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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in San Juan del Sur 2024
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Cost of Living in San Juan del Sur

By Betsy Burlingame

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in San Juan del Sur helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in San Juan del Sur - Cost of Living in San Juan del Sur

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of San Juan del Sur is around $400 USD per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $800 USD per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around $250 USD per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around $500 USD per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in San Juan del Sur varies greatly depending on the size and location. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center range from $50,000 USD to $100,000 USD. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center range from $100,000 USD to $200,000 USD. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center range from $30,000 USD to $60,000 USD. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center range from $60,000 USD to $120,000 USD.
Transportation Public transportation in San Juan del Sur is very affordable. A one-way bus ticket costs around $0.50 USD. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride is around $2 USD. Renting a car is also an option and the cost is around $30 USD per day.
Groceries The cost of groceries in San Juan del Sur is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around $0.50 USD. A liter of milk costs around $1 USD. A dozen eggs costs around $1 USD. A kilogram of rice costs around $1 USD. A kilogram of chicken costs around $3 USD.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in San Juan del Sur is relatively low. A meal at a local restaurant costs around $5 USD. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $10 USD. A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around $20 USD.
Utilities The cost of utilities in San Juan del Sur is relatively low. The average cost of electricity is around $30 USD per month. The average cost of water is around $10 USD per month. The average cost of internet is around $20 USD per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in San Juan del Sur varies depending on the school and the grade level. Preschool tuition is around $200 USD per month. Elementary school tuition is around $400 USD per month. Middle school tuition is around $500 USD per month. High school tuition is around $600 USD per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in San Juan del Sur

"The cost of living in San Juan del Sur is relatively low compared to other countries. Basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are all quite affordable. Eating out at restaurants is also quite inexpensive, with meals costing around $3-5 USD. Renting an apartment in the city center can cost around $200-300 USD per month, while a house outside of the city center can cost around $100-200 USD per month. Utilities such as electricity and water are also quite affordable, with monthly bills usually ranging from $20-50 USD," said one expat living in San Juan del Sur.

Can I live in San Juan del Sur on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in San Juan del Sur for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into neighborhoods like La Talanguera or Las Delicias, as they tend to have more reasonably priced housing options. You might have to settle for a smaller or older house or apartment, but it's still possible to find a decent place to live.One of the sacrifices you'll have to make is cutting back on dining out and entertainment expenses. While there are plenty of great restaurants and bars in San Juan del Sur, eating out can quickly add up. Instead, try shopping at local markets and cooking at home more often. You'll save money and get to experience the local cuisine in a more authentic way.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car can be expensive, so I'd recommend relying on public transportation or walking whenever possible. San Juan del Sur is a relatively small town, so getting around on foot is usually pretty easy. Plus, it's a great way to stay active and explore the area.As for modern amenities, you might have to adjust your expectations a bit. While you can find most of the things you're used to, like high-speed internet and cable TV, they might be more expensive or not as reliable as you're used to. You'll also need to be prepared for occasional power outages and water shortages, which are common in Nicaragua.In terms of expensive neighborhoods to avoid, I'd say that the beachfront areas and gated communities like Pacific Marlin and Colinas de Miramar tend to have higher housing costs. While these areas are beautiful and offer more luxurious amenities, they might not be the best fit for someone on a $1,500 a month budget.Overall, living in San Juan del Sur on a budget is definitely doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on dining out, and relying on public transportation, you can make it work and still enjoy the beautiful surroundings and laid-back lifestyle that this town has to offer," commented an expat living in San Juan del Sur.

Can I live in San Juan del Sur on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in San Juan del Sur for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to be mindful of where you choose to live. Some neighborhoods can be quite expensive, especially those close to the beach or in gated communities. I'd recommend looking for a place in neighborhoods like La Talanguera or Las Delicias, which are more affordable and still offer a decent quality of life. You can find a nice 2-bedroom house or apartment for around $500 to $800 per month in these areas.As for utilities, electricity can be quite expensive, especially if you're using air conditioning. To save on costs, you might want to consider using fans instead of AC, or only using AC during the hottest parts of the day. Water and internet services are relatively affordable, so you shouldn't have too much trouble with those expenses.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local restaurants and avoid touristy spots. A meal at a local eatery can cost you around $3 to $5, while a meal at a more upscale restaurant can set you back $10 to $15. If you cook at home, you can save even more money by shopping at local markets and buying fresh produce.Transportation is also quite affordable in San Juan del Sur. You can get around town using local buses or taxis, which are relatively cheap. If you plan on traveling outside of town frequently, you might want to consider renting a car, which can cost around $400 to $500 per month.As for entertainment and activities, there are plenty of affordable options in San Juan del Sur. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, go hiking, or take part in local events and festivals. However, if you're into more luxurious activities like spa treatments or high-end shopping, you might have to cut back on those to stay within your budget.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in San Juan del Sur is definitely achievable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, utilities, and entertainment. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on electricity usage, and enjoying the local culture and activities, you can have a great experience living in this beautiful coastal town," said one expat living in San Juan del Sur.

Can I live in San Juan del Sur on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in San Juan del Sur for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to be mindful of where you choose to live. Some neighborhoods can be quite expensive, especially those close to the beach or in gated communities. I'd recommend looking for a place in neighborhoods like La Talanguera or Las Delicias, which are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. You can find a decent house or apartment for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month in these areas.As for utilities, they can be a bit pricey, especially if you're used to air conditioning. Electricity is expensive in Nicaragua, so you might want to consider using fans instead of AC to save on your monthly bills. Water and internet services are relatively affordable, though.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. I'd recommend using local transportation like buses or taxis, which are quite affordable and reliable. Alternatively, you could consider buying a scooter or a motorcycle for getting around town.Eating out can also add up quickly, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. However, there are plenty of local eateries and street food options that offer delicious meals at a fraction of the cost. You can also save money by cooking at home and shopping at local markets for fresh produce.One thing to keep in mind is that some modern amenities you might be used to, like high-speed internet or a wide variety of imported goods, might not be as readily available or as affordable in San Juan del Sur. You might have to adjust your expectations and learn to live with some limitations.Overall, living in San Juan del Sur on $5,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using local transportation, and eating at local establishments, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful beach town," commented an expat living in San Juan del Sur.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

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