Cost of Living in El Salvador

If you've ever considered moving to El Salvador, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in El Salvador?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in El Salvador and whether the reported $1627 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $398.33.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

El Salvador

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	7.0 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	27.44 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	6.25 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	1.5 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	3.0 $
Cappuccino (regular)	2.67 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	0.7 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	0.68 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	1.76 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	1.58 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	1.3 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	2.25 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	6.44 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	4.85 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	9.94 $
Apples (1 lb)	3.01 $
Banana (1 lb)	1.87 $
Oranges (1 lb)	2.35 $
Tomato (1 lb)	2.26 $
Potato (1 lb)	2.16 $
Onion (1 lb)	2.05 $
Lettuce (1 head)	0.94 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.96 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	9.0 $
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	1.49 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	2.13 $
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	4.0 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	0.3 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	24.5 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	5.0 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	3.0 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	10.0 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	1.02 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	18000.0 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	21817.9 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	65.95 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.16 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	45.58 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	27.61 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	21.44 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	5.0 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	102.92 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	4011.11 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	49.0 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	41.0 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	80.59 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	85.69 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	523.33 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	402.08 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	888.24 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	638.5 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	1325.07 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	927.38 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	398.33 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	9.64 %

Warnings & Dangers in El Salvador

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

El Salvador is somewhat safe to visit, though it has many dangers. You should be aware that tourist hotspots, restaurants, shops, and public transportation are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, and that violent crime exists on the streets, too.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Transportation is not very safe or reliable. There have been robberies in public transport and the roads are poorly maintained. Be wary of unlicensed taxis since you might get kidnapped and robbed.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

As for pickpocketing and bag snatching, it is a recurring concern on the streets of El Salvador, so be careful and hold your bags tightly by your side. Make sure you don't flash your valuable possessions on the street, or better yet, leave them in your accommodation.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

As for natural disasters, there are threats from earthquakes, since El Salvador is located in an active seismic zone, and flooding as well as landslides during the rainy season. Floods are especially common in the lower Lempa River area. There are also risks of hurricanes from June to November.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Mugging is also an issue in El Salvador. In such a situation, hand over all your possessions immediately and do not resist. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The risks of terrorist attacks in El Salvador are low, but since they shouldn't be ruled out, it is important that you remain vigilant at all times and aware of your surroundings.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

As in almost any country, there is a great risk of getting scammed. Always check everything twice and negotiate everything in advance. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Many women have traveled to El Salvador and haven't had any problems at all. However, this country isn't the safest in terms of females traveling solo, especially at night and you should exercise precaution measures at all times and avoid dark and empty streets and locations.

Cost of Living in El Salvador

El Salvador

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Visas

Currency

Weather

Airports

Travel Insurance

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