Build a budget around your real life.

Separate three different budgets

Prepare an arrival budget, a monthly living budget and, if applicable, a property purchase budget. Flights, deposits and furniture can make the first months very different from a settled year. Closing costs belong in the purchase budget; repairs and ownership expenses continue afterward.

Housing and running costs

For a rental, ask about the rent currency, deposit, common charges, included utilities, furnishings, lease adjustments and repair responsibilities. For ownership, add building or neighborhood charges, maintenance, insurance where appropriate and property-related obligations confirmed by your advisers. An advertised price rarely answers all these questions.

Transport is a household decision

Compare the combination of walking, available transport services, a driver or a car that your actual routine requires. Car ownership adds inspection, registration, insurance, fuel, parking and maintenance. Occasional airport trips and regional travel should be budgeted separately from ordinary errands.

Healthcare, cover and family needs

Obtain quotes based on age, household composition, eligibility and the cover you need. Ask how pre-existing conditions, waiting periods, deductibles and treatment outside the country are handled. For families, verify school fees, transport, enrollment requirements and additional costs directly with shortlisted institutions.

Currency and payment costs

Record the currency and quote date for each item. Ask how exchange rates, transfers, card fees or payment methods affect the amount you actually pay. A converted dollar figure is only as current as its underlying quote and exchange-rate assumption.

Collect comparable quotes

1. Use the same household and lifestyle assumptions.
2. Ask whether taxes and recurring charges are included.
3. Separate one-time costs from monthly costs.
4. Record each quote’s date and validity.
5. Keep a reserve based on the uncertainty in your own plan.

Keep the US side in view

US citizens and resident aliens abroad generally remain subject to US tax rules on worldwide income. Moving to Paraguay or obtaining a local document does not by itself remove those obligations. Discuss your circumstances with a qualified US tax professional before relying on any tax-driven relocation claim.