Cost of Living in Sonsonate - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $642 (excluding rent), and $1,095 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,543 (excluding rent), and $2,164 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$7.8 $7.8

$4.88 $4.88

$14.63 $14.63

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$35.44 $35.44

$28.35 $28.35

$60.8 $60.8

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.1 $7.1

$6.59 $6.59

$7.61 $7.61

Cappuccino

$3.33 $3.33

$1.54 $1.54

$4.61 $4.61

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

$1.1 $1.1

$0.74 $0.74

$1.97 $1.97

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.92 $0.92

$0.63 $0.63

$1.05 $1.05

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.95 $1.95

$1.22 $1.22

$2.92 $2.92

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.95 $2.95

$2.46 $2.46

$4.92 $4.92

Milk (1 liter)

$1.87 $1.87

$1.43 $1.43

$3.05 $3.05

White Bread (500g)

$2.05 $2.05

$1.02 $1.02

$7.87 $7.87

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.47 $1.47

$0.63 $0.63

$1.94 $1.94

Eggs

$2.77 $2.77

$1.77 $1.77

$4.53 $4.53

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.1 $7.1

$4.04 $4.04

$22.28 $22.28

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.64 $6.64

$4.15 $4.15

$8.66 $8.66

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$11.01 $11.01

$6.09 $6.09

$15.65 $15.65

Apples (1kg)

$3.17 $3.17

$1 $1

$5.49 $5.49

Banana (1kg)

$1.71 $1.71

$0.8 $0.8

$3.04 $3.04

Oranges (1kg)

$2.51 $2.51

$0.97 $0.97

$4.31 $4.31

Tomato (1kg)

$2.76 $2.76

$1.03 $1.03

$3.6 $3.6

Potato (1kg)

$2.17 $2.17

$0.99 $0.99

$3.76 $3.76

Onion (1kg)

$2.09 $2.09

$0.97 $0.97

$2.91 $2.91

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.95 $0.95

$0.49 $0.49

$1.46 $1.46

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.04 $1.04

$0.61 $0.61

$2.33 $2.33

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.1 $4.1

$4.62 $4.62

Wine (Bottle)

$11.95 $11.95

$7.22 $7.22

$17.93 $17.93

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.76 $1.76

$1.02 $1.02

$2.31 $2.31

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.44 $2.44

$1.98 $1.98

$3.25 $3.25

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$5.42 $5.42

$3.94 $3.94

$9.85 $9.85

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$3.13 $3.13

$3.08 $3.08

$4.11 $4.11

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$20.25 $20.25

$10.13 $10.13

$30.38 $30.38

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.04 $1.04

$0.99 $0.99

$1.18 $1.18

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

$25.4K $25.4K

$24.9K $24.9K

$29.8K $29.8K

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

$27.8K $27.8K

$24.7K $24.7K

$29.7K $29.7K

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

$102 $102

$79.1 $79.1

$119 $119

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

$18.76 $18.76

$14.71 $14.71

$31.39 $31.39

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$41.37 $41.37

$29.79 $29.79

$49.64 $49.64

Cinema Ticket

$5.16 $5.16

$4.91 $4.91

$6.38 $6.38

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

$147 $147

$92.3 $92.3

$201 $201

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,864 $5,864

$2,511 $2,511

$11.4K $11.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$67 $67

$49.87 $49.87

$74.8 $74.8

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$43.98 $43.98

$35.52 $35.52

$50.8 $50.8

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$115 $115

$79.7 $79.7

$130 $130

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$105 $105

$80.1 $80.1

$120 $120

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$558 $558

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$355 $355

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$737 $737

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$509 $509

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.

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Cost of Living in Sonsonate - Frequently Asked Questions

Sonsonate presents approachable affordability compared with larger cities in the region, with an emphasis on value over flash. The Cost of Living in Sonsonate, El Salvador shifts by neighborhood and season, but you will typically find roomy apartments, guesthouses, and local eateries that let you stretch a budget. Groceries from markets are approachable, and local transport costs stay modest if you opt for buses or shared rides. For digital nomads, short-term stays or month-to-month rentals offer flexibility to test areas before committing. Tip: test several neighborhoods by day trips, compare monthly options, and use local markets to keep daily costs predictable.

Understanding Sonsonate, El Salvador living cost helps you plan a flexible routine. Housing options range from airy local-style rentals to modest apartments near the historic center or along the coast, often available with short leases and some room for negotiation. Food choices span quick markets and small eateries where you can eat well on a modest budget. For transport, buses, colectivos, and ride-hailing apps cover most routes; walking is pleasant in calmer neighborhoods. Co-working spaces exist but quality and price vary; consider a short-term desk pass to test fit. Tip: use local networks to locate listings and verify utilities before signing.

Establish a simple budgeting framework built around essentials, flexible housing, and local staples. Favor neighborhoods closer to services or the harbor for shorter commutes, but test quieter streets for a calmer pace. Embrace seasonal rhythms: markets fill with fresh produce at different times of year, and energy use can shift with weather. Save by cooking at home, buying in bulk at mercados, and choosing public transport or shared rides over solo trips. Build in a buffer for occasional outings to the coast or nearby towns to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Tip: map a weekly plan that blends work blocks with low-cost leisure.