Skyline of Tarija
Cost of Living: 90 268,000

Tarija, Bolivia

The wine capital of Bolivia, set in a scenic valley with a mild climate and growing wine tourism industry.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Tarija is a city in TJ with a population of 268,000. The wine capital of Bolivia, set in a scenic valley with a mild climate and growing wine tourism industry. 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

Cost of Living 90

Below Average vs Bolivia Avg (100)

Housing Index 95

Affordable

Median Income Bs28,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Tarija vs Bolivia Average

Cost of Living
Tarija: 90
Bolivia Avg: 100
Housing Index
Tarija: 95
Bolivia Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Tarija: 13%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 13.0%
  • Sales Tax: 13.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: Bs28,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 268,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 230/year
  • Summer High: 80°F
  • Winter Low: 42°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a

Housing

  • Median Home: Bs320,000
  • 1BR Rent: Bs2000/mo

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Cost of Living

Tarija's cost of living index is 90 (Bolivia average = 100).

CategoryTarijaNational AverageDifference
Overall90100-10.0%
Housing95100-5.0%

Data source: INE Bolivia / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceBs320,000
Median Rent (1BR)Bs2000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)Bs2,500/mo
Price per Sq FtBs213

Data source: Numbeo / Bolivia.com, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

Bs
%
$90,000 down
%
%
Bs

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Tarija:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityBs40
Heating & CoolingBs8Estimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterBs15Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)Bs30Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesBs93Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: AETN, EPSAS, ATT 2025

Remote Work Score

Tarija scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
90
Rent
Bs2000
Sunny Days
230
Tax
13%
Unemployment
5.0%
Climate
80°F / 42°F
Safety
3.5 homicides/100k
Population
268,000
Internet Speed
25 Mbps

Climate

Tarija has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January62°F42°F2.5"
April65°F57°F2.8"
July80°F55°F1.5"
October60°F60°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6a

Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables

Natural Hazards

Tarija faces the following natural hazards:

Landslide High Risk

Andean region with frequent landslides.

Heat Wave High Risk

Extreme summer heat in lowlands.

Flood Moderate Risk

River and flash floods.

Wildfire Moderate Risk

Amazon and Chiquitano forest wildfires.

Drought Moderate Risk

Periodic drought conditions.

Avalanche Moderate Risk

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 5.0%.

Crime & Safety

Crime rates in Tarija per 100,000 residents:

40.0
Violent Crime
150.0
Property Crime
3.5
Homicide

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

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Academic Year February to November/December
Term System Semester — Fall (Feb-Jun), Spring (Jul-Nov)
Summer Break December to February (10 weeks)
Winter Break July (2 weeks)
Spring Break Carnival in February/March (1 week)

Many schools operate in shifts due to high demand.

Universities & Higher Education

1
Universities
#1938
Top University Rank

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Demographics

The population of Tarija is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Aymara
10.0%
Mestizo
68.0%
Other
1.0%
Other Indigenous
1.0%
Quechua
20.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
20.0%
High school graduate
25.0%
Less than high school
40.0%
Some college
15.0%

Religion

Christian (Catholic)
70.0%
Christian (Protestant/Evangelical)
17.0%
Other
3.0%
Unaffiliated
10.0%

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 Tarija, Bolivia?

The cost of living index in Tarija is 90, which is Lower the Bolivia national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Tarija?

The median home price in Tarija is Bs320,000. The housing index is 95.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Tarija is approximately Bs2000/mo.

Does Tarija, TJ have income tax?

Tarija is in TJ, which has an income tax rate of 13%.

What is the climate like in Tarija?

Tarija enjoys approximately 230 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 80°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.