Cost of Living in Masaya - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Masaya
Address: Masaya, NI

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $624 (excluding rent), and $724 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,455 (excluding rent), and $1,570 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.81 NIO 176

$3.23 NIO 118

$9.79 NIO 358

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$35.63 NIO 1,305

$25.45 NIO 932

$81.4 NIO 2,982

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.21 NIO 264

$5.62 NIO 206

$8.24 NIO 302

Cappuccino

$2.38 NIO 87.1

$1.09 NIO 39.93

$4.04 NIO 148

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

$0.84 NIO 30.9

$0.49 NIO 18.09

$1.4 NIO 51.3

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)

$1.29 NIO 47.32

$1.08 NIO 39.38

$1.65 NIO 60.3

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.98 NIO 72.4

$1.88 NIO 68.8

$3.06 NIO 112

Milk (1 liter)

$1.28 NIO 46.77

$0.93 NIO 33.95

$1.45 NIO 53.2

White Bread (500g)

$2.47 NIO 90.6

$1.99 NIO 72.9

$2.51 NIO 92.1

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.86 NIO 68.2

$1.38 NIO 50.4

$1.92 NIO 70.5

Eggs

$2.35 NIO 86

$1.7 NIO 62.3

$2.55 NIO 93.5

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.33 NIO 415

$4.85 NIO 177

$13.8 NIO 505

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.67 NIO 244

$2.97 NIO 109

$6.67 NIO 244

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.16 NIO 299

$7.31 NIO 268

$11.05 NIO 405

Apples (1kg)

$3.94 NIO 144

$3.41 NIO 125

$5.05 NIO 185

Banana (1kg)

$0.83 NIO 30.52

$0.57 NIO 21.05

$2.12 NIO 77.5

Oranges (1kg)

$1.82 NIO 66.7

$1.52 NIO 55.5

$5.49 NIO 201

Tomato (1kg)

$2.17 NIO 79.6

$1.92 NIO 70.3

$2.97 NIO 109

Potato (1kg)

$3.98 NIO 146

$3.03 NIO 111

$4.08 NIO 149

Onion (1kg)

$2.17 NIO 79.5

$2.05 NIO 75.1

$2.62 NIO 96

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.06 NIO 38.69

$0.72 NIO 26.42

$1.69 NIO 61.8

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1 NIO 36.79

$0.76 NIO 27.86

$1.46 NIO 53.6

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.58 NIO 94.7

$2.4 NIO 87.9

$2.65 NIO 97.2

Wine (Bottle)

$14.8 NIO 542

$9.81 NIO 359

$14.8 NIO 542

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.46 NIO 53.5

$1.1 NIO 40.38

$1.73 NIO 63.2

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.2 NIO 80.4

$1.71 NIO 62.7

$2.3 NIO 84.4

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.49 NIO 54.6

$1.35 NIO 49.47

$1.62 NIO 59.3

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.73 NIO 246

$5.4 NIO 198

$9.9 NIO 362

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.37 NIO 50

$1.35 NIO 49.26

$1.38 NIO 50.4

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

$22.8K NIO 836.7K

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

$26.5K NIO 969.3K

$26.8K NIO 982K

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

$99.3 NIO 3,637

$90.6 NIO 3,319

$109 NIO 4,003

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

$17.2 NIO 630

$15.17 NIO 556

$19.32 NIO 708

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$36.97 NIO 1,354

$29.75 NIO 1,089

$59.5 NIO 2,179

Cinema Ticket

$7.79 NIO 285

$5.99 NIO 219

$11.69 NIO 428

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

$123 NIO 4,517

$66.2 NIO 2,425

$258 NIO 9,458

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,998 NIO 219.7K

$4,199 NIO 153.8K

$8,997 NIO 329.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$76.5 NIO 2,802

$54.1 NIO 1,983

$88.9 NIO 3,257

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$71.9 NIO 2,634

$39.5 NIO 1,447

$119 NIO 4,359

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$130 NIO 4,768

$78.5 NIO 2,876

$147 NIO 5,392

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$109 NIO 3,984

$55.3 NIO 2,026

$151 NIO 5,524

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 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.