San Juan del Sur, a picturesque coastal town in Nicaragua, is known for its vibrant culture and beautiful beaches. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, from dining and groceries to housing and utilities, offering a comprehensive view of what to expect financially in San Juan del Sur.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3.74 on average, with a range between $3.27 and $4.21.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $31.83, with prices ranging from $30 to $33.66.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.61.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.36 to $3.93, imported beer $2 to $4, cappuccino $2.8, and Coke/Pepsi $0.6 to $1.36.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.2 and $1.39 per liter, averaging $1.3.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs around $1.5.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.88 to $1.96, averaging $1.92.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese costs between $4.5 and $11.22 per kg, averaging $7.86.
  • Fruits and Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Tomatoes, Onions) - Potatoes are priced between $2.2 and $4.2 per kg, tomatoes average $2.4 per kg, and onions are around $3 per kg.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.19 and $1.28 per liter, averaging $1.24.
  • New Car (Toyota Corolla Sedan or Equivalent) - A new Toyota Corolla Sedan or equivalent costs around $29,000.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $400 to $500, averaging $466.67.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $150 to $625, averaging $408.33.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $650 to $1200, averaging $950.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $900 to $1000, averaging $966.67.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $25 and $157, averaging $80.67.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $36 to $75, with an average cost of $55.5.
  • Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $6 and $15, averaging $10.5.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 13 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$3.74
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$31.83
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$5.61
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.80
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.89
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.70
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.80
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.30
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.50
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.92
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.86
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$9.91
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.47
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.28
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$3.22
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.36
Potato (1kg)
$3.20
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.20
Tomato (1kg)
$2.40
Onion (1kg)
$3.00
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.24
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$29,000.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$466.67
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$408.33
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$950.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$966.67
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$80.67
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$55.50
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$10.50
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$30.29
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$279.17
Childcare
Avg / Range
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$15,000.00
San Juan del Sur Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

San Juan del Sur offers a relatively affordable cost of living, especially in terms of dining and basic groceries.

Housing costs can vary significantly depending on location, with more affordable options available outside the city centre.

Transportation costs are moderate, with gasoline prices being relatively low compared to global standards.

Conclusion

Overall, San Juan del Sur presents a cost-effective living environment, particularly appealing to those seeking a balance between affordability and quality of life.

Potential residents should consider the variability in housing costs and plan accordingly, while also taking advantage of the affordable dining and grocery options available.