Is It Expensive to Visit Paraguay?

When I first arrived in Paraguay a few years ago, I had a lot of other travellers asking me “Is it expensive to visit Paraguay”? One of the first things I noticed when visiting (and now living here full-time) was how affordable it is here compared to other places I had traveled in Latin America. I had lived in and visited various countries in Latin America, including Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Panama, and Colombia, where I found costs add up quite a bit quicker than in Paraguay.

One of the biggest misconceptions I see about Paraguay is that because it’s not as touristy as its neighbors, it must be expensive or difficult to visit. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, Paraguay is one of the most budget-friendly countries in Latin America, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to explore South America without breaking the bank. I have travelled in both Peru and Colombia, and I would liken the cost of living to living in the capitals of both of these countries… depending on the category of spending, maybe even less!

In this guide, I’ll break down the answer to the question, “Is it expensive to visit Paraguay?” and exactly how much it costs to visit and live in Paraguay, from accommodation to food, transportation, and attractions. I’ll also compare it to other countries in the region so you can see just how much you can save by choosing Paraguay as your next travel destination.

Cost of Accommodation in Paraguay

One of the first things you’ll need to account for when visiting Paraguay is where to stay. The good news is that accommodation here is often much more affordable than in neighboring countries, whether you are renting long term or even just looking for a short-term rental option.

For budget travelers, hostels and budget hotels have a pretty good value for money. You can usually find a clean and comfortable bed in a hostel for as little as $15–$25 USD per night, sometimes even including breakfast. Keep in mind these prices usually increase even year or two, and I have personally seen inflation at play and price increases in many sections usually annually in Paraguay.

Check out some of the top hostels available in Asuncion with Hostel World

If you are looking for mid-range hotels or Airbnbs in the main cities (Asunción or Ciudad del Este), you can usually expect a range from $30–$70 per night for a decent studio or one bedroom apartment, with modern amenities.

It goes without saying that everything you need is included in these apartments, including WiFi (the Wi-Fi in Paraguay is quite good and fast), air conditioning, and even pools, as it gets so hot in Paraguay that almost all newer apartment complexes have a pool (and usually a small gym).

I’ve personally stayed in Airbnbs in Asunción that cost around $40-50 per night and were just as nice as hotels in other countries (and capital cities) that would charge double the price.

Of course, Paraguay also has high-end hotels, usually in the Shopping Mariscal, Villa Morra or Shopping Del Sol areas in Asuncion (the main foreigner areas, and also the mall areas. Read this post on the malls in Asuncion).

These usually range from $80–$150 per night, and while that may seem expensive compared to the budget options above, it’s still much more affordable than similar hotels in Buenos Aires, São Paulo, or Montevideo, where luxury hotels can easily exceed $150–$300 a night (trust me, I’ve stayed there before)!

Find top hotels on Booking.com below for your visit to Asuncion

Compared to other Latin American countries, Paraguay offers some of the best value for accommodation (numbers are always subject to change, but this is around the current pricing):

• Paraguay: $20–$70 (budget/mid-range), $80+ (luxury)
• Argentina: $30–$80 (budget/mid-range), $120+ (luxury)
• Brazil: $40–$100 (budget/mid-range), $175+ (luxury)
• Chile: $50–$120 (budget/mid-range), $200+ (luxury)
• Uruguay: $60–$150 (budget/mid-range), $300+ (luxury)

If you’re staying longer term, renting an apartment in Paraguay is going to be a much more affordable option in the long-term. You can easily get a 6 or 12 month rental in Asuncion for as little as 300 USD per month (very dependant on the area) up to around 1000 USD per month for a 2 bedroom apartment – this is easily 50% less than what you would pay on Airbnb for a month.

I’ve written in detail about the apartment rental process in Paraguay, where I break down prices, best neighborhoods, and how to find a good deal.

Overall, whether you’re staying for a few nights or a few months, Paraguay definitely has affordable accommodation options for every type of traveler. I highly recommend swinging by Paraguay if you are in the Southern Cone, and you will likely be surprised by the affordable cost of living in the heart of LatAm.

Food and Dining Costs in Paraguay

When I first arrived to Paraguay, I was surprised by just how much cheaper meals were compared to the neighbouring countries of Argentina or Brazil. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Paraguay has some of the best beef in the world, all grown and raised right here in Paraguay’s Chaco region.

If you’re on a budget, you’ll be happy to know that street food and local restaurants (comedor or lomiterías) offer some of the best deals. You can grab a street empanada for less than $1 or a traditional Paraguayan lomito (a steak sandwich, kind of like a meat kabab) for around $3–$5 USD.

If you visit a small family-run restaurant (usually located on the side of the street in many areas across town), you can usually get a full set meal with soup, main dish, and a drink for about $5–$8. These are the kinds of places I love to go to for a quick and affordable bite, and they are usually open for lunches, when all the nearby workers are wanting to grab a cheap meal.

If you prefer trying mid-range restaurants, you can expect to pay around $10–$20 per person for a nice meal, which might include a grilled steak or chicken breast, pasta, salad, fish (quite rare and expensive to find in Paraguay), or any other traditional restaurant meal.

Many restaurants have parrillada (grilled meats) for dinners, where you can enjoy a mix of beef, pork, and chicken for $15–$20 USD per person. Not a bad deal for fresh BBQed meat, if you ask me!

For those who enjoy fine dining, Paraguay has some higher-end restaurants in Asunción, where meals can range from around $25–$50 per person, especially if you’re ordering premium steaks or seafood with wine.

One of the more popular steakhouses I recommend to check out in Asuncion is La Cabrera, an Argentine-based steakhouse with delicious steaks and various wines. I also recommend to try a local Churrasqueria, which is the Paraguay/Brazilian BBQ. You can find some local Asuncion-based restaurants for churrasco here. Is it expensive to visit Paraguay with these prices? Nope!

Supermarket Pricing

If you’re cooking at home, groceries here can be affordable, depending on where you shop. I wrote an entire article on the food prices in Paraguay, which certainly deserves its own article.

I find pricing for food can be very affordable if you shop at the local supermarkets (like Mercado 4), but pricing in the larger supermarkets, specifically Superseis, which will have all the foreigner products you likely want.

I can easily spend upward of 100 USD+ on a grocery shop. If I buy foreign items (or fish!), my grocery bills up quickly.

Here’s a quick look at some common grocery prices in Paraguay (based on my experience shopping in the nation-wide supermarkets):

• 1kg of beef – $4–$7 (varies based on where you buy it)
• 1 dozen eggs – $3–$5
• 1kg of rice – $3
• 1 loaf of bread – $2.50
• 1 liter of milk – $3
• 1kg of fresh fruits (bananas, oranges, apples, etc.) – $2
• 1 bottle of beer (local brand) – $2

One tip I always give to visitors is to shop at local markets rather than big supermarkets. The Mercado 4 in Asunción is a great place to get fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat at lower prices than what you’d find at chain grocery stores like Superseis or Casa Rica.

Compared to the rest of Latin America, Paraguay remains one of the most budget-friendly countries for food:

• Paraguay: $5–$8 (budget meal), $10–$20 (mid-range), $25+ (fine dining)
• Argentina: $10–$15 (budget meal), $20–$40 (mid-range), $50+ (fine dining)
• Brazil: $10–$20 (budget meal), $25–$50 (mid-range), $60+ (fine dining)
• Uruguay: $12–$20 (budget meal), $30–$60 (mid-range), $70+ (fine dining)

Transportation Costs in Paraguay

Getting around Paraguay is another area where you can save a lot of money compared to other South American countries. Whether you’re taking public transportation, renting a car, or using ride-sharing apps, the overall cost of transportation here is pretty affordable.

The bus system in Paraguay is very affordable. Public buses (colectivos) are the most common form of transportation in Asunción and other cities, and a bus ride costs around 3,500–4,000 PYG ($0.50–$0.60 USD).

However, the buses are very old, usually packed full (especially during rush hour), and are dirty. While the cost is cheap, its going to be much more comfortable for you to take an Uber or Bolt (discussed below).

For a more comfortable ride, taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are available in the major cities, like Asunción and Ciudad del Este. A short Uber ride within Asunción typically costs $2–$5, while a longer trip across the city might be $6–$10.

I couldn’t believe just how affordable a ride share app is! I haven’t seen ride shares this low cost in any other country in South America, and I doubt I ever will.

Its important to note that with ride share apps like Uber and Bolt (there is also a local app called Muv, but I have never been able to get it to work on my phone), you pay the base price ride (the cheapest fare) and there is no AC in the car. These base fare cars are usually old, dirty, and honestly, sometimes falling apart.

On Bolt, you need to choose the air-conditioned car ride option (costs maybe $1 more) to have AC in the car, and with Uber, some cars show up with AC on, and others don’t. If they don’t, you can always ask them to turn it on (they will if you pay any fare fee other than the basic fare).

If you’re traveling between cities, long-distance buses (micros or colectivos) are a popular option. You can take a comfortable semi-cama (reclining seat) bus from Asunción to Ciudad del Este for around $10–$15, or a full cama (fully reclining) bus for about $20. If you’re heading to the Jesuit Ruins or the Chaco, expect to pay $5–$15 depending on the distance.

I recommend using the local bus company Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion if you are taking a longer bus trip across the country. This is one of the more ‘expensive’ companies, but it is still very affordable, and it is safety oriented (most companies aren’t), meaning they don’t stop in the middle of the street to let just anyone who needs it on the bus. You need to buy a ticket beforehand.

Looking to rent a car in Paraguay? Check to see the availability for your trip

For those who prefer to rent a car, rental prices are quite reasonable. A basic rental car costs around $30–$50 per day, and gas prices are around $0.80-1 USD per liter.

Driving in Paraguay can be an adventure, though, as traffic laws are loosely followed, and road conditions vary depending on where you go. I usually recommend renting a car if you plan to explore more remote areas, like the Paraguayan Chaco or the Jesuit Missions, and make sure you get a four-wheel drive vehicle, as most country roads are not paved (even many roads inside the cities are still dirt roads).

To give you a comparison of transportation costs in Latin America:

• Paraguay: $0.50 (bus), $2–$10 (Uber), $10–$15 (long-distance bus)
• Argentina: $1–$2 (bus), $5–$15 (Uber), $20–$40 (long-distance bus)
• Brazil: $1.50–$3 (bus), $8–$20 (Uber), $30–$50 (long-distance bus)
• Uruguay: $2–$3 (bus), $10–$25 (Uber), $40+ (long-distance bus)

Entertainment and Activities Costs in Paraguay

One of the things I love most about living in Paraguay is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy your time here. If you are asking is it expensive to visit Paraguay from an activities perspective, the answer is usually, no!

Whether you’re into nature, history, or city life, there are plenty of entertainment options that make visiting Paraguay a budget-friendly experience for all.

Paraguay is full of natural parks, waterfalls, and hiking trails that are either free or very cheap to visit. A trip to Ñacunday National Park, home to one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls, costs only a few dollars for entrance.

Visiting Cerro Akati or Salto Cristal, two stunning nature spots just a couple of hours from Asunción, will cost around $6 per person for entrance fees, plus whatever you spend on transportation.

For history lovers, visiting the Jesuit Ruins in Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangue is a must. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are some of the most impressive historical landmarks in Paraguay, and the entrance fee is just 25,000 PYG (around $3.50 USD).

If these ruins were in Argentina or Brazil, you’d probably pay three to four times that price. I still remember my first time visiting them—it felt like stepping back in time, and the fact that I could explore them without huge crowds makes it even better.

As for the city life, Asunción has several museums and cultural centers that are either free or have a minimal entrance fee. The Museo del Barro, one of the best places to see indigenous and contemporary Paraguayan art, was free when I went to go visit, and I believe is still free.  

There are also some free walking tours around Asunción let you explore the city’s history and colonial architecture without spending a dollar. I recommend to check for these on sites like Walk Guru.

If you want to experience Paraguay’s nightlife, you’ll find that a beer at a local bar costs around $2–$3, while cocktails range from $4–$7. Entrance to nightclubs is usually free or very cheap (around $5–$10), and live music events often have a cover charge of $3–$8.

If you are looking to go out, I recommend visiting Carmelitas, the bar and club street, from Thursday to Saturday. This is where all the locals party on the weekends (when they aren’t in San Ber for the summer months)!

As you can see from the above costs of various activities, when asked is it expensive to visit Paraguay, the answer is quite often no! Paraguay is an affordable country, and while there may not be a ton to do in the major cities, it is a green country with great food, where you can always find something to do.

Cost of Living and Country Comparisons

Here’s a basic comparison of basic living costs in Paraguay versus other Latin American countries:

Category	Paraguay	Argentina	Brazil	Uruguay	Chile
Rent (1-bedroom, city center)	$400–$600	$400–$700	$600–$1,200	$700–$1,500	$800–$1,500
Public Transport (per ride)	$0.50	$0.80	$1.50	$2	$1.50
Meal at a local restaurant	$5–$8	$10–$15	$12–$20	$15–$25	$15–$30
Internet (monthly)	$15–$30	$30–$50	$40–$60	$50–$70	$40–$70
Gym membership	$15–$40	$30–$50	$40–$70	$50–$100	$50–$80

Why is Paraguay cheaper?

• No tourism inflation – Unlike countries like Argentina or Chile, Paraguay doesn’t have a huge tourist industry, so prices stay low for locals and visitors. I will say I see more and more foreigners speaking English on the street corners of Asuncion by the week!
• Lower taxes on goods and services – Paraguay has some of the lowest tax rates in South America, making everyday expenses cheaper
• Affordable housing – Renting in Paraguay is far cheaper than in other major Latin American cities, even in expat desired areas like Villa Morra (where I live)

The Currency of Paraguay and Cost Stability Against USD

One of the biggest factors that makes Paraguay an affordable destination to expats is its stable and predictable cost of living relative to the U.S. dollar (USD). But is it expensive to visit Paraguay in relation to the US dollar?

Paraguay uses the Paraguayan guaraní (PYG), and while the exchange rate fluctuates, it has remained relatively stable compared to the extreme inflation seen in neighboring countries like Argentina or Venezuela.

When I first moved to Paraguay, I did notice that while prices do change over time (after being here for a few years, of course I see prices changing), but they don’t skyrocket unpredictably like in some other Latin American economies.

The exchange rate typically hovers around 7,500–8,200 PYG per 1 USD, and while there are small variations, it doesn’t experience the same wild fluctuations as Argentina’s peso, for example.

Also, as many expenses like rent, real estate, and some services can be paid in USD, this provides an extra layer of financial stability for expats and business owners. Even all real estate deals and purchases in Paraguay are made in USD, not in the local currency.

For when you visit, I recommend bringing some USD in small bills as a back up, but most things can be paid with card (foreign cards are fine if they are Amex, Mastercard or Visa). I personally never carry cash (I don’t buy street food – you will need cash or local transfer for this), but I use my foreign Amex everywhere, and I’ve never had an issue with payment. Again, this is only for established stores, local mom and pop vendors sometimes don’t accept card.

You can also withdraw cash in USD at some local bank ATMs, but you can withdraw local currency at all of them, and using any foreign debit card. Keep in mind the ATM limits are around 200 USD per transaction for withdrawals, and the fee is about 5 USD per withdrawal… not a great rate!

Conclusion: Is It Expensive to Visit Paraguay?

So, is it expensive to visit Paraguay? Well, what do you think? Let me know in the comment below.

Personally, I think it is quite affordable to live in Paraguay, even in the nicest area of the capital city. I think groceries could be the most expensive part of the monthly budget, depending on what you buy and where you shop, but if you buy local you can keep food costs very low.

As someone who has lived in Paraguay for years, I’ve seen firsthand how much further your money goes here. You can travel comfortably on $30–$50 per day as a budget traveler, while even a mid-range or luxury experience is far more affordable than in many other countries.

If you’re looking for an underrated, budget-friendly destination, Paraguay is the perfect place to explore (or live in) without breaking the bank.

FAQ: Is It Expensive to Visit Paraguay?

1. How much should I budget for a trip to Paraguay?

For a budget traveler, expect to spend $30–$50 per day, including accommodation, food, and transportation. A mid-range traveler will likely spend $60–$100 per day, while luxury travelers may spend $150+ per day, though even high-end options are more affordable than in neighboring countries.

2. Is food expensive in Paraguay?

Eating out in Paraguay is very affordable. You can get a meal at a local restaurant for $3–$5, while a mid-range restaurant will cost $10–$20 per meal. If you cook at home, groceries are very cheap, especially at local markets.

3. How does Paraguay compare to other Latin American countries in terms of cost?

Paraguay is generally cheaper than Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Colombia. While Bolivia and Peru can be similarly affordable, Paraguay offers better stability with prices that don’t fluctuate as much due to inflation or currency devaluation.

4. Is the currency stable in Paraguay?

Yes, the Paraguayan guaraní (PYG) is relatively stable compared to other Latin American currencies. While there are small fluctuations, the exchange rate against the USD remains fairly predictable, making it a good place for long-term stays or investment.

5. Are ATMs and card payments widely available?

Yes, major cities like Asunción and Ciudad del Este have plenty of ATMs, and most businesses accept credit and debit cards. However, in smaller towns and rural areas, cash is king, so it’s best to carry some guaraní with you.