Cost of living in Matagalpa
Matagalpa, a vibrant city in Nicaragua, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. 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 Matagalpa, 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 $4.79 on average, with a range between $2.58 and $7.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $25.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.3.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $0.86, imported beer $1.72, cappuccino $1.43, and Coke/Pepsi $1.1.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.8 and $1.1 per liter, averaging $0.95.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.76 and $1.75, with an average price of $1.25.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.72 to $2.1, averaging $1.91.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples) - Apples cost $6.32 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $1.14 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.7 to $0.86 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.2 and $2.15.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.34 and $1.7 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.54, with a cost of $0.65 per km.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $86.02 to $200, averaging $132.01.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $57.35 to $350, averaging $194.12.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $143.37 to $800, averaging $414.46.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $100.36 to $500, averaging $283.45.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $45 on average.
- Internet - Internet services range from $30 to $45.88, with an average cost of $37.63.
Cost of Living Data
The following pricing data has been gathered from 7 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Avg
Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$4.79
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$25.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$4.30
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.86
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.72
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.10
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.47
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.43
Markets
Markets
Avg
Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$0.95
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.25
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.91
Local Cheese (1kg)
$2.47
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.76
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$2.58
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.86
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.58
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$2.36
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.84
Apples (1kg)
$6.32
Potato (1kg)
$1.12
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.78
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.06
Tomato (1kg)
$1.01
Onion (1kg)
$2.40
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$4.11
Transportation
Transportation
Avg
Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.75
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$56.10
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.52
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$14,337.44
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.54
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.65
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.73
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$14,337.44
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Avg
Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$132.01
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$194.12
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$414.46
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$283.45
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg
Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$45.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$37.63
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$18.00
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Avg
Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$8.60
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Avg
Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$37.28
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$34.41
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$31.97
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$51.61
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Avg
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$209.80
Childcare
Childcare
Avg
Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$100.00
Matagalpa Cost of Living
"Key Takeaways"
Matagalpa offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.
Housing is particularly affordable, especially for those willing to live outside the city centre.
Dining and grocery prices are also quite reasonable, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without excessive spending.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Matagalpa presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.
This makes it an appealing choice for those looking to experience life in Nicaragua without breaking the bank.
Matagalpa