Cost of Living in Caracas, Venezuela
Venezuela · South America
$500
Monthly Cost
avg/person
20
Cost Index
NYC=100
15
Rent Index
NYC=100
28
Quality of Life
Poor
10
Safety Index
Poor
2.9M
Population
VES
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $3 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $12 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $4 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3 |
| Cappuccino | $2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.8 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.8 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.1 |
| Monthly Pass | $5 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.3 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.02 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $25000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $20000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $30 |
| Mobile Plan | $5 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $15 |
| Fitness Club/month | $15 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $250/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $140/mo |
| 3BR Center | $580/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $330/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $1,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $550/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $200 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 40% |
View Cost of Living in Venezuela
Cost of Living in Caracas — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Caracas, Venezuela is approximately $500 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Caracas has a cost index of 20, making it around 80% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Caracas costs around $140/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $250/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $580/month. The rent index is 15 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Caracas scores 28/100 on the quality of life index and 10/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 28/100. The climate index is 72/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Caracas is approximately $200/month. With a purchasing power index of 18/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is VES, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Caracas
The average monthly salary in Caracas is approximately $200. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $500, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 18/100.
Healthcare Costs in Caracas
Healthcare quality in Caracas is rated 28/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Caracas
Caracas has a quality of life score of 28/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Caracas
Students living in Caracas should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Caracas
Expats moving to Caracas often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Caracas, Venezuela is approximately $500 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 20 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Caracas
Living in Caracas offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 20 and a quality of life score of 28/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $200 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Caracas provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Venezuela and around the world.
Key Facts About Caracas
- Average Monthly Cost: $500
- Cost Index: 20
- Rent Index: 15
- Average Salary: $200
- Quality of Life: 28/100
- Safety Score: 10/100
- Country: Venezuela
- Currency: VES
Is Caracas Expensive?
Caracas has a cost index of 20 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Caracas compare to other cities?
Caracas is located in South America with a population of approximately 2.9M. At a cost index of 20 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Caracas stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Caracas?
The average cost of living in Caracas, Venezuela is approximately $500 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 20 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Caracas?
Rent in Caracas varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 15 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Caracas alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Caracas expensive to live in?
Caracas has a cost index of 20 compared to New York City (100). At 20, Caracas is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $500.
What is the quality of life in Caracas?
Caracas has a quality of life index of 28/100 and a safety index of 10/100. The city is located in South America and offers a poor quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Caracas compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Caracas with any city worldwide. Caracas's cost index is 20 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Caracas?
Many residents live comfortably in Caracas with a monthly budget of around $500 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Caracas good for expats?
Caracas is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Caracas?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $500 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Caracas.
Is Caracas cheaper than New York?
Yes, Caracas has a cost index of 20 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Caracas?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Caracas.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Caracas
Cheapest Ways to Live in Caracas
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Caracas typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $140/month compared to $250/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Caracas, Venezuela.
Is Caracas Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 18/100 and a quality of life score of 28/100, Caracas is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 20 relative to New York City, Caracas remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Venezuela has to offer against other destinations in South America.
Caracas Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Caracas", "Caracas monthly expenses 2026", and "is Caracas affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $500, a safety score of 10/100, and healthcare rated 28/100, Caracas offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Venezuela.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026