Cost of Living in Matagalpa - Updated Prices & Insights

36.58
Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $549 (excluding rent), and $851 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,278 (excluding rent), and $1,712 including rent.
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.98 NIO 182
$3.34 NIO 122
$10.13 NIO 371
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$24.63 NIO 902
$24.63 NIO 902
$78.8 NIO 2,887
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.97 NIO 255
$5.44 NIO 199
$7.96 NIO 292
Cappuccino
$2.45 NIO 89.6
$1.12 NIO 41.07
$4.16 NIO 152
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.78 NIO 28.72
$0.46 NIO 16.81
$1.3 NIO 47.63
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.43 NIO 15.78
$0.38 NIO 14.03
$0.96 NIO 35.07
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.19 NIO 43.54
$1.08 NIO 39.55
$1.65 NIO 60.6
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.98 NIO 72.7
$1.89 NIO 69
$3.08 NIO 113
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.19 NIO 43.72
$0.92 NIO 33.63
$1.44 NIO 52.7
White Bread (500g)
$1.53 NIO 56.1
$1.28 NIO 46.73
$2.5 NIO 91.6
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.62 NIO 59.3
$1.11 NIO 40.73
$2.12 NIO 77.8
Eggs
$2.25 NIO 82.5
$1.7 NIO 62.2
$2.55 NIO 93.4
Local Cheese (1kg)
$1.89 NIO 69.3
$1.12 NIO 41.09
$13.31 NIO 487
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.26 NIO 156
$2.98 NIO 109
$6.69 NIO 245
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$6.72 NIO 246
$6.72 NIO 246
$10.97 NIO 402
Apples (1kg)
$3.94 NIO 144
$3.42 NIO 125
$5.05 NIO 185
Banana (1kg)
$0.83 NIO 30.4
$0.57 NIO 20.97
$2.11 NIO 77.2
Oranges (1kg)
$1.84 NIO 67.3
$1.53 NIO 56.1
$5.54 NIO 203
Tomato (1kg)
$2.3 NIO 84.1
$2.03 NIO 74.3
$3.14 NIO 115
Potato (1kg)
$1.09 NIO 39.89
$1.09 NIO 39.89
$3.99 NIO 146
Onion (1kg)
$2.19 NIO 80.2
$2.07 NIO 75.9
$2.65 NIO 96.9
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.67 NIO 24.6
$0.67 NIO 24.6
$1.59 NIO 58.3
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.02 NIO 37.45
$0.8 NIO 29.21
$1.53 NIO 56.2
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.62 NIO 96
$2.43 NIO 89.1
$2.95 NIO 108
Wine (Bottle)
$9.97 NIO 365
$9.69 NIO 355
$14.62 NIO 535
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.2 NIO 43.83
$1.05 NIO 38.49
$1.64 NIO 60.2
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.28 NIO 83.3
$1.77 NIO 65
$2.39 NIO 87.5
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.45 NIO 16.58
$0.19 NIO 7.05
$0.72 NIO 26.45
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.84 NIO 30.8
$0.62 NIO 22.75
$1.05 NIO 38.5
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.97 NIO 35.42
$0.66 NIO 24.23
$1.27 NIO 46.6
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.87 NIO 252
$5.52 NIO 202
$10.1 NIO 370
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.37 NIO 50.2
$1.35 NIO 49.41
$1.75 NIO 64.1
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$22.9K NIO 838.3K
$22.9K NIO 838.3K
$22.9K NIO 838.3K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.1K NIO 956.9K
$26.1K NIO 956.9K
$26.5K NIO 969.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$51.7 NIO 1,894
$44.33 NIO 1,623
$107 NIO 3,916
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$16.69 NIO 611
$14.73 NIO 539
$18.77 NIO 687
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$35.35 NIO 1,295
$29.73 NIO 1,089
$59.5 NIO 2,178
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Cinema Ticket
$8.18 NIO 300
$6.29 NIO 230
$12.27 NIO 449
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$101 NIO 3,701
$67.4 NIO 2,467
$263 NIO 9,622
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$5,969 NIO 218.6K
$4,178 NIO 153K
$8,954 NIO 327.9K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$78.5 NIO 2,874
$55.5 NIO 2,033
$91.2 NIO 3,340
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$73.7 NIO 2,698
$40.48 NIO 1,482
$122 NIO 4,466
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$135 NIO 4,929
$81.2 NIO 2,973
$152 NIO 5,574
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$106 NIO 3,894
$54.1 NIO 1,980
$147 NIO 5,400
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$157 NIO 5,759
$112 NIO 4,087
$203 NIO 7,431
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$265 NIO 9,706
$177 NIO 6,471
$353 NIO 12.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$549 NIO 20.1K
$299 NIO 11K
$799 NIO 29.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$382 NIO 14K
$255 NIO 9,334
$510 NIO 18.7K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$200 NIO 7,317
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
10.25
9
11.75
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Matagalpa - Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cost of Living in Matagalpa, Nicaragua favorable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads compared with other Central American cities?
Daily life in Matagalpa is approachable and walkable in many parts. Housing searches typically reward patience; you’ll find a mix of modest apartments in safe, central areas, with longer leases often unlocking better rates. Shopping happens at bustling mercados offering fresh produce and staples, alongside bakeries and casual eateries that won’t blow your budget. Transport relies on reliable buses, taxis, and occasional rideshares for longer hops. There’s a growing number of coworking spaces and cafés with dependable Wi-Fi, ideal for remote work. If you’re budgeting around the Cost of Living in Matagalpa, Nicaragua, you’ll notice a predictable pattern of value and options. Tip: Visit several places in person to compare terms and surface-hidden costs before committing.
What does daily life look like in Matagalpa for housing searches, food options, transport, and coworking spaces?
Daily life in Matagalpa is approachable and walkable in many parts. Housing searches typically reward patience; you’ll find a mix of modest apartments in safe, central areas, with longer leases often unlocking better rates. Shopping happens at bustling mercados offering fresh produce and staples, alongside bakeries and casual eateries that won’t blow your budget. Transport relies on reliable buses, taxis, and occasional rideshares for longer hops. There’s a growing number of coworking spaces and cafés with dependable Wi-Fi, ideal for remote work. If you’re budgeting around Matagalpa, Nicaragua living cost, you’ll notice a predictable pattern of value and options. Tip: Visit several places in person to compare terms and surface-hidden costs before committing.
Which neighborhoods fit different lifestyles (quiet retreats, coworking hubs) and what budgeting framework helps optimize your costs during seasonal changes?
Quality of life in Matagalpa blends a relaxed tempo with practical perks for long stays. To budget effectively, try a simple framework: separate essentials, discretionary spending, and a small buffer, then reassess each month. Neighborhood fit depends on your routine: central zones offer short walks, while hillside areas provide quieter mornings and better views. Save on costs by cooking at home, shopping at mercados, and using public transport or shared rides for longer trips. Seasonality impacts rainfall and travel comfort, so plan outdoor activities around the dry season and keep rain gear handy. Tip: Build a simple monthly budget and track it for a season to spot where small changes add up.
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