Cost of Living in Nicaragua

Updated: January 01, 2025

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 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 4.0 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 27.5 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.97 USD, a loaf of bread 1.31 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.85 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.2 USD and a monthly pass around 9.57 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 62.06 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 27.66 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 17.25 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 150.73 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 4585.57 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 44.87 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 70.35 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 264.96 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 207.65 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1004.17 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 571.1 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 287.61 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 12.84% annually.

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.

Cost of Living in Nicaragua

Nicaragua

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing