Cost of living in San Salvador
San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador, is a vibrant hub of culture and commerce. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or planning an extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in San Salvador, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
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
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.25 and $1, with a monthly pass priced between $0 and $30.
- 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.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $800 to $900, averaging $858.33.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $550 to $750, averaging $641.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1200 to $1800, averaging $1400.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $900 to $1100, averaging $1000.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1500 to $3000, averaging $2031.6.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $800 to $1750, averaging $1300.33.
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
San Salvador ranks 1st on the Cost of Living rankings in El Salvador. 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
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
San Salvador offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other capital cities. Dining out is reasonably priced, and transportation costs are low, especially for public transit.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive. Utilities and internet services are moderately priced.
For those considering a move to San Salvador, budgeting for housing and transportation will be key, while groceries and dining can be managed affordably.
Conclusion
In conclusion, San Salvador presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining and transportation options. While housing in the city centre can be pricey, options outside the centre offer more budget-friendly alternatives.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget accordingly, as the city provides a range of options to suit different financial plans.
Nearby Cities
All cities in El Salvador