12 min read
Iguazú Falls marks the gateway to a quieter side for living in Paraguay towns—scenic lakeside and riverfront towns stretched along the Paraná River that most expats never think to explore. These communities offer calm water views, low living costs, and a slower pace that feels worlds away from Western burnout. If you’re searching for hidden, affordable escapes, these nine Paraguay towns deliver the kind of lakeside and riverfront living expats dream about.
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Paraguay’s charm lies not in its capital buzz, but in its underrated towns—serene spots where expats and remote workers build affordable lives for $700–1,100/month.
Forget crowded coasts: these 8 Paraguay towns hug lakes and rivers, blending colonial vibes, steady WiFi, and easy commutes to Asunción. Ideal for retirees craving quiet or families testing lakeside living in Paraguay, they offer everything from strawberry fields to the edge of the Pantanal without the hype.
Living in Paraguay towns fuel daily life through rivers powering homes and lakes inspiring lazy afternoons. From Areguá’s craft markets (just 30 mins from the city) to remote Pilar’s fishing rhythms, living in these Paraguay towns means fresh produce markets, neighborly tereré chats, and a pace that recharges your workweek.
No visa hassles for a 90-day visa on arrival—dive into riverfront living in Paraguay and see why expats call it South America’s hidden reset button.
This guide spotlights rent realities, school options, and expat hacks for each Paraguay town—your blueprint to pick the perfect water-edged home.
Curious how these compare to the capital? Check our guide to the Best Places to Live in Asunción
Table of Contents
Expat Cost Comparison: Living in Paraguay Towns (2025 Prices)
| Living in Paraguay Towns | Distance from Asunción | Water Feature | *Monthly Rent (1-Bed Apt) | Avg. Internet Speed | Safety Rating (1-10) | Best For Expat Living in Paraguay Towns |
| Areguá | 32 km (30 min) | Lake Ypacaraí | $250–$400 | 50–100 Mbps | 8/10 | Lakeside living Paraguay – culture, families, crafts |
| Fuerte Olimpo & Bahia Negra | 830 km / 967 km (12–14 hrs) | Paraguay River (Pantanal) | $150–$300 | 20–50 Mbps | 7/10 | Riverfront living in Paraguay – remote work, nature lovers |
| Ypacaraí | 60 km (1 hr) | Lake Ypacaraí | $220–$350 | 40–80 Mbps | 8/10 | Lakeside living Paraguay – festivals, hiking, eco-focus |
| San Bernardino | 43 km (45 min) | Lake Ypacaraí | $300–$500 (summer peak) | 60–120 Mbps | 9/10 | Lakeside living Paraguay – expat community, water sports |
| Pilar | 258 km (4 hrs) | Paraguay River | $200–$350 | 30–70 Mbps | 7/10 | Riverfront living in Paraguay – business, fishing lifestyle |
| Hernandarias | 349 km (5 hrs) | Paraná River | $250–$400 | 80–150 Mbps (near Itaipu) | 8/10 | Riverfront living in Paraguay – energy hub, industry jobs |
| Santa Rosa del Aguaray | 250 km (4 hrs) | Aguaray Guazú River + Laguna Blanca | $180–$320 | 25–60 Mbps | 7/10 | Riverfront living in Paraguay – agriculture, budget expats |
| Piribebuy | 75 km (1.5 hrs) | Piribebuy River | $200–$350 | 40–80 Mbps | 8/10 | Living near the river – history, weekend retreats |
Costs based on 2025 expat averages. Full details in our Affordable Cost of Living in Paraguay guide.
The world’s largest tropical wetland—your backyard when living on the edge of the Pantanal in Paraguay.
1. Fuerte Olimpo & Bahia Negra – Remote Riverfront Living
515–600 mi (830–967 km) from Asunción
Discover the Benefits of Living in Paraguay Towns: These twin riverfront Paraguay outposts sit at the Pantanal gateway—ultra-low costs, star-filled skies, and 20–50 Mbps satellite internet for true digital detox or wildlife-focused remote work. Ideal for nature-loving expats craving isolation with Brazil-border perks.
- Monthly Cost of Living (1 Person): $550–$850 (rent $150–$300, groceries $120, utilities $40, transport $30).
- Housing & Rentals: Riverside wooden homes or basic apartments ($200/mo long-term); contact local “alcaldia” offices or Pantanal tour operators for expat-friendly leases. Small but tight-knit foreign community.
- Internet & Remote Work: Starlink or Tigo 4G (20–50 Mbps, $40/mo); work from hammocks or the odd café. Power via local grid—backup generators common.
- Schools & Family Life: Basic public schools; homeschooling popular among expats. Safe for kids though medical care requires Asunción trips (weekly flights).
- Daily Life & Community: Cattle markets, colonial forts, and three hilltop cathedral views; warm indigenous-influenced culture. Expat WhatsApp groups coordinate supply runs. Safety: 7/10 (remote but peaceful).
- Getting There & Mobility: Weekly flights from Asunción ($80) or 12–14 hr bus/boat combos ($25); 4×4 vehicle essential for Bahia Negra’s dirt roads.
2. Pilar – Riverfront Business Hub for Living in Paraguay Towns
160 mi (258 km) from Asunción
Living in Paraguay Towns: Why It’s a Smart Choice: Pilar anchors riverfront living in Paraguay with a dynamic small-city feel—affordable housing, 30–70 Mbps internet, and a central role in regional trade, just 4 hours from Asunción. Perfect for entrepreneurs, remote workers, or families wanting urban amenities with a calm riverfront.
- Monthly Cost of Living (1 Person): $700–$1,000 (rent $200–$350, groceries $150, utilities $50, transport $40)
- Housing & Rentals: Historic center apartments or riverside family homes ($250–$300/mo long-term); local real estate offices and “Pilar Expats” WhatsApp group list options. Many include patios overlooking Rio Paraguay.
- Internet & Remote Work: Copaco/Tigo fiber (30–70 Mbps, $25/mo); coworking at municipal library or home offices with park views. Reliable power grid.
- Schools & Family Life: Quality public and private schools; safe, clean streets ideal for kids. Annual fishing tournament and Fiesta Hawaiana (Jan 2) build family traditions.
- Daily Life & Community: Lively parks, walking paths, and pavilions along the river; bustling markets for fresh produce. Expat community growing with business hub status. Safety: 7/10.
- Getting There & Mobility: $10 bus from Asunción (4 hrs, hourly); own car recommended for regional travel; river ferries for local charm.
Golden hour over Ypacaraí Lake—daily life when living in Paraguay towns by the water.
3. Areguá – Craft Capital for Lakeside Living Paraguay
20 mi (32 km) from Asunción
What Makes Living in Paraguay Towns Worth Considering: Areguá offers lakeside living in Paraguay at its most vibrant—affordable colonial charm, reliable 50–100 Mbps internet, and a thriving expat craft community just 30 minutes from Asunción’s airport and malls. Perfect for remote workers who want culture without isolation.
- Monthly Cost of Living (1 Person): $750–$950 (rent $250–$400, groceries $150, utilities $50, transport $50).
- Housing & Rentals: Long-term Airbnb-style homes on Lake Ypacaraí shores ($300–$350/mo); local realtors list colonial houses with gardens. Expat Facebook group “Areguá Expats” shares sublets.
- Internet & Remote Work: Copaco fiber (50–100 Mbps, $25/mo); coworking at Café del Lago or home offices with lake views. Power outages are rare.
- Schools & Family Life: Public schools free; private bilingual options in nearby Asunción (20-min commute). Kid-friendly parks, strawberry farms, and safe streets.
- Daily Life & Community: UNESCO “City of Crafts” means pottery markets daily; annual Strawberry Festival draws expats. Morning tereré with neighbors, evening lake walks. Safety: 8/10.
- Getting There & Mobility: $2 bus from Asunción every 15 mins; own car ideal for weekend hikes to Kõi Hill sandstone formations.
If you’re curious about the capital, our guide to Living in Asunción, Paraguay breaks down the 9 best neighborhoods for expats, families, and retirees.
4. Hernandarias – Energy Capital for Riverfront Living in Paraguay
216 mi (349 km) from Asunción
The True Advantages of Living in Paraguay Towns: Hernandarias powers riverfront living in Paraguay with world-class infrastructure—80–150 Mbps internet near Itaipu Dam, stable jobs in energy/agriculture, and Paraná River views, just 5 hours from Asunción. Ideal for engineers, remote tech workers, and families seeking modern amenities in a growing city.
- Monthly Cost of Living (1 Person): $800–$1,100 (rent $250–$400, groceries $160, utilities $45, transport $45)
- Housing & Rentals: Modern apartments or riverside houses ($300–$350/mo long-term); Itaipu employee housing perks; “Hernandarias Expats” Facebook group lists verified rentals.
- Internet & Remote Work: Ultra-fast fiber (80–150 Mbps, $25/mo via Copaco); coworking at Itaipu tech centers or home offices with dam views. 24/7 power reliability.
- Schools & Family Life: Excellent public and bilingual private schools; safe, family-oriented with parks and river activities. Large expat engineer community.
- Daily Life & Community: Soybean and corn markets; historical landmarks and modern entertainment. Expat events at Acaray River beaches. Safety: 8/10.
- Getting There & Mobility: $12 bus from Asunción (5 hrs, frequent); own car ideal; easy access to Ciudad del Este shopping (30 mins).
Kid-friendly park steps from Ypacaraí Lake—weekend vibes in living in Paraguay towns.
5. Ypacaraí – Festival-Fueled Lakeside Living Paraguay
37 mi (60 km) from Asunción
Living in Paraguay Towns: Key Advantages: Ypacaraí delivers lakeside living—booming ecotourism, 40–80 Mbps fiber, and the annual Festival del Lago, all just 1 hour from Asunción. Perfect for creative expats and families who want nature, culture, and affordable hill hikes.
- Monthly Cost of Living (1 Person): $700–$950 (rent $220–$350, groceries $140, utilities $45, transport $40)
- Housing & Rentals: Lakefront cottages or modern apartments ($250–$300/mo long-term); platforms like Encuentra24 list expat-ready homes with gardens. Growing Airbnb sublet scene.
- Internet & Remote Work: Tigo/Copaco fiber (40–80 Mbps, $20–$30/mo); coworking at lakeside cafés or home setups with hill views. Reliable power grid.
- Schools & Family Life: Strong public schools; private bilingual options nearby. Kid-safe lake beaches, hiking trails, and ecotourism camps.
- Daily Life & Community: Bustling artisan markets (lacework, pottery); Festival del Lago (Feb) unites expats and locals with music and dance. Morning lake swims, evening craft fairs. Safety: 8/10.
- Getting There & Mobility: $3 bus from Asunción every 30 mins; bike-friendly streets or scooter for local exploring.
6. San Bernardino – Expat Resort for Lakeside Living Paraguay
26 mi (43 km) from Asunción
Why Expats Enjoy Living in Paraguay Towns: San Bernardino is the crown jewel of lakeside living Paraguay—a historic German-Swiss resort town with 60–120 Mbps internet, international expat community, and summer lakefront energy, just 45 minutes from Asunción. Ideal for retirees, families, and remote professionals who want resort amenities at small-town prices.
- Monthly Cost of Living (1 Person): $850–$1,200, for more information read our cost of living in Paraguay guide, (rent $300–$500, groceries $160, utilities $55, transport $45).
- Housing & Rentals: Colonial-style villas and modern condos on Lake Ypacaraí ($350–$450/mo long-term); active expat rental market via “San Bernardino Living” Facebook group and local agents. Many include boat docks.
- Internet & Remote Work: High-speed fiber (60–120 Mbps, $30/mo via Personal/Tigo); coworking at Club Náutico or lakefront cafés with strong WiFi. Stable power, rare outages.
- Schools & Family Life: Top-tier bilingual schools (German/English); safe, walkable streets, water sports, and summer camps. Large expat family community.
- Daily Life & Community: Galleries, theaters, and museums; year-round birdwatching and hiking. Summer transforms into a vibrant resort—locals and expats mix at beach clubs. Safety: 9/10.
- Getting There & Mobility: $2.50 bus from Asunción every 20 mins; Uber available; own car or golf cart ideal for lake loops.
Want a broader overview? Check out our full guide, 10 Best Places to Live in Paraguay for a countrywide look at the top expat-friendly locations.
San Bernardino’s golden beach—your front yard in lakeside living Paraguay.
7. Santa Rosa del Aguaray – Budget Riverfront Living in Paraguay
155 mi (250 km) from Asunción
Living in Paraguay Towns: What to Expect: Santa Rosa del Aguaray offers riverfront living in Paraguay on a shoestring—fertile farmland, drinkable spring-fed Laguna Blanca, and 25–60 Mbps internet in an agricultural hub, just 4 hours from Asunción. Perfect for budget-conscious expats, farmers, or remote workers who want rural peace with natural water purity.
- Monthly Cost of Living (1 Person): $650–$900 (rent $180–$320, groceries $130, utilities $40, transport $35).
- Housing & Rentals: Simple riverside homes or farm-adjacent apartments ($220–$280/mo long-term); local cooperatives list land/house bundles. Small expat farming community via “San Pedro Expats” group.
- Internet & Remote Work: Tigo 4G/fiber (25–60 Mbps, $20/mo); work from home or shaded riverbank cafés. Solar backups common.
- Schools & Family Life: Solid public schools; safe, community-driven with areas for kids to play. Homeschooling is popular among expats.
- Daily Life & Community: Aguaray Guazú and Verde Rivers for fishing; fresh crops at doorstep. Patron saint festivals build tight bonds. Safety: 7/10.
- Getting There & Mobility: $8 bus from Asunción (4 hrs, several daily); pickup truck essential for farm roads.
8. Piribebuy – Living close by the river in Paraguay
46 mi (75 km) from Asunción
Why Living in Paraguay Towns Offers a Better Life: Piribebuy blends deep history—colonial battlefields, the iconic Ñandejará Guasu Church, and 40–80 Mbps internet in a peaceful valley, just 1.5 hours from Asunción. Ideal for history-loving expats, weekend retreat owners, or families seeking cultural depth at low cost.
- Monthly Cost of Living (1 Person): $700–$950 (rent $200–$350, groceries $140, utilities $45, transport $40)
- Housing & Rentals: Restored colonial homes or modern flats ($250–$300/mo long-term). Many properties include river access.
- Internet & Remote Work: Copaco fiber (40–80 Mbps, $25/mo); work from home or shaded plaza cafés. Stable power throughout mountain/valley.
- Schools & Family Life: Quality public schools; safe, walkable with river trails for kids. Small but growing expat circle.
- Daily Life & Community: War of Triple Alliance museum; untouched countryside hikes. Affluent Paraguayan weekenders mix with full-time expats. Safety: 8/10.
- Getting There & Mobility: $4 bus from Asunción (1.5 hrs, hourly); own car or motorcycle for valley exploration.
Aerial view of the Paraguay & Paraná River banks—endless green when living in Paraguay towns.
How to Move to These Living in Paraguay Towns
Ready to make these Paraguay towns your reality? These water-edged gems are expat-friendly with 90-day visa-free entry for most passports—perfect for testing lakeside living Paraguay or riverfront living in Paraguay before diving deeper.
Here’s your no-stress starter guide.
- First Step for Living in Paraguay: Fly into Asunción (direct from Miami, Madrid, São Paulo). Grab a 90-day tourist stamp on arrival—no visa needed for 100+ countries. While visiting, research and start your temporary residency application—many expats file within the first 30–60 days while visiting (assumes paperwork preplanning).
- Test the Waters: Spend your first month in Asunción (cheap Airbnbs $300–$500), then day-trip or short-stay in one of your top town in Paraguay via $2–$12 buses.
- Housing Hunt: Use Encuentra24, Facebook Marketplace, or local “inmobiliarias.” Long-term leases (6+ months) drop 20–30% vs. tourist rates.
- Money & Banking: Wise/International credit/debit cards for ATM cash withdrawals.
- Internet & Work: Tigo/Copaco fiber in most towns ($20–$30/mo). Starlink for remote spots.
- Getting Around: Buy a used car ($3,000+), Uber, Bolt, or stick to frequent buses. Internal flights to some towns ($80).
- Community: Join “Expats in Paraguay” Facebook (10K+ members) and town WhatsApp groups—locals love helping newcomers.
- Pro Tip: Road-trip with a rental car. Lock in your favorite town before summer crowds.
Still deciding if Paraguay is right for you? Our detailed breakdown, Living in Paraguay Pros and Cons, gives you a clear and honest look at life here.
FAQ: Expat Life in Paraguay Towns
What’s the cost of living in Paraguay towns?
Expect $650–$1,200/month—cheapest in remote riverfront spots like Bahia Negra ($550+), higher in resort-style San Bernardino ($850+). Includes rent, food, utilities, and transport.
Is internet reliable for remote work in living in Paraguay towns?
Yes—most towns offer 40–150 Mbps fiber ($20–$30/mo). Hernandarias hits 150 Mbps near Itaipu; remote areas use Starlink.
Which living in Paraguay towns are best for families?
San Bernardino and Areguá top the list for living in Paraguay with kids—safe streets, bilingual schools, and lake activities. Ypacaraí adds festivals and hiking.
Can I drink the water in living in Paraguay towns?
In Santa Rosa del Aguaray, yes—Laguna Blanca is spring-fed and drinkable. Elsewhere in Paraguay, filter or buy bottled.
How safe is living in Paraguay towns for solo expats?
Very—rated 7–9/10 → Compare 8 Safest Places to Live in Paraguay across Paraguay towns. San Bernardino scores highest (9/10); even remote Fuerte Olimpo feels peaceful. Use common sense at night.
What’s the best season to move to Paraguay?
March–May (fall) or September–November (spring) for mild weather and lower rents in living in Paraguay towns. Avoid peak summer heat (Dec–Feb) unless you love lake life.
Final Thoughts: Start Living in Paraguay Towns Today
From the craft-filled streets of Areguá to the Pantanal-edge tranquility of Fuerte Olimpo, these living in Paraguay towns prove you don’t need big-city chaos—or an ocean—to build a rich, affordable life.
Living in Paraguay towns means waking to river sunrises, working with 100 Mbps fiber, and spending under $1,000/month in places most never see.
Whether you crave lakeside with festivals and colonial charm or riverfront living with wildlife and farm-fresh meals, one of these 8 living in Paraguay towns is your perfect launchpad. Fly in, test the water for 90 days, and let the locals’ warmth turn your visit into a home.
Your move starts now—bookmark this guide, join an expat group, and book that flight. Living in Paraguay towns isn’t just a lifestyle; it’s the reset you’ve been waiting for.