Cost of living in San Juan del Sur

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