Cost of Living in El Salvador - Updated Prices & Insights

46.76

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $696 (excluding rent), and $1,435 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,636 (excluding rent), and $2,595 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.54 $7.54

$3.22 $3.22

$15.08 $15.08

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$29.79 $29.79

$24.83 $24.83

$79.5 $79.5

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.81 $6.81

$5.84 $5.84

$7.3 $7.3

Cappuccino

$3.44 $3.44

$1.53 $1.53

$5.09 $5.09

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

$1.14 $1.14

$0.76 $0.76

$2.04 $2.04

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.84 $0.84

$0.49 $0.49

$1.47 $1.47

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.02 $2.02

$1.26 $1.26

$3.02 $3.02

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.06 $3.06

$2.45 $2.45

$4.91 $4.91

Milk (1 liter)

$1.91 $1.91

$1.42 $1.42

$3.31 $3.31

White Bread (500g)

$2.05 $2.05

$1.03 $1.03

$3.08 $3.08

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.62 $1.62

$0.66 $0.66

$2.43 $2.43

Eggs

$2.66 $2.66

$1.83 $1.83

$3.91 $3.91

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.15 $7.15

$3.89 $3.89

$11.68 $11.68

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.6 $5.6

$2.2 $2.2

$7.53 $7.53

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$9.59 $9.59

$5.95 $5.95

$13.11 $13.11

Apples (1kg)

$3.32 $3.32

$1.77 $1.77

$4.37 $4.37

Banana (1kg)

$1.85 $1.85

$0.78 $0.78

$2.17 $2.17

Oranges (1kg)

$2.59 $2.59

$1.01 $1.01

$4.47 $4.47

Tomato (1kg)

$2.63 $2.63

$0.97 $0.97

$4.28 $4.28

Potato (1kg)

$2.4 $2.4

$1.01 $1.01

$4.03 $4.03

Onion (1kg)

$2.22 $2.22

$1.02 $1.02

$3.37 $3.37

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.03 $1.03

$0.68 $0.68

$1.57 $1.57

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.14 $1.14

$0.77 $0.77

$1.54 $1.54

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.95 $3.95

$4.44 $4.44

Wine (Bottle)

$12.07 $12.07

$7.04 $7.04

$20.12 $20.12

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.68 $1.68

$1.02 $1.02

$2.31 $2.31

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.38 $2.38

$1.95 $1.95

$2.92 $2.92

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.34 $0.34

$0.29 $0.29

$0.96 $0.96

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$29.27 $29.27

$15.27 $15.27

$61.1 $61.1

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$6.61 $6.61

$5.08 $5.08

$10.17 $10.17

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.96 $2.96

$3.95 $3.95

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$19.82 $19.82

$9.91 $9.91

$19.82 $19.82

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.99 $0.99

$0.95 $0.95

$1.14 $1.14

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

$24.6K $24.6K

$21.7K $21.7K

$25.6K $25.6K

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

$26.1K $26.1K

$24.6K $24.6K

$29.6K $29.6K

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

$93.1 $93.1

$46.23 $46.23

$167 $167

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

$19.95 $19.95

$15.09 $15.09

$40.24 $40.24

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$41.46 $41.46

$35.25 $35.25

$50.4 $50.4

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$30.33 $30.33

$19.79 $19.79

$39.58 $39.58

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$19.15 $19.15

$14.95 $14.95

$21.8 $21.8

Cinema Ticket

$5.12 $5.12

$6.66 $6.66

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

$143 $143

$92.7 $92.7

$201 $201

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,319 $4,319

$2,447 $2,447

$11.7K $11.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$56.1 $56.1

$24.63 $24.63

$73.9 $73.9

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$40.6 $40.6

$30.45 $30.45

$81.2 $81.2

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$113 $113

$76.4 $76.4

$132 $132

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$96.8 $96.8

$70 $70

$135 $135

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$689 $689

$502 $502

$853 $853

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$640 $640

$457 $457

$1,014 $1,014

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,116 $1,116

$598 $598

$1,824 $1,824

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$843 $843

$490 $490

$1,275 $1,275

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,342 $2,342

$1,704 $1,704

$3,102 $3,102

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,454 $1,454

$962 $962

$2,505 $2,505

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$485 $485

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

9.05

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

Cost of Living in El Salvador - Frequently Asked Questions

El Salvador offers a mix of affordable daily life and authentic experiences, making it appealing for travelers and remote workers who value budget flexibility. In general terms, you'll find lower costs for lodging, local meals, and transportation than in many neighboring countries, though prices can rise in tourist-heavy towns or coastal areas. Cost of Living in El Salvador tends to be seasonal and area-dependent, with rural districts often cheaper than popular beach towns. It suits you if you're flexible about pace and amenities, and you're prepared to balance safety considerations with exploration. Tip: align your stay with a neighborhood that fits your work routine.

Daily life in El Salvador blends practical logistics with warm, local flavor. In housing, you’ll find options in San Salvador's connected districts and quieter coastal towns, where longer leases can reduce monthly costs compared with short stays. Food offers variety: street pupusas, vibrant mercados, and casual eateries help you dine well on a budget. Transport runs on buses, colectivos, and ride-hailing apps, with traffic shifting by day and season. Co-working spaces appear in cities, often with flexible plans for nomads and freelancers. Errands, banking, and healthcare are reliable in urban centers but may be slower in rural pockets. El Salvador living cost. Tip: map a route that minimizes backtracking to save time and money.

Quality of life hinges on daily routine and safety, so choose neighborhoods that balance access to amenities with a relaxed vibe. For budgeting, plan around a core housing area you like, then compare local markets for groceries, and consider cooking at home to cut costs. Seasonal shifts affect travel and entertainment: dry season means beach access is easier but popular places can fill up; rainy season can affect transport and outdoor plans. Focus on flexible workspaces and social networks to cut costs on activities. Tip: set a simple monthly framework that prioritizes essential expenses and leaves room for occasional adventures.