Cost of Living in Masaya - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Masaya
Address: Masaya, NI

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $704 (excluding rent), and $704 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,500 (excluding rent), and $1,566 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.82 NIO 176

$3.24 NIO 119

$9.81 NIO 359

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$34.82 NIO 1,275

$24.87 NIO 911

$79.6 NIO 2,915

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.15 NIO 262

$5.58 NIO 204

$8.17 NIO 299

Cappuccino

$2.37 NIO 86.9

$1.09 NIO 39.81

$4.03 NIO 148

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

$0.86 NIO 31.52

$0.5 NIO 18.45

$1.43 NIO 52.3

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.71 NIO 25.83

$0.46 NIO 16.86

$0.98 NIO 35.87

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.28 NIO 46.89

$1.07 NIO 39.02

$1.63 NIO 59.8

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.97 NIO 72.2

$1.87 NIO 68.6

$3.06 NIO 112

Milk (1 liter)

$1.22 NIO 44.79

$0.89 NIO 32.51

$1.39 NIO 50.9

White Bread (500g)

$2.37 NIO 86.8

$1.91 NIO 69.9

$2.41 NIO 88.3

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.89 NIO 69.1

$1.39 NIO 51.1

$1.95 NIO 71.4

Eggs

$2.34 NIO 85.6

$1.69 NIO 62.1

$2.54 NIO 93.1

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.07 NIO 405

$4.73 NIO 173

$13.48 NIO 494

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.64 NIO 243

$2.95 NIO 108

$6.64 NIO 243

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$7.93 NIO 291

$7.11 NIO 260

$10.74 NIO 393

Apples (1kg)

$3.89 NIO 142

$3.37 NIO 123

$4.99 NIO 183

Banana (1kg)

$0.9 NIO 32.99

$0.62 NIO 22.75

$2.29 NIO 83.8

Oranges (1kg)

$1.77 NIO 64.7

$1.47 NIO 53.9

$5.33 NIO 195

Tomato (1kg)

$2.18 NIO 79.8

$1.93 NIO 70.5

$2.98 NIO 109

Potato (1kg)

$3.84 NIO 140

$2.92 NIO 107

$3.93 NIO 144

Onion (1kg)

$2.22 NIO 81.4

$2.1 NIO 77

$2.68 NIO 98.3

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.02 NIO 37.27

$0.69 NIO 25.44

$1.62 NIO 59.5

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.01 NIO 37.07

$0.77 NIO 28.08

$1.47 NIO 54

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.62 NIO 95.8

$2.43 NIO 89

$2.69 NIO 98.3

Wine (Bottle)

$14.64 NIO 536

$9.7 NIO 355

$14.64 NIO 536

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.39 NIO 50.8

$1.05 NIO 38.4

$1.64 NIO 60.1

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.18 NIO 79.9

$1.7 NIO 62.2

$2.29 NIO 83.8

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.54 NIO 56.4

$1.4 NIO 51.2

$1.67 NIO 61.3

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.7 NIO 245

$5.38 NIO 197

$9.85 NIO 361

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.36 NIO 49.71

$1.34 NIO 48.96

$1.37 NIO 50.1

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

$23.1K NIO 847.2K

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

$26.1K NIO 957.4K

$26.5K NIO 970K

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

$99.8 NIO 3,655

$91.1 NIO 3,336

$110 NIO 4,023

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

$16.82 NIO 616

$14.83 NIO 543

$18.89 NIO 692

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$38 NIO 1,392

$30.58 NIO 1,120

$61.2 NIO 2,240

Cinema Ticket

$8.2 NIO 300

$6.31 NIO 231

$12.3 NIO 451

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

$123 NIO 4,499

$66 NIO 2,416

$257 NIO 9,421

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,958 NIO 218.2K

$4,171 NIO 152.8K

$8,938 NIO 327.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$77 NIO 2,821

$54.5 NIO 1,996

$89.5 NIO 3,279

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$72 NIO 2,638

$39.57 NIO 1,449

$119 NIO 4,366

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$131 NIO 4,786

$78.8 NIO 2,887

$148 NIO 5,412

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$110 NIO 4,036

$56 NIO 2,052

$153 NIO 5,597

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: November 24, 2025

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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.