Cochabamba, Bolivia
The culinary heart of Bolivia, nestled in a fertile valley with a perfect spring-like climate year-round.
Overview
Cochabamba is a city in CB with a population of 841,200. The culinary heart of Bolivia, nestled in a fertile valley with a perfect spring-like climate year-round. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The population skews young, with a median age of 25.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Bolivia Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Cochabamba vs Bolivia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 13.0%
- Sales Tax: 13.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: Bs30,000
- Unemployment: 5.5%
- Population: 841,200
Climate
- Sunny Days: 200/year
- Summer High: 78°F
- Winter Low: 42°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: Bs350,000
- 1BR Rent: Bs2000/mo
Cost of Living
Cochabamba's cost of living index is 92 (Bolivia average = 100).
| Category | Cochabamba | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 92 | 100 | -8.0% |
| Housing | 100 | 100 | 0.0% |
Data source: INE Bolivia / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | Bs350,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | Bs2000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | Bs2,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | Bs233 |
Data source: Numbeo / Bolivia.com, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Cochabamba:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Bs40 | |
| Heating & Cooling | Bs8 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | Bs15 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | Bs30 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | Bs93 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: AETN, EPSAS, ATT 2025
Remote Work Score
Cochabamba scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Cochabamba has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 62°F | 42°F | 2.5" |
| April | 63°F | 57°F | 2.8" |
| July | 78°F | 53°F | 1.5" |
| October | 58°F | 60°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Cochabamba faces the following natural hazards:
Andean region with frequent landslides.
Extreme summer heat in lowlands.
River and flash floods.
Amazon and Chiquitano forest wildfires.
Periodic drought conditions.
Andean region with avalanches.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 13%
- Sales Tax: 13%
- Property Tax: ~0.3% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Cochabamba per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Many schools operate in shifts due to high demand.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Cochabamba is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: INE Census (2012)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cochabamba, Bolivia?
The cost of living index in Cochabamba is 92, which is Lower the Bolivia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Cochabamba?
The median home price in Cochabamba is Bs350,000. The housing index is 100.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cochabamba is approximately Bs2000/mo.
Does Cochabamba, CB have income tax?
Cochabamba is in CB, which has an income tax rate of 13%.
What is the climate like in Cochabamba?
Cochabamba enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 78°F, while winter lows can drop to around 42°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: INE Bolivia / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Numbeo / Bolivia.com, 2026
- Income & Employment: INE Bolivia Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities AETN, EPSAS, ATT 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.