Cost of Living in Nicaragua

If you've ever considered moving to Nicaragua, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Nicaragua?" 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 Nicaragua and whether the reported $1129 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $287.61.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Nicaragua
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

4.0 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

27.5 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

5.72 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

1.25 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.23 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.06 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.78 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.75 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

0.97 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.31 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.03 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.85 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

3.49 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

4.9 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

6.72 $

Apples (1 lb)

4.18 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.29 $

Oranges (1 lb)

2.03 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.37 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.42 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.52 $

Lettuce (1 head)

0.87 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.79 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

10.0 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.22 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.99 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

2.92 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.2 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

9.57 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

1.0 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

0.65 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

6.05 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.24 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

17000.0 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

24500.0 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

62.06 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.33 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

55.74 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

27.66 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

17.25 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

6.0 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

150.73 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

4585.57 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

44.87 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

37.93 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

70.35 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

74.27 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

264.96 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

207.65 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

498.02 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

380.2 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

1004.17 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

571.1 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

287.61 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

12.84 %

Nicaragua

How Safe Is Nicaragua for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Nicaragua

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Nicaragua is relatively safe to visit, but you should keep in mind that petty theft, as well as violent crimes, are extremely common here, so all precaution measures should be taken.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Taking public transport at night is highly advised against, due to the presence of criminals, both on public transport and on the roadways. Calling a taxi, or sharing a taxi with another person is far safer and common.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

There is an extreme threat to petty crime. Pickpockets operate mainly in the major cities of Nicaragua. You should be extremely careful, especially in markets. Take as little as possible with you and never carry your money in a purse or a back pocket.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

As far as natural disasters go, there are a couple of them hitting Nicaragua, such as earthquakes that can happen at any time. Then there is the hurricane season that lasts from June to November and the rainy season that often leads to floods. There are some active volcanoes in Nicaragua, the most dangerous one being San Cristobal which has been active since December 2012.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

There have been reports of unauthorized taxis kidnapping people for ransom. Muggings, robberies, and rapes are also common. Be extremely careful.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Even though there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Nicaragua's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Like in every country taxi drivers might try to overcharge you. Apart from that, double check your change and negotiate everything in advance. Tourists are strongly encouraged not to use public ATMs, or if they do, not to flash their credit cards publicly. There have been many reports of credit card fraud in Nicaragua, as well as reports of extortion calls occurring.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Women traveling solo are advised to be careful around men, even in front of employees at hotels, shops, and men providing any kind of tourist services. Many women have been sexually assaulted at the beaches of Nicaragua, so they are strongly advised not to walk alone both during day and night. Women should be prepared for rude comments by men when walking alone on the streets of Nicaragua.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Most nationals do not need a visa for any stays in Nicaragua shorter than 90 days. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your return date. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

Nicaraguan Cordoba is the official currency in Nicaragua, while US dollars are the alternative currency. ATMs are widespread throughout major cities but if you're going to rural regions, make sure you bring some cash. Credit cards are mostly accepted.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The climate in Nicaragua can be described as tropical. Just like in most Central American countries, there is the dry season and the wet season. The dry season lasts from January to June, while the wet season lasts from May to October, during which period the weather is a bit cooler.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Augusto C. Sandino International Airport is the main joint civil-military public international airport in Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. It is located in the City's 6th ward, locally referred to as Distrito 6.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Nicaragua, since it covers not only the costs medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Nicaragua with other countries

Cost of living in countries