Granada, a picturesque city in Nicaragua, is known for its colonial architecture and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, 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 $4 on average, with a range between $3.5 and $6.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $27, with prices ranging from $16 to $40.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5, with a range between $4 and $6.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1 to $2.5, imported beer is consistently $2, cappuccino $1 to $3.5, and Coke/Pepsi $1 to $1.5.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $0.8 and $1.5 per liter, averaging $1.13.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.5 and $1.88, with an average price of $1.31.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.2 to $2, averaging $1.75.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $4 to $9.37 per kg, while oranges average $4.41 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.76 and $2.76 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket is very affordable at $0.1.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.19 and $1.34 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.6, with a cost of $0.6 per km.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $300 to $450, averaging $383.33.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $200 to $350, averaging $275.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $400 to $800, averaging $566.67.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $300 to $700, averaging $443.33.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $50 and $53.13, averaging $51.56.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $45, with an average cost of $41.67.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 9 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$4.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$27.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$5.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.15
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.17
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.78
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.67
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.13
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.31
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.75
Local Cheese (1kg)
$3.78
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.75
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$10.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.54
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.77
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$3.63
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.18
Apples (1kg)
$6.68
Oranges (1kg)
$4.41
Potato (1kg)
$2.17
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.00
Rice (white), (1kg)
$0.85
Tomato (1kg)
$1.07
Banana (1kg)
$1.25
Onion (1kg)
$1.43
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$9.11
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.10
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$4.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.29
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.60
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.60
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$383.33
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$275.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$566.67
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$443.33
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$51.56
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$41.67
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$20.00
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$28.33
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$15.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$30.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$35.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$35.50
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$211.67
Granada Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Granada offers a relatively low cost of living, especially in terms of dining and transportation. Housing is affordable, particularly outside the city centre.

Grocery prices are reasonable, though some imported items like apples can be more expensive. Utilities and internet costs are also quite manageable.

Conclusion

Overall, Granada, Nicaragua, presents an affordable living option with its low costs in dining, transportation, and housing. This makes it an attractive destination for expatriates and long-term visitors.

Potential residents should consider the balance between city centre convenience and the lower costs of living outside the centre. With careful budgeting, living in Granada can be both enjoyable and economical.