Cost of living in Acajutla
Acajutla, a coastal city in El Salvador, offers a unique blend of cultural and economic factors that influence its cost of living. Understanding these costs is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting the city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect in Acajutla, from dining and groceries to transportation and housing.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $10 on average, with a range between $5 and $15.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $37.5, with prices ranging from $28 to $60.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7, with a range between $6.5 and $8.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1 to $3, imported beer $3 to $5, cappuccino $1.5 to $4.5, and Coke/Pepsi $0.75 to $1.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.4 and $3.5 per liter, averaging $1.95.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1 and $7.72, with an average price of $2.12.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.8 to $4.6, averaging $3.04.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1 to $5.51 per kg, while oranges range from $0.99 to $4.41 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1 and $3.8 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.5 to $1.5 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.01 and $1.19 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $3 to $5 per km and $7 to $20 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $19,000 and $26,000, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $25,000 to $30,000.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool is between $92 and $300 per month, averaging $160.29.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - International primary school fees range from $2,400 to $11,500 annually, averaging $5,740.67.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $90 and $120, averaging $106.6.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $45, with an average cost of $42.14.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for El Salvador are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in El Salvador, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Acajutla offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many urban areas, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.
Transportation costs are moderate, with gasoline prices being quite stable.
Housing and utility costs are manageable, making it a viable option for families and individuals alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Acajutla presents a balanced cost of living that caters to both locals and expatriates. The city offers affordable dining and grocery options, while transportation and utility costs remain reasonable.
For those considering a move to Acajutla, the city provides a comfortable lifestyle without the high expenses associated with larger metropolitan areas.