Cost of Living in Santa Tecla - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $646 (excluding rent), and $1,339 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,608 (excluding rent), and $2,609 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.79 $7.79

$4.87 $4.87

$14.6 $14.6

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$34.89 $34.89

$24.92 $24.92

$59.8 $59.8

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.95 $6.95

$5.46 $5.46

$9.94 $9.94

Cappuccino

$3.3 $3.3

$1.52 $1.52

$8.13 $8.13

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

$1.14 $1.14

$0.76 $0.76

$3.04 $3.04

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.91 $0.91

$0.62 $0.62

$2.08 $2.08

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.27 $1.27

$3.06 $3.06

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.96 $2.96

$2.47 $2.47

$6.92 $6.92

Milk (1 liter)

$1.69 $1.69

$1.38 $1.38

$2.97 $2.97

White Bread (500g)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.02 $1.02

$7.85 $7.85

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.57 $1.57

$0.67 $0.67

$2.06 $2.06

Eggs

$2.29 $2.29

$1.78 $1.78

$4.54 $4.54

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.21 $7.21

$4.1 $4.1

$22.62 $22.62

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.46 $5.46

$4.15 $4.15

$8.67 $8.67

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.77 $10.77

$5.96 $5.96

$15.32 $15.32

Apples (1kg)

$3.22 $3.22

$1.01 $1.01

$5.58 $5.58

Banana (1kg)

$1.7 $1.7

$0.8 $0.8

$3.02 $3.02

Oranges (1kg)

$2.6 $2.6

$1 $1

$4.47 $4.47

Tomato (1kg)

$2.63 $2.63

$0.98 $0.98

$3.43 $3.43

Potato (1kg)

$2.16 $2.16

$0.99 $0.99

$3.74 $3.74

Onion (1kg)

$2.18 $2.18

$1.02 $1.02

$3.05 $3.05

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.96 $0.96

$0.49 $0.49

$1.47 $1.47

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.04 $1.04

$0.61 $0.61

$2.32 $2.32

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.05 $4.05

$4.56 $4.56

Wine (Bottle)

$10.13 $10.13

$6.08 $6.08

$18.24 $18.24

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.71 $1.71

$0.99 $0.99

$2.25 $2.25

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.52 $2.52

$2.05 $2.05

$3.35 $3.35

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$5.53 $5.53

$4.02 $4.02

$10.05 $10.05

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$3.13 $3.13

$3.08 $3.08

$4.1 $4.1

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$19.98 $19.98

$9.99 $9.99

$29.97 $29.97

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.95 $0.95

$0.93 $0.93

$1.11 $1.11

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

$25.5K $25.5K

$25K $25K

$29.9K $29.9K

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

$27.8K $27.8K

$24.7K $24.7K

$29.6K $29.6K

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

$101 $101

$78.5 $78.5

$160 $160

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

$19.35 $19.35

$15.17 $15.17

$32.37 $32.37

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$41.37 $41.37

$29.79 $29.79

$79.4 $79.4

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$24.65 $24.65

Cinema Ticket

$5.4 $5.4

$5.14 $5.14

$6.68 $6.68

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

$146 $146

$91.8 $91.8

$200 $200

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,950 $5,950

$2,548 $2,548

$11.5K $11.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$66.2 $66.2

$49.26 $49.26

$73.9 $73.9

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$42.76 $42.76

$34.54 $34.54

$49.35 $49.35

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$116 $116

$80 $80

$130 $130

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$106 $106

$80.8 $80.8

$121 $121

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$788 $788

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$597 $597

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,180 $1,180

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$894 $894

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

8.58

7.5

11.5

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

Last update: November 29, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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Cost of Living in Santa Tecla - Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Tecla offers a practical balance of cost and quality for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. You’ll notice that everyday groceries, casual dining, and local transport tend to be affordable relative to larger cities, while neighborhoods around the historic center provide easy access to services, parks, and cafés. For value, consider a long-term rental a short ride from the core or explore shared housing to reduce costs while staying close to amenities. Seasonal crowds can shift availability, but the city remains walkable and vibrant year-round. Cost of Living in Santa Tecla, El Salvador. Tip: Budget with a simple weekly plan and look for apartment options in shared setups.

Daily life in Santa Tecla blends charm with practicality. Housing options range from central apartments to quieter hillside homes, with walkable access to plazas, markets, and bakeries. Food choices span mercados, casual eateries, and international spots to satisfy varied budgets. Transport is straightforward: buses and rideshares cover most trips, and sidewalks support safe walking and cycling in many neighborhoods. For work, coworking spaces or wifi-friendly cafés near the center provide reliable options. Santa Tecla, El Salvador living cost helps you gauge where to start your search and how to pace expenses across neighborhoods. Tip: map errands to a single area to save transit time and keep routines predictable.

Quality of life in Santa Tecla comes from a balanced routine and smart planning. Use a simple budgeting framework that separates fixed costs (housing, internet, utilities) from discretionary spending (eating out, entertainment) to spot savings opportunities. Seasonality affects crowds more than prices, so choose quieter months for markets and coworking spaces if possible. For neighborhood fit, prioritize proximity to transit and daily routines – a location near a park, a market, and a reliable cafe can boost comfort and convenience. Tip: try a month-long stay in a couple of districts to feel the rhythm before settling in.