Bolivian homes.

How Much Do Apartments Cost in Bolivia?

In Bolivia, you’ll find two main types of apartments:

1. Mid-range apartments in most areas of the city.
2. Luxury apartments in the best zones and neighborhoods.

Type of Apartment	Avg. Apartment Price	Price Range in Category
Mid-Range Apartments	$80,000	$60,000 to $120,000
Luxury Apartments	$120,000	$80,000 to $200,000

A) Mid-Range Apartments in Most Areas of the City

In most established zones and neighborhoods of major Bolivian cities, you’ll find mid-range apartments, typically occupied by Bolivians with average monthly earnings between $500 and $1,500. These apartments usually have monthly rents ranging from $200 to $400.

If you’re looking to buy an apartment like this, you’ll need to budget between $60,000 and $120,000. It will include all the essentials for basic living, such as two or three bedrooms, a decent kitchen, one or two bathrooms, a reasonable living room, adequate security, and all basic utilities, including internet. Some apartments also include a parking space and storage. You can purchase an additional parking space or storage unit for approximately $5,000 to $10,000.

Most of these apartments are located in large, 3- to 6-story multi-family buildings or skyscrapers, within average neighborhoods and zones of major cities.

Middle-class apartments in Bolivia, located in typical areas and zones, will cost between $60,000 and $120,000.

B) Luxury Apartments in the Best Zones and Neighborhoods

The other type of apartment is located (like the luxury houses mentioned earlier) in the best neighborhoods of Bolivia’s major cities. These apartments typically cost between $80,000 and $200,000. This price also varies significantly depending on the city. For example, in Santa Cruz and other tropical cities, you might find luxury apartments at lower prices, ranging from $50,000 to $150,000.

As you might expect, these are the best apartments you can find in Bolivia. They are situated in the best zones and constructed with the highest quality materials. They offer extra rooms and spaces beyond basic living needs, such as a study or home office, a guest room, multiple bathrooms, and well-equipped kitchens. They are also designed for convenience, allowing you to reach the main avenue of the area in under five minutes by car.

The rental prices for these luxury apartments range from $400 to $1,000, and their sizes typically vary from 1,000 sq ft to 2,500 sq ft. These prices are very reasonable for high-end apartments, so you might consider renting instead of buying.

A drawback of these apartments is that they often lack ample outdoor space. They typically don’t have gardens or balconies (although some of the most expensive ones do), and they don’t offer the same sense of relaxation as having a private yard. Most of these high-end luxury apartments are in mid-rise and high-rise buildings.

Upper-class and luxury apartments in Bolivia, located in the best neighborhoods, will cost between $80,000 and $200,000.

How Much Does Commercial Real Estate Cost in Bolivia?

There are many different types of commercial real estate you can buy in Bolivia, but here we’ll focus on the most common types. These two types are:

1. Retail commercial properties and
2. Business and office commercial properties.

Type of Commercial Property	Avg. Property Price	Price Range in Category
Retail Spaces	$70,000	$20,000 to $150,000
Offices for Businesses	$50,000	$20,000 to $600,000

A) The Cost of Retail Spaces

In Bolivia, investors often purchase this type of property to start businesses, such as commercial centers, marketplaces, grocery stores, doctor’s offices, gyms, entertainment venues, restaurants, etc. However, the majority of these spaces *become some form of specialized retail store*.

People commonly pay between $20,000 and $150,000 for commercial properties suitable for the activities mentioned above. The size range for these prices is typically from 250 sq ft to 1,100 sq ft. It’s common to see prices ranging from $40 per square foot to $100 per square foot, or even higher, for these commercial properties, which are usually located in highly commercial areas of Bolivian cities.

B) The Cost of Business Offices

Most mid-rise and high-rise buildings in Bolivia’s major cities have spaces designed for business purposes, such as offices, bank branches, corporate offices, and similar businesses. This differs in Santa Cruz, where business spaces are more commonly located in family-style houses.

These commercial properties (business and corporate spaces) typically range in size from 200 sq ft to 6,000 sq ft, with prices ranging from $100/sq ft to $150/sq ft. Purchase costs can range from $20,000 to $600,000 for the largest spaces.

As you can see, a price range of $100/sq ft to $150/sq ft might seem high, but these prices are now common (in 2022) *in Bolivia’s two largest cities, La Paz and Santa Cruz*. Prices are lower in smaller cities like Cochabamba, Oruro, and Sucre, where prices per sq ft can range from $50 to $100.

Remember That You Can’t Buy Rural Land in Bolivia

Under current Bolivian law, foreigners are prohibited from purchasing rural or agrarian property. This is mandated by the Bolivian Constitution. Regardless of the size or location, *if the property is outside an urban area, you cannot purchase it unless you are a Bolivian citizen*.

We have a comprehensive guide detailing whether foreigners can purchase rural real estate in Bolivia, including potential workarounds, here: Can foreigners buy real estate in Bolivia? All you need to know.

These laws were enacted to protect Bolivia’s sovereignty. However, you are permitted to purchase any urban land located within the boundaries of a city or urban area.

How Much Does Urban Land Cost?

The price of urban land varies greatly depending on its location. We can categorize urban land in Bolivia into three main types:

1. Land lots in developing or recently established urban zones and areas.
2. Land lots in average, established, and mid-range zones.
3. Land lots in highly commercial and residential luxury zones.

Type of Urban Land	Avg. Land Price	Price Range in Category
Lands on the Outskirts of Cities	$10,000	$4,000 to $30,000
Average Urban Lands	$120,000	$50,000 to $200,000
Commercial or Residential Lands	$320,000	$200,000 to $500,000

A) Land Lots in Developing or Recently Established Urban Zones and Areas

This type of land is located on the outskirts of Bolivia’s major cities, very close to rural areas. Most of these lots lack even basic utilities, such as water or electricity.

The average price per square foot for this type of land ranges from $2 to $8. Lots typically range in size from 2,000 sq ft to 4,000 sq ft. Therefore, recently established urban land will cost you between $4,000 and $30,000 in Bolivia.

Currently, the primary reason for buying this type of land is investment. However, it’s crucial to be aware that people living in the surrounding areas *may attempt to claim the property*. If they observe that the land is unattended, they might *move in and occupy it*. This is known as illegal land takeover, and it’s a significant, long-standing issue in Bolivia.

B) Land in Average, Established, and Middle-Class Zones

This category encompasses all land that is *not* located: a) on the outskirts of urban areas, or b) in the most exclusive or commercial neighborhoods and areas of the cities.

These land lots commonly have a price per square foot between $25 and $50, and their size typically ranges from 2,000 sq ft to 4,000 sq ft. Average urban land in Bolivia will cost you between $50,000 and $200,000.

Bolivians primarily purchase this type of urban land to build homes and settle down. It’s also a popular choice for long-term investment, with the expectation that the property value will increase three to five times over a decade or more.

C) Land in Highly Commercial and Residential Luxury Zones

These are the most expensive land lots in urban areas. They are located in the best zones, the most commercial areas, or the central districts of Bolivia’s major cities.

Due to their prime locations, these land lots almost always have prices ranging from $75 to $125 per square foot, with average sizes between 3,000 sq ft and 4,000 sq ft. Consequently, land in the best zones and neighborhoods of Bolivia will cost you between $200,000 and $500,000.

Many of these lots are situated on corners of main streets and avenues in highly commercial zones. Investors typically buy these lots *to construct high-rise buildings*, as well as marketplaces, commercial centers, corporate offices, and so on. In residential areas, affluent individuals often purchase these lots to build single-family homes.

We Recommend Renting Instead of Buying a House in Bolivia

As you’ve seen, purchasing lower-end houses, apartments, or land carries the risk of scams or property loss due to illegal takeovers. Living in these areas also exposes you to constant threats to your belongings and personal safety.

On the other hand, buying high-end houses in the most exclusive zones of major Bolivian cities involves a significant financial investment, potentially exceeding what you’d spend in some American or European cities. However, you’ll enjoy a lifestyle comparable to that of the developed world, with similar comfort, convenience, and functionality.

Finally, buying an average house in Bolivia might be a more budget-friendly option. However, it’s essential to first understand the local culture and how things operate. With this knowledge, you can purchase these houses with reduced risk and greater confidence.

Therefore, we recommend that instead of immediately buying a house in Bolivia, *you should initially rent*. After some time, once you’ve gained a better understanding of how things work in the country, you can make a more informed decision about purchasing a house or property.

Renting a house in Bolivia before buying offers several advantages:

1. Your expenses can be as low as $300 to $1,000 for a very high-end house or apartment – significantly less than renting a comparable property in a developed country. You can also minimize risk by using platforms like Airbnb, which has listings in many Bolivian neighborhoods.
2. You’ll gain firsthand experience of what it’s like to live in Bolivian houses and understand the value you’re getting for your money. You’ll also learn about the legal and administrative processes involved in Bolivian real estate, which can be complex, with numerous delays and intricacies, even for Bolivians.
3. Ultimately, you’ll be able to determine whether living in Bolivia is the right choice for you, without a large initial financial commitment and without making a significant investment that you might later regret.

We have an in-depth guide on how to rent a house or apartment in Bolivia, covering all the steps, requirements, risks, precautions, and costs involved in this type of real estate transaction, here: How to rent a house in Bolivia? All you need to know.

Conclusions:

In this article on the cost of houses in Bolivia, we’ve presented the key facts about home prices, apartment prices, and other real estate-related costs in our country. As you’ve seen, prices for buying a home in Bolivia can vary significantly, ranging from tens of thousands of dollars for the most basic properties to millions for the most luxurious, sometimes even exceeding the prices of high-end properties in developed countries.

You’ve learned that modest Bolivian homes are priced around $40,000, mid-range houses around $100,000, and residential or luxury houses around $400,000. Standard apartments cost about $80,000, while upper-class apartments are around $150,000. Urban land prices range from $4,000 for the most affordable lots to nearly $500,000 for the most expensive.

You’ve also discovered that it’s not possible to buy rural land in Bolivia unless you are a Bolivian citizen. Finally, you now understand that buying property or real estate here can be a complex and risky undertaking. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you *initially rent a house instead of buying*, unless you have a thorough understanding of the local market and practices. Without this knowledge, you could potentially lose your entire investment.

We hope this information has been helpful. If you’d like to delve into all the details about real estate in Bolivia, including figures, facts, and forecasts, please visit our comprehensive guide here: Real estate in Bolivia, a complete overview.

CasasenBolivia.com, information about living, working, investing, and traveling in Bolivia.