Cost of Living in Chinandega - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Chinandega
Address: Chinandega, NI

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $626 (excluding rent), and $705 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,589 (excluding rent), and $1,551 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.82 NIO 177

$3.24 NIO 119

$9.81 NIO 361

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$35.18 NIO 1,295

$25.13 NIO 925

$80.4 NIO 2,961

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.83 NIO 251

$5.32 NIO 196

$7.80 NIO 287

Cappuccino

$2.35 NIO 86.7

$1.08 NIO 39.73

$4.00 NIO 147

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.83 NIO 30.58

$0.49 NIO 17.90

$1.38 NIO 50.7

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.74 NIO 27.39

$0.49 NIO 17.88

$1.03 NIO 38.05

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.32 NIO 48.76

$1.10 NIO 40.57

$1.69 NIO 62.2

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.94 NIO 71.6

$1.85 NIO 68.0

$3.01 NIO 111

Milk (1 liter)

$1.21 NIO 44.53

$0.88 NIO 32.32

$1.38 NIO 50.6

White Bread (500g)

$2.38 NIO 87.5

$1.91 NIO 70.4

$2.42 NIO 89.0

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.87 NIO 68.8

$1.38 NIO 50.8

$1.93 NIO 71.0

Eggs

$2.26 NIO 83.4

$1.64 NIO 60.4

$2.46 NIO 90.6

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.40 NIO 420

$4.88 NIO 180

$13.89 NIO 511

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.63 NIO 244

$2.95 NIO 109

$6.63 NIO 244

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$7.91 NIO 291

$7.09 NIO 261

$10.71 NIO 394

Apples (1kg)

$3.91 NIO 144

$3.39 NIO 125

$5.02 NIO 185

Banana (1kg)

$0.85 NIO 31.32

$0.59 NIO 21.60

$2.16 NIO 79.6

Oranges (1kg)

$1.83 NIO 67.5

$1.53 NIO 56.3

$5.53 NIO 204

Tomato (1kg)

$2.18 NIO 80.2

$1.92 NIO 70.9

$2.98 NIO 110

Potato (1kg)

$3.88 NIO 143

$2.95 NIO 109

$3.98 NIO 147

Onion (1kg)

$2.17 NIO 79.8

$2.05 NIO 75.4

$2.62 NIO 96.4

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.01 NIO 37.30

$0.69 NIO 25.46

$1.62 NIO 59.5

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.04 NIO 38.37

$0.79 NIO 29.06

$1.52 NIO 55.9

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.60 NIO 95.7

$2.41 NIO 88.9

$2.67 NIO 98.2

Wine (Bottle)

$14.40 NIO 530

$9.54 NIO 351

$14.40 NIO 530

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.45 NIO 53.6

$1.10 NIO 40.46

$1.72 NIO 63.3

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.16 NIO 79.6

$1.68 NIO 62.0

$2.27 NIO 83.5

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.46 NIO 53.6

$1.32 NIO 48.57

$1.58 NIO 58.2

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.94 NIO 256

$5.57 NIO 205

$10.21 NIO 376

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.34 NIO 49.38

$1.32 NIO 48.63

$1.35 NIO 49.75

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$23.3K NIO 856.9K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$26.6K NIO 980.4K

$27.0K NIO 993.2K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$98.7 NIO 3,636

$90.1 NIO 3,318

$109 NIO 4,002

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$17.33 NIO 638

$15.28 NIO 563

$20.38 NIO 750

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$34.89 NIO 1,285

$29.90 NIO 1,101

$59.8 NIO 2,202

Cinema Ticket

$8.06 NIO 297

$6.20 NIO 228

$12.09 NIO 445

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

$125 NIO 4,585

$66.9 NIO 2,462

$261 NIO 9,600

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$6,076 NIO 223.7K

$4,253 NIO 156.6K

$9,114 NIO 335.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$78.9 NIO 2,907

$55.9 NIO 2,057

$91.8 NIO 3,378

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$71.8 NIO 2,643

$39.44 NIO 1,452

$119 NIO 4,375

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$131 NIO 4,832

$79.2 NIO 2,914

$148 NIO 5,464

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$108 NIO 3,988

$55.1 NIO 2,028

$150 NIO 5,531

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

10.25

11.75

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 12, 2026

Chinandega Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

114

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

Cost of Living in Chinandega - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with bigger cities in Nicaragua and Central America, Cost of Living in Chinandega, Nicaragua tends to be more affordable and predictable. You’ll find affordable street food, reliable farmers' markets for fresh produce, and modest rents outside the historic center. Utilities and internet are reasonable when you compare plans and shop around, though availability can vary by neighborhood. The value comes from a slower pace, walkable streets, and short trips to shops, which keeps transport costs reasonable. The goal is predictable costs and room to save for occasional treats. Tip: set a monthly food and errands budget and lean on local markets for the best value.

Daily life centers on a mix of market visits, casual cafes, and family-run eateries. Housing search tends to be practical: look for older apartment buildings near Plaza Central or calmer residential streets, with leases commonly in months up to a year; expect deposits and a mix of furnished options. Food options range from cheap street snacks to mid-range eateries; fresh fruit and vegetables come from local markets. Transport relies on buses, shared vans, or short taxi hops; cycling is feasible in flat areas. Co-working spaces are modest but adequate for occasional remote work. Chinandega, Nicaragua living cost remains a helpful yardstick when budgeting. Tip: try to negotiate longer leases for better monthly rates and use local networks to spot furnished options.

Quality of life here blends affordable pace with practical constraints. Build a simple budgeting framework: fix a housing allowance, a groceries/markets bucket, and a transport or incidental fund; keep a separate pot for occasional adventures. In neighborhoods, central zones offer walkability and access to services but can be pricier than peripheral streets; consider hillside areas for views and calmer vibes. Seasonal patterns affect groceries and heat, so plan meals around markets and durable staples. Internet reliability varies; invest in a portable router or a backup plan if you work remotely. Tip: use local friends or hosts to vet neighborhoods before committing to a lease.