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Maracaibo, Venezuela
Capital City

Follows Venezuela Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$580
Retiree Score
81.0
Safety Index
38.0
Healthcare
32 facilities

With a population of 1,551,539, Maracaibo is Venezuela's second-largest city, but hardly a paradise. The region's oppressive heat and humidity once made it a health hazard, and today the city grapples with a debilitating national crisis that has fueled rampant poverty and violence. Bureaucracy remains a persistent headache, as evidenced by the city's decades-long isolation from the rest of the country. While Maracaibo boasts a rich cultural heritage and impressive educational institutions, the broader economic and political turmoil has taken a heavy toll. This is a city best suited for those with a high tolerance for adversity and a willingness to navigate significant challenges.

Can I afford Maracaibo?

$

Maracaibo

You could save

2,420/mo

Savings Rate81%

Monthly Costs

Rent $200
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$380

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
81/100
Retiree Score
(i)
81/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
60/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Venezuela Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
38
Safety
32
Healthcare
100
Walkability
5
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$7

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$5
Meal (Mid-range) $83
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $13
Mobile Plan (mo) $11
Gym (mo) *$35
Cinema Ticket $4

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $200
1BR Outside (mo) *$206
3BR Center (mo) $450
3BR Outside (mo) *$392

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Very Few
Top Neighborhoods
La Lago
Best For
none

Expat Life Notes

Once the oil capital, Maracaibo is now severely impacted by Venezuela's economic crisis.

Pros

  • ✓ Rich culture and resilience
  • ✓ Very low costs in USD terms

Cons

  • ✗ Frequent power/water failures
  • ✗ Extreme heat
  • ✗ High crime and insecurity

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
23°C°C - 34°C°C
Annual Rainfall
1132 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Maracaibo

Click any question to expand the answer.

Maracaibo has a population of approximately 1,551,539 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $500 per month in Maracaibo, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $200/month.

The nearest airport to Maracaibo is MAR, approximately 13km away.

Maracaibo is considered a higher-crime area that requires caution, with a safety index of 38.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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