Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Bolivia's largest city and economic powerhouse, known for its tropical climate, modern skyline, and thriving agricultural industry.
Overview
Santa Cruz is a city in SC with a population of 1,978,000. Bolivia’s largest city and economic powerhouse, known for its tropical climate, modern skyline, and thriving agricultural industry. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7a growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. The population skews young, with a median age of 25.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Bolivia Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Santa Cruz vs Bolivia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 13.0%
- Sales Tax: 13.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: Bs40,000
- Unemployment: 4.8%
- Population: 1,978,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 220/year
- Summer High: 88°F
- Winter Low: 62°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a
Housing
- Median Home: Bs500,000
- 1BR Rent: Bs2800/mo
Cost of Living
Santa Cruz's cost of living index is 100 (Bolivia average = 100).
| Category | Santa Cruz | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 100 | 100 | 0.0% |
| Housing | 110 | 100 | +10.0% |
Data source: INE Bolivia / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | Bs500,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | Bs2800/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | Bs3,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | Bs333 |
Data source: Numbeo / Bolivia.com, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Santa Cruz:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Bs40 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | Bs8 | 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
Santa Cruz scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Santa Cruz has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 82°F | 62°F | 2.5" |
| April | 73°F | 77°F | 2.8" |
| July | 88°F | 63°F | 1.5" |
| October | 68°F | 80°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Santa Cruz 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 4.8%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz, Bolivia?
The cost of living index in Santa Cruz is 100, which is Lower the Bolivia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Santa Cruz?
The median home price in Santa Cruz is Bs500,000. The housing index is 110.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Santa Cruz is approximately Bs2800/mo.
Does Santa Cruz, SC have income tax?
Santa Cruz is in SC, which has an income tax rate of 13%.
What is the climate like in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz enjoys approximately 220 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 62°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.