Updated:
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 |
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 $ |
|
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 $ |
|
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 $ |
|
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 $ |
|
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 $ |
|
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 $ |
|
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 $ |
|
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 $ |
|
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 $ |
|
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 % |
|
The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 7.0 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 27.44 USD.
Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.76 USD, a loaf of bread 1.58 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 2.25 USD.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.3 USD and a monthly pass around 24.5 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.
For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 65.95 USD.
For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 27.61 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 21.44 USD.
Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 102.92 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 4011.11 USD.
Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 49.0 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 80.59 USD.
Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 523.33 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 402.08 USD.
If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1325.07 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 927.38 USD.
The average monthly net salary here is about 398.33 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 9.64% annually.
El Salvador
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Most countries either need a Salvadoran visa or a one-entry tourist card to enter El Salvador. The tourist card can be purchased for 10 USD upon arrival. Make sure your passport is valid upon arrival. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
United States Dollar is the official currency in El Salvador. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and credit cards, especially visa cards, are accepted in most establishments.
El Salvador has a tropical climate characterized by very distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures vary depending on the ground elevation and there is little seasonal change in temperatures. Generally speaking, Pacific lowlands are hot and humid while the central and mountainous areas are milder.
Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport is the busiest airport in El Salvador. It is located about 50 km from San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador. It is also the third-busiest airport in Central America.
Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to El Salvador, because it would cover not only medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.