Venezuela has long been a popular destination thanks to its low cost of living.
However, since the crude oil collapse of 2015, the country has experienced economic instability.
In 2017, hyperinflation began.
Shortages of common items can cause their prices to skyrocket, so you’ll need to be prepared for the unexpected.
Venezuela offers public healthcare.
However, the facilities are not up to Western standards.
Private hospitals are excellent but expensive.
Westerners should consider purchasing a comprehensive healthcare plan before moving to Venezuela.
11 Cheapest Places to Live in Venezuela
Venezuela has a much lower cost of living than the U.S., which makes it a popular destination for people on a budget.
The cheapest cities in Venezuela include:
- San Cristobal $589
- Maracay $581
- Tariba $592
- Anaco $608
- Punto Fijo $627
- Coro $635
- Santa Rita $640
- Merida $664
- Cumana $686
- Acarigua $687
- San Felipe $699
- El Tigre $700
- Barcelona $719
- Puerto La Cruz $732
1. San Cristobal
Cost of Living: $589
San Cristobal is one of the least expensive cities in Venezuela, with a cost of living of just $589 for a single person.
A family can expect to spend about $1,560 per month.
Rent and utilities cost $160 for an individual and $240 for a family.
The biggest expense is typically food, with a single person spending about $269 on food, and families spending $727 per month.
The average salary is $199 per month after taxes.
This makes it difficult for lower-income Venezuelans to survive.
San Cristobal grew due to an oil boom in the late 1800s.
It’s known as a relaxed and safe city.
In recent years, it’s become popular with the growing middle class in Venezuela.
It’s located in the foothills of the Andes and borders Columbia.
2. Maracay
Cost of Living: $581
A single person can live in Maracay for just $581 per month.
A family can expect to spend about $1,504 per month.
Rent and utilities are relatively inexpensive, with an average of $169 for an individual and $296 for a family.
Food is the greatest expense, with a single person spending about $269, and families spending about $721 a month on food.
The average monthly salary in Maracay is $250, which is much higher than the average in Venezuela.
The average monthly salary for the country is only $145.
Maracay is a large city and the capital of Aragua.
It’s located in north-central Venezuela, near the Caribbean coast.
3. Tariba
Cost of Living: $592
A single person can live in Tariba for $592 per month, while a family will need $1,571 per month.
Rent and utilities cost about $171 for an individual and $282 for a family.
Like the other cities on our list, food will be your largest cost.
You can expect to spend $288 per month on food for an individual, and families will spend about $775.
The average salary in Tariba is $197 after tax, which makes it hard for individuals and families to get by.
The high rate of poverty may explain why the quality of life is rated very low at 13.
Tariba is in the state of Táchira, and it’s located near the Columbian border.
It’s a historic city founded in 1547.
You’ll find lots of Colonial architecture, including the Church of San Pedro.
4. Anaco
Cost of Living: $608
One person can live in Anaco for $608 per month.
A family of four will need $1631 a month to live reasonably.
A single person can expect to spend $125 on rent and utilities, and a family will spend about $258.
An individual will need $353 a month for food, and a family will need $928.
The average monthly salary is $197.
Anaco is located in Anzoátegui State.
There are a few famous people from this area, including Orlando and Oswaldo Arcia, who are major-league baseball players.
Anaco is considered one of the more prosperous cities in Venezuela, although the fall in petroleum prices has had an impact here as well.
5. Punto Fijo
Cost of Living: $627
The cost of living in Punto Fijo is $627 for a single person and $1780 for a family of four.
Rent and utilities will cost $122 for an individual, and $299 for a family.
Food is the largest cost.
A single person can expect to spend $305 on food, and a family will need $815 per month.
The average monthly salary is $201 after tax.
Punto Fijo is located in Falcon, Venezuela.
It’s on the southwestern tip of the Paraguaná Peninsula, on the shores of the Gulf of Venezuela.
It became a major urban center in the 1960s when several oil refineries were built there.
Punto Fijo is well connected to Coro and other major cities via roads.
6. Coro
Cost of Living: $635
The cost of living in Coro is about $635 for one person per month.
A family of four will need $1668 per month.
Rent and utilities are a small portion of this.
An individual will pay $171, and a family will pay about $336 a month.
Groceries are expensive, with a single person paying $317 a month, and families can expect to spend $839 a month.
The monthly salary is very low, at $119.
Coro’s namesake is from the Arawak word for wind.
A dry east wind blows through the city and creates majestic dunes on the outskirts.
These dunes can be seen at Medanos de Coro National Park, which is often called the “little Sahara Desert”.
In 1527, Coro was the first city in South America founded by Spain.
7. Santa Rita
Cost of Living: $640
The cost of living in Santa Rita is $640 for a single person and $1667 for a family of four.
Rent and utilities will cost $180 for an individual and $333 for a family.
Food costs $330 for a single person, and a family can expect to pay $878 each month for food.
The average monthly salary is $234, which is higher than many Venezuelan cities.
Santa Rita is located in Zulia.
It’s a smaller city and is easily walkable.
If you are looking for a quiet city that still offers some modern amenities, Santa Rita may be a good option.
8. Merida
Cost of Living: $664
The cost of living in Merida is $664 for a single person, and a family can expect to spend $1814.
Rent and utilities cost $130 for a single person and $241 for a family.
Food costs make up the majority of expenses, with a single person spending about $360, and a family needing $960 for food each month.
The average salary is $248, which is significantly higher than the average for Venezuela.
Merida is one of the most underrated cities in Venezuela.
It’s located in the Andes mountains, so nature lovers will find picturesque landscapes and lots to do.
It’s also a university city, so you’ll find plenty of nightlife.
Arts and culture are also prevalent in Merida.
9. Cumana
Cost of Living: $686
The cost of living in Cumana is $686 for an individual and $2,098 for a family of four.
Rent and utilities cost $213 for a single person and $761 for families.
Food is only slightly more expensive than rent here, with an individual spending $336, and families spending $865 per month.
The monthly salary average is only $179, so it can be difficult for lower-income families to make ends meet.
10. Acarigua
Cost of Living: $687
A single person will need $687 a month to live in Acarigua, and families will spend about $1763 each month.
Rent and utilities cost $191 for an individual and $332 for a family.
Food is by far the greatest cost, with a single person spending $364, and families spending $973 each month.
The average monthly salary is low, at $175.
Acarigua is located in the state of Portuguesa.
Acarigua was once the state capital.
Today, it’s a thriving commercial center, with cattle, crops, and sawmills being major industries.
It’s recently been designated as a rail center.
11. San Felipe
Cost of Living: $699
A single person will spend $699 per month in San Felipe, and a family will need $1797 per month.
Rent and utilities will cost an individual $196, and a family will pay $351.
Food will cost $360 for an individual, and $957 for a family of four.
The monthly salary is on the low side, with the average pay being $189.
San Felipe is the capital of Yaracuy.
It’s located on the foothills of Cerro Chimborazo, and the city is built on a hill.
The Yurubí River provides water and helps cool the city.
Venezuela Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Venezuela Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: HIGH
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
How cheap is it to live in Venezuela?
A single person in Venezuela can live on $600 to $700 on average.
A family of four will need about $2,000 a month.
Rent and utilities are inexpensive, but food is very costly here.
This is largely due to hyperinflation in recent years.
What is the currency in Venezuela?
The currency in Venezuela is the Venezuelan Bolívar.
One US Dollar is equal to 36.554568 VES.
What are the Living Conditions in Venezuela?
Unfortunately, nearly half of all Venezuelans live in poverty.
However, this has decreased from 65% of residents in poverty in 2021.
Because living conditions are so poor, many Venezuelans have migrated to neighboring countries in search of a better life.
The country also has the highest rate of inequality in the Americas.
This means there is a huge gap between the wealthy and the low-income people in the country.
Food insecurity is a major concern.
Education, housing, access to public services, and jobs have also declined.
