Bolivia is landlocked and has some of the best places to live in South America. The diverse country offers breathtaking scenery, friendly people, and a rich culture.
But in a country with such diversity, knowing where to lay down some roots can be tricky. Here are some of the best places to live in Bolivia.
Best Places to Live in Bolivia for…
- Expats: Tarija
- English Speakers: Cochabamba
- Digital Nomads: Santa Cruz de la Sierra
- Solo Travelers: El Alto
- Couples: La Paz
- Groups: Sucre
Top 10 Places to Live in Bolivia
1. Tarija
The Best Place to Live For Expats
Cost of Living: $
Tarija is nestled in a valley with a scenic landscape and is known for its production of wine. It is an up-and-coming expat haven which offers an airport, hospitals, multiplex theatres, and other city conveniences while retaining its charming small-town feel.
Tip: In the afternoons, find a restaurant and enjoy a coffee or glass of wine outside in the warm weather, as many locals do.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats
Pros:
- The city has a thriving restaurant scene
- Tarija offers outdoor, cultural, and wine experiences
- It is easy to get around on foot
Cons:
- Public transportation is not the best
- The outskirts of the city are impoverished
- Modem and not broadband internet speed
2. Cochabamba
The Best Place to Live for English Speakers
Cost of Living: $$
Cochabamba is located in the central part of Bolivia, nestled between two hills and the shore of Lake Titicaca. This thriving city, with its mixture of old and modern, is home to many schools and universities and thus is the best place to live in Bolivia for English speakers.
Tip: Make sure to experience some of the gastronomic festivals hosted in Cochabamba, aptly named the Gastronomic Capital of Bolivia.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats, English Speakers and Digital Nomads
Pros:
- The city offers many green spaces and places for walking, running and cycling
- Cochabamba has modern, well-run healthcare facilities
- It has a high standard of education
Cons:
- Cochabamba does not have the fastest internet
- The city has a problem with air pollution and water shortages
- The traffic in the city is quite bad
3. Santa Cruz de la Sierra
The Best Place to Live for Digital Nomads
Cost of Living: $$$
Santa Cruz de la Sierra is Bolivia’s largest city and wealthiest city. It has many historical and cultural attractions to offer and a fantastic nightlife. Being the country’s economic powerhouse also means the city is more modern, with several international franchises making it one of the best places to live in Bolivia.
Tip: Take a walk on the city’s outskirts to see if you can spot the largest population of sloths in the world.
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital Nomads
Pros:
- The city has plenty of international job opportunities
- The weather is pleasant and warm
- The locals are friendly
Cons:
- Crime is much higher in this city than in the rest of the country
- There is a problem with waste management
- Santa Cruz de la Sierra is not the prettiest of cities
4. El Alto
The Best Place to Live for Solo Travelers
Cost of Living: $$$
El Alto is a rapidly growing and modernising city and is closely linked to the city of La Paz. El Alto is home to several colleges and universities and has a thriving nightlife with plenty of restaurants and bars.
Tip: Take a trip to the Ernesto Che Guevara statue, a unique homage to the controversial and important figure.
Who Would Like to Live There: Solo Travelers
Pros:
- The cost of living is low
- The city is connected to international and local destinations via its airport
- The local people are friendly
Cons:
- The city has a lot of pickpockets
- El Alto has a generally cold climate
- The city has a traffic problem
5. La Paz
The Best Place to Live for Couples
Cost of Living: $$$
La Paz is Bolivia’s executive capital city, the world’s highest capital city, and is close to the border of beautiful Peru. This extreme city offers incredible outdoor activities and has a vibrant social and cultural scene which makes it one of the best places to live in Bolivia for couples and expats.
Tip: Experience some of the many cultural festivals La Paz offers, such as the Alasitas Festival.
Who Would Like to Live There: Couples and Expats
Pros:
- The city has a thriving nightlife scene
- The cost of living is low
- The local people are friendly
Cons:
- The high altitude can be a problem for some people to adapt to
- La Paz has a generally cold climate
- The city has a traffic problem
6. Sucre
The Best Place to Live for Groups
Cost of Living: $
Sucre is the constitutional capital of Bolivia. The city is home to many schools and universities, and cultural attractions. Mountains surround the picturesque city, and due to its colonial architecture, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tip: Due to its rich Bolivian history, Sucre has many museums that are well worth a visit, such as Casa de La Libertad.
Who Would Like to Live There: Groups
Pros:
- Easy to get around by walking, but it has a cheap bus system too
- The climate is nice and warm
- The city has an overall low cost of living
Cons:
- The city is prone to pickpockets and petty theft
- Medical care is basic
- English is not widely spoken
7. Potosí
The Best Place to Live For Short-Term Travelers
Cost of Living: $
Potosí is located at the foot of the mountain Cerro De Potosí and is well known for its silver mining industry. Potosí is home to a thriving cultural and social scene and a rich history.
Tip: Climb the steps of the San Francisco church to admire the view of the city.
Who Would Like to Live There: Short-Term Travelers
Pros:
- A moderate climate that doesn’t get too cold
- The city has a large number of schools and universities
- Potosí offers a low cost of living
Cons:
- Adjusting to the high altitude can be a problem for some
- There is a lot of social controversy due to the mines
- The city has a problem with air pollution
8. Trinidad
The Best Place to Live for Outdoor Adventurers
Cost of Living: $
Trinidad is nestled in a valley between mountains and offers pleasant weather, beautiful colonial architecture and a relaxed lifestyle.
Tip: Take a trip to the Noel Kempff Mercado National Park to experience some evergreen Amazonian forests and an array of birdlife.
Who Would Like to Live There: Outdoor Adventurers
Pros:
- The city has a low cost of living
- Trinidad offers plenty of outdoor activities
- The locals are welcoming
Cons:
- Some of the outskirts of the city are very poor, with bad infrastructure
- Some of the city’s sewers are open and give off a bad smell
- The city is prone to seasonal rains and floods
9. Riberalta
The Best Place to Live for Nature Enthusiasts
Cost of Living: $$
Riberalta is a major agricultural center surrounded by rivers and mountains. This charming city has a strong sense of community, and its proximity to the Amazon rainforest gives it a natural wonder.
Tip: Use motorcycle taxi’s to get around. The Moto-taxi drivers wear colored vests and are easy to flag down.
Who Would Like to Live There: Nature Enthusiasts
Pros:
- Wide range of outdoor activities and natural attractions
- The locals are friendly and welcoming
- The city has good-quality air
Cons:
- Riberalta has basic healthcare
- English is not widely spoken here
- Other than the moto-taxis public transport is not the best
10. Copacabana
The Best Place to Live For Retirees
Cost of Living: $$$
Copacabana is a small town on Lake Titicaca and is close to La Paz. It is a significant religious and cultural city with a rich history. This charming town is known for its red and terracotta-roofed houses and offers a relaxing lifestyle.
Tip: Take a trip to Isla Del Sol, an island on Lake Titicaca, to the ruins of the Inca Empire.
Who Would Like to Live There: Retirees
Pros:
- It is a peaceful and safe town
- The town is well-connected to other cities
- The locals are friendly
Cons:
- It is a very small town with limited activities
- It gets very cold here
- Relies on the bigger cities for healthcare and education