Cost of Living in Leon - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Leon
Address: Leon, NI

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $614 (excluding rent), and $705 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,449 (excluding rent), and $1,591 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.85 NIO 178

$3.26 NIO 119

$9.88 NIO 362

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$34.84 NIO 1,276

$24.89 NIO 912

$79.7 NIO 2,917

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.95 NIO 255

$5.42 NIO 199

$7.94 NIO 291

Cappuccino

$2.41 NIO 88.3

$1.1 NIO 40.47

$4.1 NIO 150

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

$0.83 NIO 30.48

$0.49 NIO 17.84

$1.38 NIO 50.6

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.74 NIO 27.05

$0.48 NIO 17.66

$1.03 NIO 37.56

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.34 NIO 49.05

$1.11 NIO 40.81

$1.71 NIO 62.5

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.99 NIO 72.9

$1.89 NIO 69.2

$3.08 NIO 113

Milk (1 liter)

$1.28 NIO 46.76

$0.93 NIO 33.94

$1.45 NIO 53.2

White Bread (500g)

$2.47 NIO 90.4

$1.99 NIO 72.8

$2.51 NIO 91.9

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.81 NIO 66.4

$1.34 NIO 49.04

$1.87 NIO 68.5

Eggs

$2.26 NIO 82.7

$1.64 NIO 60

$2.46 NIO 89.9

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.23 NIO 411

$4.8 NIO 176

$13.68 NIO 501

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.59 NIO 241

$2.93 NIO 107

$6.59 NIO 241

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.15 NIO 298

$7.3 NIO 268

$11.03 NIO 404

Apples (1kg)

$3.81 NIO 139

$3.3 NIO 121

$4.88 NIO 179

Banana (1kg)

$0.89 NIO 32.72

$0.62 NIO 22.56

$2.27 NIO 83.1

Oranges (1kg)

$1.81 NIO 66.4

$1.51 NIO 55.3

$5.47 NIO 200

Tomato (1kg)

$2.2 NIO 80.7

$1.95 NIO 71.3

$3.01 NIO 110

Potato (1kg)

$3.89 NIO 142

$2.96 NIO 108

$3.99 NIO 146

Onion (1kg)

$2.19 NIO 80.1

$2.07 NIO 75.7

$2.64 NIO 96.7

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.07 NIO 39.15

$0.73 NIO 26.73

$1.71 NIO 62.5

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.04 NIO 38.15

$0.79 NIO 28.89

$1.52 NIO 55.6

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.69 NIO 98.4

$2.49 NIO 91.4

$2.76 NIO 101

Wine (Bottle)

$14.46 NIO 529

$9.58 NIO 351

$14.46 NIO 529

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.39 NIO 51

$1.05 NIO 38.52

$1.65 NIO 60.3

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.18 NIO 80

$1.7 NIO 62.3

$2.29 NIO 83.9

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.54 NIO 56.2

$1.39 NIO 51

$1.67 NIO 61.1

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.68 NIO 244

$5.36 NIO 196

$9.82 NIO 360

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.31 NIO 48.02

$1.29 NIO 47.3

$1.32 NIO 48.38

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

$22.8K NIO 833.3K

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

$26.9K NIO 983.4K

$27.2K NIO 996.3K

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

$98.3 NIO 3,598

$89.7 NIO 3,284

$108 NIO 3,961

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

$16.68 NIO 611

$14.71 NIO 539

$18.74 NIO 686

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$37.94 NIO 1,390

$30.53 NIO 1,118

$61.1 NIO 2,237

Cinema Ticket

$8.09 NIO 296

$6.22 NIO 228

$12.13 NIO 444

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

$124 NIO 4,534

$66.5 NIO 2,434

$259 NIO 9,494

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$6,002 NIO 219.8K

$4,202 NIO 153.9K

$9,004 NIO 329.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$78.5 NIO 2,874

$55.5 NIO 2,034

$91.2 NIO 3,341

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$73.8 NIO 2,701

$40.52 NIO 1,484

$122 NIO 4,471

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$131 NIO 4,805

$79.1 NIO 2,898

$148 NIO 5,434

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$107 NIO 3,907

$54.3 NIO 1,987

$148 NIO 5,419

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$407 NIO 14.9K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

10.25

11.75

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

City tags:

Cost of Living in Leon - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Leon, Nicaragua tends to be favorable for travelers and digital nomads who value culture with a manageable budget. It feels cheaper than many touristy hubs, thanks to inexpensive street food, straightforward guesthouses, and nearby coworking or cafe spaces that welcome remote workers. Expats who stay longer often optimize value by choosing longer-term rentals in quieter neighborhoods and cooking at home. The overall rhythm remains steady, with seasonal festivals briefly nudging prices upward. Tip: Prioritize neighborhoods you can walk, and test a few coworking spots to balance pace and costs.

Daily life in Leon blends relaxed pace with easy access to essentials. Housing options range from modest casitas to brick homes in calm neighborhoods; you’ll typically find longer leases and lower rents when you search away from the most touristy streets. Groceries come from markets and small shops, with farmers' stand buys offering fresh produce at low cost when you shop regularly. Getting around is simple by foot in the historic center or by bus and taxi on longer trips. For remote work, many cafes and coworking spaces thrive in central zones. Leon, Nicaragua living cost remains approachable for steady routines. Tip: Try a 3- to 5-day house-hunt in a couple of neighborhoods to compare noise, safety, and transport access.

Quality of life in Leon balances culture, climate, and practical budgeting. A simple framework helps: anchor on housing, food, transport, and activities, then adapt as your routine shifts. The dry season brings lively street life and accessible outdoor options, while the rainy season can shift plans but lowers some prices for local services. Neighborhood fit matters: central, walkable zones offer quick errands and cafe culture, while calmer areas reduce noise and traffic but may require a bike or bus. Save by cooking at home, shopping at local markets, and using public transit. Tip: set a monthly flex fund for spontaneous coffee runs or weekend trips to nearby sights.