Cost of living in Santo Tomas
Santo Tomas, a vibrant city in El Salvador, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning a visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Santo Tomas, covering everything from dining and groceries to transportation and housing, helping you make informed financial decisions.
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 ranges from $92 to $300 monthly, averaging $160.29.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly tuition for international primary schools ranges from $2,400 to $11,500, 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"
Santo Tomas offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other cities. Dining out is reasonably priced, and grocery costs are manageable.
Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable taxi fares and fuel prices. Housing and utility expenses are also within a reasonable range, making it a viable option for families and individuals alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Santo Tomas provides a balanced cost of living with affordable options across various categories. Whether you're planning to move or visit, understanding these costs can help you budget effectively.
With its reasonable prices in dining, transportation, and housing, Santo Tomas is an attractive destination for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle in El Salvador.