Cost of Living in Masaya - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Masaya
Address: Masaya, NI

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $579 (excluding rent), and $721 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,280 (excluding rent), and $1,567 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.80 NIO 177

$3.22 NIO 119

$9.77 NIO 360

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$35.39 NIO 1,303

$25.28 NIO 931

$80.9 NIO 2,978

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.04 NIO 259

$5.49 NIO 202

$8.04 NIO 296

Cappuccino

$2.46 NIO 90.7

$1.13 NIO 41.59

$4.19 NIO 154

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

$0.83 NIO 30.70

$0.49 NIO 17.97

$1.38 NIO 50.9

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.74 NIO 27.25

$0.48 NIO 17.79

$1.03 NIO 37.84

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)

$1.98 NIO 72.8

$1.88 NIO 69.2

$3.07 NIO 113

Milk (1 liter)

$1.26 NIO 46.43

$0.92 NIO 33.70

$1.43 NIO 52.8

White Bread (500g)

$2.47 NIO 91.1

$1.99 NIO 73.3

$2.51 NIO 92.6

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.78 NIO 65.7

$1.32 NIO 48.58

$1.84 NIO 67.9

Eggs

$2.33 NIO 85.7

$1.69 NIO 62.2

$2.53 NIO 93.2

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.13 NIO 410

$4.76 NIO 175

$13.55 NIO 499

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.65 NIO 245

$2.96 NIO 109

$6.65 NIO 245

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.11 NIO 299

$7.27 NIO 268

$10.98 NIO 404

Apples (1kg)

$3.93 NIO 145

$3.41 NIO 125

$5.04 NIO 186

Banana (1kg)

$0.89 NIO 32.90

$0.62 NIO 22.69

$2.27 NIO 83.6

Oranges (1kg)

$1.84 NIO 67.9

$1.54 NIO 56.6

$5.56 NIO 205

Tomato (1kg)

$2.19 NIO 80.6

$1.93 NIO 71.2

$2.99 NIO 110

Potato (1kg)

$3.89 NIO 143

$2.96 NIO 109

$3.99 NIO 147

Onion (1kg)

$2.23 NIO 82.2

$2.11 NIO 77.8

$2.70 NIO 99.4

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.02 NIO 37.43

$0.69 NIO 25.55

$1.62 NIO 59.7

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.04 NIO 38.38

$0.79 NIO 29.07

$1.52 NIO 55.9

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.71 NIO 99.7

$2.51 NIO 92.6

$2.78 NIO 102

Wine (Bottle)

$14.81 NIO 545

$9.81 NIO 361

$14.81 NIO 545

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.41 NIO 52.0

$1.07 NIO 39.27

$1.67 NIO 61.5

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.26 NIO 83.2

$1.76 NIO 64.8

$2.37 NIO 87.3

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.54 NIO 56.7

$1.40 NIO 51.4

$1.67 NIO 61.6

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.99 NIO 258

$5.62 NIO 207

$10.29 NIO 379

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.31 NIO 48.23

$1.29 NIO 47.50

$1.32 NIO 48.59

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

$23.2K NIO 854.8K

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

$25.9K NIO 953.6K

$26.2K NIO 966.1K

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

$97.5 NIO 3,590

$89.0 NIO 3,276

$107 NIO 3,952

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

$16.98 NIO 625

$14.97 NIO 551

$19.08 NIO 702

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$36.66 NIO 1,350

$29.50 NIO 1,086

$59.0 NIO 2,172

Cinema Ticket

$8.24 NIO 303

$6.33 NIO 233

$12.36 NIO 455

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

$122 NIO 4,495

$65.5 NIO 2,413

$256 NIO 9,411

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$6,056 NIO 223.0K

$4,239 NIO 156.1K

$9,083 NIO 334.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$76.4 NIO 2,815

$54.1 NIO 1,992

$88.9 NIO 3,272

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$72.2 NIO 2,660

$39.69 NIO 1,461

$120 NIO 4,402

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$132 NIO 4,868

$79.7 NIO 2,936

$150 NIO 5,505

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$107 NIO 3,942

$54.4 NIO 2,005

$148 NIO 5,467

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 13, 2026

Masaya Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

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 Masaya - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Masaya, Nicaragua tends to feel approachable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who value local culture over upscale comfort. Daily meals from markets and street stalls are inexpensive by many standards, and you’ll find housing options that fit modest budgets, especially if you look beyond tourist zones. Services and entertainment are generally affordable, though quality offerings can vary by neighborhood. Compared with bigger cities like Managua or Granada, Masaya often offers a slower pace, shorter commutes, and a tighter sense of community. Tip: prioritize neighborhood proximity to markets and transit to stretch your budget further.

Daily life moves smoothly if you know where to look. Housing search often centers on low-rise apartments or small casas near the center or markets; negotiation is common, and longer-term leases can bring better value. For food, you’ll thrive with local mercados, fruit stands, and inexpensive prepared meals that vary by neighborhood. Transport leans on affordable bus routes, colectivos, and short taxi rides, while bicycles and walking cover quick errands. Masaya, Nicaragua living cost stays friendly when you mix cooking, local shopping, and selective paid amenities. Tip: map a couple of dependable markets and transit stops before you settle in.

Quality of life in Masaya blends cultural vibrancy, outdoor access, and a relaxed pace that suits many travelers and long-stay visitors. A practical budgeting approach divides expenses into essentials, flexible categories, and a small buffer for surprises. Seasonality influences shopping and activities, with markets humming on weekends and outdoor activities more enjoyable during favorable weather. Neighborhood fit matters: the historic center is walkable and close to cafés and markets, while quieter hillsides offer space and early-start mornings. Plan a short-term stay in a couple of areas to compare pace, amenities, and access to transit. Tip: build a weekly routine that prioritizes low-cost staples from markets and rideshare-style transit for occasional trips.