Are you considering a move to San Salvador, El Salvador, and wondering about the cost of living? San Salvador is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in San Salvador and help you understand whether $1978 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $456.67.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
10.0 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
30.0 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
7.5 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.5 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.2 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.18 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.87 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.06 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.46 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.56 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
5.86 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
6.53 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
10.87 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
3.09 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.73 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
2.52 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
2.45 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
2.28 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
2.03 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.9 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.99 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
12.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.68 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.53 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
4.0 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.35 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
23.37 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
5.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
3.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
10.0 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.09 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
19000.0 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
22928.57 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
101.91 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
42.5 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
31.88 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
23.12 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
5.0 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
111.88 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
4350.0 $ |
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|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
68.75 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
54.14 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
91.88 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
102.62 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
768.75 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
612.5 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1100.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
906.25 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1358.33 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
963.0 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
456.67 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
9.33 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in San Salvador come to a total of approximately $1978. This includes an average monthly rent of around $768 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $123 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $660 per month.
Living in San Salvador appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $456.67. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in San Salvador, you would likely need an income exceeding $456.67.
In San Salvador, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $456.67, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of San Salvador is approximately $768. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $612.5 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in San Salvador can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $461 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in El Salvador can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout El Salvador.
When you come to San Salvador, you need to exercise a high degree of caution due to the high level of violent crime. The police are doing their best against violent gangs, but with little success. Pay close attention to your security at all times and avoid certain areas like the historic downtown of San Salvador, Soyapango, Apopa, Nejapa, Ilopango Mejicanos, and Tutunichapa. There were reports of mugging and even murder in these areas.
When it comes to public transport in San Salvador, it can be considered unsafe since the vehicles are old and do not work properly, and people are robbed there, too. Taxis should be used, but only the licensed ones. You can drive with your driving license but bear in mind that driving standards are not too great and car insurance is essential.
When it comes to pickpocketing and purse snatching, these types of crimes are frequent and the most usual way of performing the robberies is on motorcycles. You should take particular care of your belongings since the criminals watch what you possess and decide whether to attack or not. The places where they mostly operate are bus stations, airports, tourist areas and on public transport.
San Salvador has several active volcanoes, so before coming there, you should get informed about the increased volcanic activity. The rainy season is from June to November which may cause landslides and flooding. Occasional earthquakes happen, so if you are staying in a hotel read their earthquake instructions.
There have been reports of muggings followed by murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, and sexual assault in San Salvador. It is frequently performed by the criminal gangs and it is better to give them what they want than to resist, to avoid more serious consequences. They are usually after your valuables.
Even though there were no reports of terrorism in San Salvador recently, demonstrations occur from time to time and they should be avoided. The possibility of the attacks cannot be ruled out.
Taxi drivers are the most frequent threat when the scam risk is in question. They will try to overcharge tourists so always determine the price before the ride or ask for the meter to be turned on. Thieves use the technique of something spilling on you to distract you, while the other person takes your purse or wallet. The scams come in various forms and can cause great financial loss.
The threat to solo female visitors exists in San Salvador, even though many women travel without any issues. Bus terminals and taxis are the most frequently operated places by criminals who tend to take advantage of a woman traveling alone. To avoid becoming a victim, women should not travel after dark and should not wear jewelry or expensive electronic devices.
If the reason for your travel is tourism or business that will last no longer than 90 days, you can come without a visa. If you want to extend your stay, you will need to contact the authorities. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.
The US dollar is the official currency in El Salvador, but there are some prices in the Salvadoran Colon. There are many ATMs on the streets, but taking the money from them might be risky. The better solution is to take money from the ATMs in banks, hotels or shopping malls.
The climate of San Salvador attracts numerous visitors all year round since it is tropical and most of the time is warm and sunny. In December it might be a bit cooler, but the light spring clothes are the warmest one that is necessary when coming to San Salvador.
To come to El Salvador, you can use San Salvador International Airport, located 50 km south of San Salvador. It is the largest airport in Central America and many national and international airlines serve this airport.
Because El Salvador has one of the highest crime rates in Latin America, it is advisable to obtain a travel insurance policy before coming to San Salvador.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 85°F | 86°F | 87°F | 87°F | 85°F | 84°F | 84°F | 84°F | 83°F | 83°F | 84°F | 84°F |
| Temp | 73°F | 74°F | 75°F | 76°F | 76°F | 75°F | 75°F | 75°F | 74°F | 74°F | 73°F | 73°F |
| Low | 64°F | 64°F | 66°F | 68°F | 69°F | 69°F | 68°F | 68°F | 68°F | 67°F | 66°F | 64°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 29°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 29°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C |
| Temp | 22°C | 23°C | 23°C | 24°C | 24°C | 23°C | 23°C | 23°C | 23°C | 23°C | 22°C | 22°C |
| Low | 17°C | 17°C | 18°C | 20°C | 20°C | 20°C | 20°C | 20°C | 20°C | 19°C | 18°C | 17°C |