Cost of living in Managua
Managua, the capital city of Nicaragua, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living in Managua is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay in this vibrant city.
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 $4.08 on average, with a range between $2.77 and $10.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $28, with prices ranging from $24 to $50.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7, with a range between $5 and $8.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.98 to $3.85, imported beer $1.74 to $3.1, cappuccino $0.83 to $3.25, and Coke/Pepsi $0.46 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.89 and $1.3 per liter, averaging $1.11.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.09 and $3.32, with an average price of $1.67.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.81 to $2.2, averaging $1.94.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $4.89 to $6.13 per kg, while oranges range from $0.92 to $5.43 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.24 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.42 to $0.85 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.19 and $0.28.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.32 and $1.36 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.54 per km, with an hourly waiting charge ranging from $2.78 to $10.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $250.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent also averages $250.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $194.57 to $1200, averaging $664.86.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $450.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $663.33 to $1500, averaging $1081.67.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $900.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $90 and $108.55, averaging $99.09.
- Internet - Internet services range from $30 to $60, with an average cost of $44.1.
Cost of Living Data
The following pricing data has been gathered from 30 user contributions, as of the most recent update in September, 2024.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Avg
Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$4.08
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$28.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$7.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.36
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.20
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.65
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.67
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.21
Markets
Markets
Avg
Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.11
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.67
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.94
Local Cheese (1kg)
$4.71
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.16
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$11.28
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.24
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.27
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$2.66
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.06
Apples (1kg)
$5.51
Oranges (1kg)
$3.17
Potato (1kg)
$3.04
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.68
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.61
Tomato (1kg)
$1.30
Banana (1kg)
$1.40
Onion (1kg)
$1.75
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$8.96
Transportation
Transportation
Avg
Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.20
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.34
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$22,000.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.54
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.39
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$25,000.00
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Avg
Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$250.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$250.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$664.86
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$450.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg
Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$99.09
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$44.10
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$16.59
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Avg
Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$37.27
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$7.30
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Avg
Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$74.93
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$56.67
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$109.40
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$150.00
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Avg
Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$1,081.67
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$900.00
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Avg
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$428.86
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
10.5%
Childcare
Childcare
Avg
Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$125.56
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$4,800.00
Managua Cost of Living
"Key Takeaways"
Managua offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, with affordable dining and transportation options.
Housing costs are notably low, especially for 1-bedroom apartments, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.
Grocery prices are reasonable, though some imported goods may be more expensive.
Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Managua.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Managua presents an affordable living environment with low housing and transportation costs.
While some imported goods and services may be priced higher, the overall cost of living remains accessible for most residents.
Potential residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the financial strain often associated with larger metropolitan areas.
Managua