Nomads Data

santa cruz, Bolivia

South America · Tropical

Rank: 327 | Index: 76.0

Santa Cruz, Bolivia is an emerging destination for digital nomads. With its tropical climate, low cost of living, and improving infrastructure, it's an attractive option for remote workers. The city offers a range of amenities, including modern healthcare, reliable internet, and a growing expat community.

Budget FriendlyNature EscapeAdventure BaseFast InternetDN HubWellness & HealthHistoric City
Monthly Cost
$1167
Single · No rent
Internet
157.3Mbps
Fixed broadband
Safety
57
Quality of Life
50

At a Glance — santa cruz

Nomad Index
Rank: 327 | Index: 76.0
Climate
Tropical · 24°C avg · 159 rainy days/yr
Health
70.08 / 100
Pollution
21.12 / 100
Traffic
153.61 / 100
Rent (1BR)
Centre $3000 · Outside $2450
Power Grid
100% electricity access
Coworking
0 spaces
DN Visa
Not available
Data from Numbeo, Ookla, Open-Meteo, World Bank & more

City Personality

Santa Cruz is a vibrant and laid-back city with a growing expat community.

Best For

  • digital nomads
  • remote workers
  • travelers

Less Suitable For

  • those seeking a fast-paced city
  • families with young children
Lifestyle: Cafe culture, outdoor activities
Pace: Relaxed

Cost of Living in santa cruz

The cost of living in Santa Cruz is relatively low. Monthly expenses excluding rent are around $1,167, plus housing costs of $3,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment. This makes it an attractive option for digital nomads and remote workers. Food prices are reasonable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around $25. Transportation costs are also low, with a one-way ticket costing $2.

Low cost of livingAffordable housingReasonable food prices
Total Monthly Cost
$4,167
Restaurants
$3589%
Groceries
$3889%
Transport
$1534%
Utilities
$1484%
Clothing
$321%
Leisure
$882%
Rent
$3,00072%
Living $1,167+Rent $3,000=$4,167
International flights and trip insurance not included.
Numbeo — Cost of Living data

Internet Speed in santa cruz

Santa Cruz has fast and reliable internet, with average fixed broadband speeds of 157.3 Mbps and mobile download speeds of 56.1 Mbps. This makes it suitable for remote work, video calls, and cloud development. The city's internet infrastructure is well-developed, with low latency and high upload speeds.

Fast internet speedsLow latencyReliable connectivity

Fixed Broadband

Fiber, cable, or DSL in your apartment

Download
157 Mbps
Upload
43 Mbps
Latency
13 ms
Excellent

Mobile Data

4G/5G cellular network

Download
56 Mbps
Upload
17 Mbps
Latency
29 ms
Good

Remote Work Readiness

Video Calls
HD calls supported
Screen Sharing
Smooth sharing
Cloud Development
Low latency
Ookla Speedtest Intelligence — Q1 2026

Visa Options for santa cruz, Bolivia

Bolivia does not currently offer a specific Digital Nomad Visa, but several tourist visa options are available.

Bolivia offers an eVisa option for digital nomads, but there is no specific digital nomad visa. Remote workers can apply for a tourist visa or a temporary residence visa. It's essential to research and understand the visa requirements before moving to Santa Cruz.

eVisa option availableNo digital nomad visaResearch visa requirements carefully
Visa types available
  • eVisa
Passport Checker — Bolivia

See what visa you need for santa cruz based on your passport

Pick your passport above to see the visa requirement instantly
Digital Nomad Visa Database — visa policy information

Is santa cruz Safe?

Santa Cruz has a moderate safety level, with a crime index of 42.8. While the city is generally safe, petty crime is a concern, particularly at night. Remote workers should take normal precautions to ensure their safety.

Moderate safety levelPetty crime a concernTake normal precautions
Safety Index
57/ 100
Crime index: 42.8
Daylight Safety
82.1/100
Very Safe
Night Safety
44.6/100
Fair

What Residents Worry About

Home break-in
40.69
Mugged or robbed
30.54
Car stolen
30.54
Things stolen from car
55.54
Physically attacked
29.76
Harassment / insults
51.67
Discrimination
15.52

Crime Severity

Drugs
69.17
Property crimes
59.44
Violent crimes
36.01
Corruption
17.5

Safety Tips for santa cruz

  • Choose accommodation with secure building access, and consider portable door alarms.
  • Avoid leaving belongings unattended in public spaces and use lockers for laptops and cameras.
  • Research which districts have higher crime rates and plan your route accordingly, especially at night.
  • Connect with local digital nomad groups to learn about cultural norms and inclusive spaces.
Travel Advisory: Level 2Exercise Increased Caution
Risks: unrest, crime, health, other
View advisory details
Numbeo — Crime and safety data
Travel advisories — Government travel advisory data

santa cruz Climate & Weather

Santa Cruz has a tropical climate with a short rainy season from December to February. The best months to visit are from March to October, with comfortable temperatures and low rainfall. The city's climate is ideal for remote workers who enjoy warm weather.

Tropical climateShort rainy seasonComfortable temperatures

santa cruz has a Tropical climate.Warm all year with a short rainy season.

Climate Type
Tropical
24°C avg · 159 rainy days/yr
Dry Days / Year
268
No rain (≥3 mm)
Daylight Range
10.9h – 13.1h
Varies by 2.2h across the year

Average Daily Temperature

Max TempMin Temp
☀️ Peak Season
Mar – Oct
Comfortable temperatures · Low rainfall
Shoulder Season
Feb, Nov
Warm or mild · Moderate rainfall
❄️ Off Season
Dec – Jan
Hot or cold · Heavy rainfall

Daylight Hours

DaylightNight
Open-Meteo Archive API

Healthcare Quality in santa cruz

Santa Cruz has good healthcare options, with a healthcare index of 70.08. The city's hospitals and medical facilities offer quality care, and remote workers can access medical services as needed.

Good healthcare indexQuality care availableMedical services accessible
Healthcare Index
70.08/ 100

Quality Scores

Skill & Competency
68.75
Speed of Exams
68.18
Modern Equipment
83.33
Accuracy of Reports
64.58

Satisfaction Scores

Staff Friendliness
85.42
Responsiveness / Wait Times
62.5
Cost Satisfaction
60.42
Convenient Location
77.08
What This Means for Digital Nomads
  • santa cruz has strong healthcare infrastructure — digital nomads can expect reliable medical support for routine needs.
Numbeo — Healthcare quality data

Real Estate Market in santa cruz

Santa Cruz offers affordable housing options, with rent prices starting from $2,450 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center. The city's property market is relatively affordable, making it easy for remote workers to find accommodation.

Affordable rent pricesRelatively affordable property marketEasy to find accommodation
Price-to-Income Ratio
11.6years
Loan affordability: 1.0

Overview

1BR City Centre
$329
1BR Outside
$274
Avg Salary/Mo
$517
Mortgage Rate
6.5%

Buy vs Rent

Price-to-Income
11.6 yrs
Mortgage % Income
103.3%
Loan Affordability
1.0
Price-to-Rent Centre
18.2
Price-to-Rent Outside
12.4

Rental Yields & Returns

Gross Yield Centre
5.5%
Gross Yield Outside
8.1%

Apartment Prices

City Centre

1-Bedroom$329
3-Bedroom$814
Price per sqm$1529

Outside Centre

1-Bedroom$274
3-Bedroom$670
Price per sqm$859
What This Means for Digital Nomads
  • Buying property requires 11.6 years of salary — renting is more practical for nomads.
  • Mortgage costs take up 103.3% of income — renting offers more flexibility.
  • Loan affordability is low — plan for upfront cash payments if considering property.
Numbeo — Property data

Power Grid in Bolivia

Santa Cruz has a reliable electricity grid, with a grid access of 99.8%. The city's grid is well-maintained, with low power outages and high renewable energy sources.

Reliable grid accessLow power outagesHigh renewable energy sources
Electricity access
100%
of population in 2023
Reliability
Reliable
grid stability

Energy Mix

68%
19%
Natural Gas68%
Hydro19%
Oil2%
World Bank — Power grid statistics

Traffic & Commute in santa cruz

Santa Cruz experiences heavy traffic congestion, with a traffic index of 153.61. The city's roads can be chaotic, especially during peak hours. Remote workers may want to consider using taxis or ride-sharing services to navigate the city.

Heavy traffic congestionChaotic roadsTaxis and ride-sharing services available
Traffic Index
153.61
Avg commute: 32.74 min / 31.66 km

Overview

Avg Commute
32.74 min
Avg Distance
31.66 km
89.5%
Top Mode
Car
CO₂ Index
7,784

Traffic Indexes

Time Index
32.7
Time Exp. Index
293.0
Inefficiency Index
241.1
CO₂ Emission Index
7784.0

Commute Mode Split

Walking
5.3%
Bicycle
5.3%
Car
89.5%
What This Means for Digital Nomads
  • Traffic congestion is significant — consider accommodation close to co-working spaces or use public transit.
  • Car dependency is high — factor in parking costs and traffic when choosing where to live.
  • CO₂ emissions from transport are high — you may prefer walkable neighborhoods to reduce exposure.
  • Traffic inefficiency is high — avoid rush hour travel and plan routes with real-time navigation.
Numbeo — Traffic data

Pollution & Environment in santa cruz

Santa Cruz has excellent air quality, with an air quality index of 21.12. The city's clean air makes it an attractive option for remote workers who value a healthy environment.

Excellent air qualityClean airHealthy environment
Pollution Index
21.12/ 100
Cleanliness: 79/100

Overview

Air Quality
88/100
Excellent quality
Drinking Water
85/100
Excellent quality
Green Spaces
82/100
Excellent quality
Noise Level
73/100
Generally quiet

Pollution Levels — Lower is better

Air pollution
11.84
Drinking water pollution
15
Noise & light pollution
26.67
Water pollution
31.67
Dirty / untidy
38.33

Quality Metrics — Higher is better

Air quality
88.16
Drinking water quality
85
Garbage disposal
76.79
Clean & tidy
61.67
Water quality
68.33

Livability

Green & parks quality
81.67
Comfortable to walk
88.24
Quiet at night
73.33
What This Means for Digital Nomads
  • Air quality is excellent — enjoy outdoor activities and co-working in open spaces.
  • The city is pedestrian-friendly and pleasant for walking — comfortable for daily life without a car.
  • santa cruz has very low pollution levels — a great environment for remote work and healthy living.
Numbeo — Pollution data

Frequently Asked Questions About santa cruz

What is the cost of living in Santa Cruz?
The cost of living in Santa Cruz is relatively low, with monthly expenses excluding rent around $1,167, plus housing costs of $3,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment.
Is the internet reliable in Santa Cruz?
Yes, Santa Cruz has fast and reliable internet, with average fixed broadband speeds of 157.3 Mbps and mobile download speeds of 56.1 Mbps.
Are there coworking spaces in Santa Cruz?
No, there are no dedicated coworking spaces in Santa Cruz, but remote workers can find alternatives in cafes, business centers, and home offices.
What are the visa options for digital nomads in Bolivia?
Bolivia offers an eVisa option for digital nomads, but there is no specific digital nomad visa. Remote workers can apply for a tourist visa or a temporary residence visa.
Is Santa Cruz a safe city?
Santa Cruz has a moderate safety level, with a crime index of 42.8. While the city is generally safe, petty crime is a concern, particularly at night.
What is the climate like in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz has a tropical climate with a short rainy season from December to February. The best months to visit are from March to October, with comfortable temperatures and low rainfall.
What are the healthcare options in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz has good healthcare options, with a healthcare index of 70.08. The city's hospitals and medical facilities offer quality care, and remote workers can access medical services as needed.
Is property affordable in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz offers affordable housing options, with rent prices starting from $2,450 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center.
What are the transportation options in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz experiences heavy traffic congestion. Remote workers may want to consider using taxis or ride-sharing services to navigate the city.
What is the air quality like in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz has excellent air quality, with an air quality index of 21.12. The city's clean air makes it an attractive option for remote workers who value a healthy environment.

Key Takeaways

Quick insights for each category

Affordable Living in a Tropical Climate

Santa Cruz offers a low cost of living, making it an attractive option for digital nomads.

Fast and Reliable Internet

Santa Cruz has fast and reliable internet, making it suitable for remote work.

Limited Coworking Options, but Cafes and Business Centers Abound

Santa Cruz has limited coworking options, but remote workers can find alternatives in cafes and business centers.

Visa Options for Digital Nomads

Bolivia offers eVisa options, but no specific digital nomad visa.

Generally Safe, but Petty Crime a Concern

Santa Cruz is generally safe, but petty crime is a concern.

Tropical Climate with a Short Rainy Season

Santa Cruz has a tropical climate with a short rainy season.

Good Healthcare Options

Santa Cruz has good healthcare options.

Affordable Housing Options

Santa Cruz offers affordable housing options.

Reliable Electricity Grid

Santa Cruz has a reliable electricity grid.

Heavy Traffic Congestion

Santa Cruz experiences heavy traffic congestion.

Excellent Air Quality

Santa Cruz has excellent air quality.

Exploring Nearby Destinations

Santa Cruz is a great base for exploring nearby destinations.