The Pros and Cons of Living in Paraguay
When I first visited Paraguay, I was drawn to its relaxed pace of life, warm weather, green cities and kind, welcoming locals.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve now been living here for the past year, after four years of traveling in and out of the country. Paraguay isn’t just a place I chose to visit; it’s become a place I now proudly call home.
Living in Paraguay is a unique experience that offers a mix of great benefits, and a few challenges. It’s not as flashy or fast-paced as some of its Latin American neighboring cities, but its charm lies in its simplicity, affordability, and authenticity.
I find Paraguay is one of those countries that isn’t on everyone’s radar, but once you discover it, it can easily capture your heart and keep you coming back year after year.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of living in Paraguay from my personal perspective. Let’s get started.
The Pros of Living in Paraguay
Affordable Cost of Living
I’m sure you’ve heard this one before! One of the biggest advantages of living in Paraguay is how affordable life here is compared to other countries in Latin America, let alone the rest of the world.
As someone who has lived in Asunción, I can confidently say that the cost of living in Paraguay is a huge draw for many expats.
Let’s start with housing. Renting a fully furnished one-bedroom apartment in a nice neighborhood like Villa Morra or Carmelitas can cost as little as $500-$700 USD per month.
If you’re willing to live further from the city center or in a smaller town, you can find accommodations for even less. Compare this to the cost of renting in Buenos Aires or Santiago, and you’ll see why so many people are drawn to Paraguay.
I will note that if you are looking for a short term rental that is furnished, AirBnb will be your best option.
If you are wanting either a 6 or 12 month lease (or longer), you can find affordable leases starting at 500 USD in nicer areas, or around 700+ USD per month in the Villa Morra area. These leases are almost all unfurnished, so you will need to furnish your own apartment.
Many of these buildings are newer with amenities like a gym, pool, and public BBQ for rental.
Groceries are also quite affordable, even at the premium supermarkets across the country like Superseis. Local fruits and vegetables are fresh, abundant, and cheap, at places like Mercado 4 in Asuncion.
For example, I can easily stock up on a week’s worth of produce for around $20 USD at the local market.
And dining out is equally budget-friendly – a meal at a neighborhood restaurant or “comedor” costs roughly $5-$7 USD, while an upscale dinner in Asunción might only cost you around $20 USD per person.
At fine dining and upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay around $20-$30 USD per dish.
Utilities and transportation is another category that is also reasonably priced in Paraguay. Monthly utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, average around $50-$100 USD per month. Of course, this depends largely on the size of your home or apartment.
Water is easily the most affordable utility, with a one bedroom apartment averaging between $2-$5 USD per month.
Public transportation, like buses, are also quite affordable (around $0.40 USD per ride), and ride-sharing apps like Bolt, Uber and MUV are reliable and affordable alternatives for getting around.
Most Bolts or Ubers can cost between $3-$7 USD for a standard fare, 5-15 minute ride.
Paraguay’s low cost of living doesn’t mean you sacrifice quality; instead, it means you can enjoy a higher standard of living without breaking the bank.
Easy Residency Process
Moving to a new country often comes with a mountain of paperwork and bureaucracy, but Paraguay stands out for its straightforward residency process. One of the reasons I initially considered Paraguay as a long-term option was how straightforward it is to gain legal residency here, along with the low-tax living Paraguay offers.
For foreigners, the process of obtaining residency in Paraguay is relatively hassle-free. You’ll need some basic documents, such as a police clearance certificate and proof of income, but the requirements are much less stringent than in many other countries.
It only takes a few months time to obtain your residency, and once you have that, you can apply for your cedula, which will allow you to open bank accounts, investment accounts, and more in Paraguay.
For those of us seeking a place to settle down or a strategic second residency, Paraguay offers an attractive and low-cost pathway to achieve that goal. Reach out to Worldwise Capital if you would like to start your residency or have questions.
Safe and Relaxed Living for Foreigners
One of the things that drew me to Paraguay initially – and continues to impress me – is the country’s laid-back and safe atmosphere. Unlike some of its neighboring countries, Paraguay doesn’t have a reputation for high crime rates or political unrest, which is excellent news, especially for those coming from the West.
Walking around Asunción’s neighborhoods, like Villa Morra or San Lorenzo, feels safe and comfortable, even at night. Smaller towns, like Encarnación or Villarrica, are even more relaxed, offering a quite lifestyle that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities, like the nearby Buenos Aires.
The slower pace of life also contributes to a sense of ease and peace. There’s no frantic rush here, and people seem to genuinely enjoy life without unnecessary stress. For me, that’s been one of the biggest highlights of living in Paraguay.
Investment Opportunities
Paraguay is still a country with quite a bit of opportunity. While most countries, in the West and in Latin America, are large and have more established infrastructure and businesses, Paraguay still has a lot of opportunity for growth.
I see many new investment condo buildings being built in the commercial areas of the city, areas like Villa Morra and the Del Sol area. Many of these units are being sold to foreigners who know these areas will continue to boom.
There is also a big opportunity for business growth in the country, and we see more Western brands coming into the Paraguayan market every year.
The Cons of Living in Paraguay
There can’t be pros without cons! While there are many amazing aspects of living in Paraguay, it wouldn’t be fair to paint misguided picture of only the positive side of life in Paraguay.
As much as I love living here, there are a few drawbacks to consider, especially for someone coming from a country with more developed infrastructure or systems. Let’s dive into the cons I have experienced of living in Paraguay.
Limited Infrastructure
One of the first things I noticed when I started living in Paraguay was that the infrastructure isn’t as developed as in other countries. Roads can be inconsistent, with potholes being a common occurrence, even in major cities like Asunción.
During the rainy season, this can become a bigger issue, as flooding occurs in low-lying areas – and trust me, the flooding gets crazy, even in the dead-center of the city.
Public transportation, while affordable, is not as modern or reliable as you might expect. Buses are the main method of public transit, but they’re often old and lack air conditioning, which can make traveling during Paraguay’s hot summer months uncomfortable. Paraguay does not currently have a metro system.
Sidewalks in many parts of Asunción are uneven or poorly maintained, which can be frustrating for pedestrians, especially in the old center (Catedral area) of Asuncion.
I’ve had to carefully navigate broken pavement more times than I can count, especially in older neighborhoods. That said, newer areas like Villa Morra and the Shopping Del Sol area have made big improvements in recent years in improving their infrastructure, especially as more foreigners come to the city.
Language Barrier
If you’re not fluent in Spanish, adjusting to life in Paraguay may be a bit overwhelming at first. Unlike more tourist-heavy countries in Latin America, Paraguay doesn’t have as many English speakers. While I had a basic grasp of Spanish when I first arrived, I quickly realized that to truly thrive here, I needed to improve my Spanish skills.
What makes Paraguay unique, however, is the presence of Guaraní, the country’s second official language. Guaraní is widely spoken, especially in rural areas, and is often mixed into daily conversations.
Over time, I’ve found that locals are quite patient and kind when it comes to language barriers. They appreciate it when expats make an effort to try to speak some Spanish, although in order to get the best deals and be able to bargain, they will need to think you’re a local!
Overall, the Paraguayan people are quite kind and friendly, and I find they are typically willing to help in situations needed, even if your Spanish is limited and their English is limited (or non-existent).
Pace of Life
This is something I really like about Paraguay, especially when coming from West. While its nice to have a slow, quieter pace of life, at times, the relaxed, laid-back lifestyle that many people (myself included) love about Paraguay can also feel like a double-edged sword.
Things often move at their own pace here, and bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating. For example, something as simple as opening a bank account or getting documents processed will likely take longer than you’d expect (unless you have some money).
At first, I found myself feeling impatient with the slower pace. Coming from a more fast-paced environment, it took some time to adjust to the idea that “mañana” (tomorrow) doesn’t always mean tomorrow in Paraguay – it could mean a few days later, or even a few weeks or months later. Paraguay will always keep you guessing! (I’ve been waiting for a debit card that was going to take 3 days for over a month now).
Despite these challenges, I’ve found that the pros of living in Paraguay far outweigh the cons. Every country has its quirks and challenges, and part of the adventure of expat life is learning to adapt to them.
For me, Paraguay’s affordability, safety, and friendly culture make these minor inconveniences well worth it.
Building a Community in Paraguay
One of the most rewarding aspects of living in Paraguay has been the sense of community I’ve found here. When I first arrived, I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to meet other expats or feel at home in a new country.
However, I quickly discovered that Paraguayans are some of the friendliest and most welcoming people you’ll ever meet (as previously mentioned above). Whether it’s neighbors, coworkers, or strangers at a café, most locals here take the time to say hello and make you feel included.
As an expat, building a social network can take some effort, but it’s not as difficult as I imagined in a country like Paraguay. There are plenty of ways to connect with both locals and other expats.
Language exchanges are abundant (especially in the WhatsApp groups), yoga and workout classes are great meeting opportunities, and cultural events like the lively festivals in downtown Asunción (basically every weekend in the winter) have all been great opportunities to meet new people and connect with likeminded expats.
One thing I’ve noticed is how family-oriented the culture is. Paraguayans tend to prioritize spending time with loved ones, and it’s common to see big family gatherings in parks or at restaurants on weekends. Most weekends you will see Paraguayans with their family instead of their friends, a change from in the West.
Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Living in Paraguay
When I look back on my time living in Paraguay so far, it’s obvious that the pros far outweigh the cons.
Yes, there are challenges – like adjusting to the slower pace of life, navigating the language barrier, and dealing with infrastructure of Paraguay. But the pros and cons of living in Paraguay balance in favor of a life filled with affordability, safety, and a welcoming culture that feels truly unique in Latin America.
Paraguay has given me the chance to slow down, appreciate life’s simple pleasures, and connect with people in a way that feels genuine. From its vibrant markets and serene parks to its strong sense of community, this country offers so much to anyone willing to embrace its rhythm.
FAQ: The Pros and Cons of Living in Paraguay
Yes, Paraguay is considered one of the safer countries in Latin America. As someone who has lived here for the past year full-time, I’ve found it to be a relaxed and secure place, especially compared to neighboring countries.
The crime rate is generally low, and the community-oriented culture adds an extra layer of safety. Of course, like anywhere, it’s important to exercise common sense, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping valuables secure.
Paraguay is incredibly affordable, especially compared to many Western countries. Rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation are all reasonably priced. For example, you can rent a nice apartment in Asunción for $500–$800 per month, and eating out at a local restaurant can cost as little as $5. Living in Paraguay allows you to maintain a high standard of living without breaking the bank.
While it’s possible to get by without speaking Spanish, learning the language will make your experience much easier and more enjoyable.
Most locals don’t speak English, so basic Spanish will help you navigate daily life, make friends, and integrate into the culture. I’ve been learning Spanish since moving here, and even knowing a few basic phrases has made a huge difference.
Yes, Paraguay is an excellent option for retirees. The low cost of living, relaxed lifestyle, and favorable residency options make it a popular choice.
The country offers a pensionado visa for retirees, allowing you to settle here easily. Plus, the warm weather and friendly locals make it an inviting place to spend your golden years.
The main challenges include the slower pace of life, which can take some adjustment, and the occasional infrastructure issues, such as unreliable public services or limited road quality outside major cities. Also, the language barrier can be tough if you don’t speak Spanish, however, these are minor inconveniences compared to the many benefits of living here.
Paraguay has a subtropical climate, meaning it’s warm to hot year-round. Summers (November to March) can be very hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F). Winters (June to August) are mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
Yes, Paraguay is an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors due to its low taxes and business-friendly policies. The government encourages foreign investment, and starting a business is relatively straightforward.
I’ve met many expats who have successfully launched businesses in industries like agriculture, hospitality, and real estate. However, job opportunities for foreigners may be limited unless you’re fluent in Spanish or working remotely.
Obtaining residency in Paraguay is relatively straightforward and one of the key benefits of living here. The country offers a permanent residency program that’s straightforward and accessible.
When I applied, the process involved submitting basic documents, such as a police clearance and proof of funds. Within a few months, I had my residency, which allows me to stay long-term and enjoy the benefits of living here.
The quality of life in Paraguay is excellent if you enjoy a laid-back and simple lifestyle. Life moves at a slower pace, which allows you to focus on what truly matters, whether it’s spending time with loved ones, or exploring the outdoors.
Paraguayan cuisine is hearty and simple, with staples like asado (barbecue), sopa paraguaya (cornbread), and chipa (cheese bread).
Local markets are full of fresh produce, and eating out is affordable. I enjoy trying traditional dishes and exploring the food scene in Asunción, which has a mix of local and international options.
Paraguay’s central location in South America makes it a good base for exploring the region. Flights from Asunción to major cities like Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Santiago are relatively short and affordable. While Paraguay itself is landlocked, it’s easy to visit neighboring countries for a weekend getaway.
Yes! Paraguay offers a unique blend of affordability, safety, and cultural richness that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s especially ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life and a strong sense of community. While it might not have all the amenities of larger, more developed countries, its charm lies in its simplicity and authenticity.
