Cost of Living in Salinas - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $534 (excluding rent), and $773 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,148 (excluding rent), and $1,546 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.59 $3.59

$2.56 $2.56

$7.18 $7.18

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$24.51 $24.51

$19.61 $19.61

$39.21 $39.21

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.85 $6.85

$5.87 $5.87

$9.78 $9.78

Cappuccino

$2.49 $2.49

$1.52 $1.52

$5.07 $5.07

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

$0.73 $0.73

$0.52 $0.52

$2.09 $2.09

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.43 $0.43

$0.34 $0.34

$0.97 $0.97

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.28 $1.28

$4.09 $4.09

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.01 $3.01

$2.41 $2.41

$6.02 $6.02

Milk (1 liter)

$1.17 $1.17

$0.81 $0.81

$2.04 $2.04

White Bread (500g)

$1.62 $1.62

$0.97 $0.97

$3.53 $3.53

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.49 $1.49

$0.69 $0.69

$2.97 $2.97

Eggs

$2.11 $2.11

$1.25 $1.25

$3.85 $3.85

Local Cheese (1kg)

$5.61 $5.61

$3.08 $3.08

$12.33 $12.33

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.6 $5.6

$2.6 $2.6

$8.97 $8.97

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.14 $6.14

$3.46 $3.46

$11.85 $11.85

Apples (1kg)

$1.48 $1.48

$1.03 $1.03

$4.54 $4.54

Banana (1kg)

$0.98 $0.98

$0.73 $0.73

$1.47 $1.47

Oranges (1kg)

$1.18 $1.18

$0.49 $0.49

$2.95 $2.95

Tomato (1kg)

$1.01 $1.01

$0.51 $0.51

$1.52 $1.52

Potato (1kg)

$1.53 $1.53

$0.51 $0.51

$3.07 $3.07

Onion (1kg)

$1.08 $1.08

$0.51 $0.51

$2.05 $2.05

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.47 $0.47

$0.24 $0.24

$0.97 $0.97

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.01 $1.01

$0.61 $0.61

$2.03 $2.03

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$5.69 $5.69

$3.96 $3.96

$7.92 $7.92

Wine (Bottle)

$8.42 $8.42

$6.94 $6.94

$10.9 $10.9

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.48 $1.48

$1.01 $1.01

$2.52 $2.52

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.35 $1.35

$0.98 $0.98

$3.9 $3.9

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.33 $0.33

$0.36 $0.36

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.64 $0.64

$0.55 $0.55

$1.47 $1.47

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.99 $0.99

$0.74 $0.74

$1.98 $1.98

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$8.95 $8.95

$5.96 $5.96

$14.91 $14.91

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.64 $0.64

$0.62 $0.62

$0.69 $0.69

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

$30K $30K

$20K $20K

$30K $30K

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

$29K $29K

$25.3K $25.3K

$29K $29K

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

$37.02 $37.02

$24.68 $24.68

$54.3 $54.3

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

$13.97 $13.97

$10.18 $10.18

$23.41 $23.41

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$31.21 $31.21

$24.33 $24.33

$47.64 $47.64

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$20.12 $20.12

$35.2 $35.2

Cinema Ticket

$3.68 $3.68

$2.87 $2.87

$10.07 $10.07

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

$257 $257

$191 $191

$322 $322

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,625 $5,625

$2,986 $2,986

$7,665 $7,665

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$57 $57

$25.43 $25.43

$86.5 $86.5

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$53.3 $53.3

$44.29 $44.29

$59.1 $59.1

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$88.8 $88.8

$69.1 $69.1

$138 $138

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$64.8 $64.8

$29.44 $29.44

$83.4 $83.4

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$476 $476

$357 $357

$612 $612

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$280 $280

$178 $178

$357 $357

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$650 $650

$500 $500

$900 $900

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$403 $403

$353 $353

$453 $453

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$493 $493

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

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

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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Cost of Living in Salinas - Frequently Asked Questions

Salinas sits on Ecuador's coast as a breezy town that attracts travelers, expatriates, and digital nomads alike. Cost of Living in Salinas tends to be affordable relative to larger cities, with diverse dining, markets, and casual entertainment that fit a range of budgets. Modest apartments near the beach offer good value, while premium suites or imported groceries push costs higher during peak season. Local life, fish markets, bus routes, and inexpensive street food keep daily expenses predictable. Tip: Start with a few weeks in a central, walkable area to calibrate your budget before committing long-term.

Daily life in Salinas centers on a relaxed pace, easy beach access, and practical options for daily needs. When you search for housing, look beyond the main beachfront strip to quieter barrios with good value and walkable routes to markets and cafes. Food is abundant: fresh seafood, cevicherías, and farmers' markets keep meals affordable, while international options appear in newer pockets. For transport, many use scooters or bicycles, with taxis and colectivos for longer trips. Salinas living cost can vary by season, so plan short-term stays during shoulder periods to test neighborhoods and routines. Tip: Test a few neighborhoods by foot at different times of day to gauge noise, access, and safety.

Quality of life in Salinas suits you if you value sun, sea, and a friendly, walkable city with services within reach. A practical budgeting framework starts with housing and groceries, then allocates for dining out, transport, and occasional travel. Save by shopping at mercados, cooking at home, and choosing local eateries over tourist spots. Neighborhood fit matters: the beachfront promenade is convenient but busier, while inland areas offer cooler evenings and quieter streets; weigh proximity to coworking spaces, gyms, and beaches. Seasonality can shift demand for short-term rentals and services, so build a flexible plan that adapts with the calendar. Tip: map a few core neighborhoods by walkability and access to amenities to balance pace and privacy.