Maracaibo, Venezuela
Venezuela's second city and oil capital, a hot lakeside metropolis known for its unique dialect and the famous Lake Maracaibo lightning.
Overview
Maracaibo is a city in V with a population of 2,000,000. Venezuela’s second city and oil capital, a hot lakeside metropolis known for its unique dialect and the famous Lake Maracaibo lightning. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 260 sunny days a year. Reported crime rates are relatively high. The population skews young, with a median age of 30.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Above Average vs Venezuela Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Maracaibo vs Venezuela Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 34.0%
- Sales Tax: 16.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: Bs.S 3,000
- Unemployment: 9.0%
- Population: 2,000,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 260/year
- Summer High: 92°F
- Winter Low: 72°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: Bs.S40,000
- 1BR Rent: Bs.S150/mo
Cost of Living
Maracaibo's cost of living index is 105 (Venezuela average = 100).
| Category | Maracaibo | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
| Housing | 125 | 100 | +25.0% |
Data source: INE Venezuela / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | Bs.S40,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | Bs.S150/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | Bs.S188/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | Bs.S26 |
Data source: Consejo Nacional de la Vivienda / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Maracaibo:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Bs.S5 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | Bs.S29 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | Bs.S3 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | Bs.S10 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | Bs.S47 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: CORPOELEC, CANTV 2025
Remote Work Score
Maracaibo scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Maracaibo has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 92°F | 72°F | 2.5" |
| April | 77°F | 87°F | 2.8" |
| July | 92°F | 67°F | 1.5" |
| October | 72°F | 90°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Maracaibo faces the following natural hazards:
Significant hurricane risk.
River and coastal flooding.
Extreme summer heat.
Amazon and savanna wildfires.
Mountainous region with landslides.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 34%
- Sales Tax: 16%
- Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 9.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Maracaibo 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
Carnival and Easter are national holiday breaks.
Demographics
The population of Maracaibo 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 (2011)
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 Maracaibo, Venezuela?
The cost of living index in Maracaibo is 105, which is Higher the Venezuela national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Maracaibo?
The median home price in Maracaibo is Bs.S40,000. The housing index is 125.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Maracaibo is approximately Bs.S150/mo.
Does Maracaibo, V have income tax?
Maracaibo is in V, which has an income tax rate of 34%.
What is the climate like in Maracaibo?
Maracaibo enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 92°F, while winter lows can drop to around 72°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: INE Venezuela / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Consejo Nacional de la Vivienda / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: INE Venezuela Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities CORPOELEC, CANTV 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.