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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Antiguo Cuscatlan 2024
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Cost of Living in Antiguo Cuscatlan

By Betsy Burlingame

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: If you're moving to Antiguo Cuscatlan, understanding the the cost of living in Antiguo Cuscatlan helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: $400 - $600 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $300 - $500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $800 - $1,200 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $600 - $1,000 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Price per square meter outside city center: $800 - $1,200
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: $0.25 - $0.50
  • Monthly local transport pass: $20 - $30
  • Taxi starting tariff: $1.50 - $2.00
  • Taxi 1km tariff: $1.00 - $1.50
  • Gasoline (1 liter): $0.90 - $1.10
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): $0.80 - $1.20
  • Bread (500g): $1.00 - $2.00
  • Rice (1kg): $0.80 - $1.20
  • Eggs (12): $1.50 - $2.50
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): $4.00 - $6.00
  • Beef round (1kg): $5.00 - $7.00
  • Apples (1kg): $1.50 - $2.50
  • Oranges (1kg): $1.00 - $1.50
  • Tomatoes (1kg): $1.00 - $1.50
  • Potatoes (1kg): $1.00 - $1.50
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): $0.50 - $1.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $3.00 - $6.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $20 - $40
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $1.50 - $2.50
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $2.00 - $3.50
  • Cappuccino: $1.50 - $2.50
  • Coca-Cola (0.33-liter bottle): $0.50 - $1.00
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): $0.25 - $0.50
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: $50 - $100 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $30 - $50 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool: $150 - $300 per month
  • Elementary School: $200 - $400 per month
  • Middle School: $300 - $600 per month
  • High School: $400 - $800 per month
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on the specific area within Antiguo Cuscatlan and individual preferences. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Antiguo Cuscatlan

"The cost of living in Antiguo Cuscatlan is relatively affordable compared to many Western countries. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is quite reasonable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite low.Groceries are also affordable, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices. Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant is also quite cheap, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is moderately priced. Public transportation is also quite affordable, with monthly passes available at a low cost. However, owning a car can be more expensive due to the cost of gasoline and car maintenance. Healthcare is also reasonably priced, with both public and private healthcare options available. However, the quality of healthcare can vary, and it may be advisable to have health insurance.Overall, the cost of living in Antiguo Cuscatlan is quite low, making it an attractive option for those looking to live in a vibrant, culturally rich city on a budget," said one expat living in Antiguo Cuscatlan.

Can I live in Antiguo Cuscatlan on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Antiguo Cuscatlan for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I recommend looking into areas like Santa Elena, Madreselva, or San Francisco, which are relatively safe and have a good mix of local and expat residents. These neighborhoods offer more affordable housing options compared to more upscale areas like Escalon or San Benito, where rent can be quite high.When it comes to transportation, you might want to consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services like Uber, as owning a car can be expensive due to import taxes and high gas prices. If you're willing to use public transportation, you'll save a significant amount on your monthly expenses.Eating out can also be quite affordable if you stick to local restaurants and street food vendors. However, if you prefer dining at more upscale restaurants or international chains, you'll need to budget accordingly as these can be more expensive. Cooking at home and shopping at local markets can also help you save on food expenses.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, such as visiting local parks, museums, and cultural events. However, if you're used to frequenting high-end bars, clubs, or attending expensive concerts, you might need to cut back on these activities to stay within your budget.In terms of healthcare, public hospitals can be quite affordable, but the quality of care might not be up to the standards you're used to. I recommend looking into private healthcare options, which can be more expensive but offer better quality care and shorter waiting times.Overall, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Antiguo Cuscatlan is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and enjoying local cuisine and activities, you can make the most of your budget while still enjoying a good quality of life," commented an expat living in Antiguo Cuscatlan.

Can I live in Antiguo Cuscatlan on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Antiguo Cuscatlan 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, you might have to make some sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants as often as you'd like, or you might have to cut back on some of your entertainment expenses.When it comes to housing, there are some affordable neighborhoods that you should consider. One of them is Colonia San Francisco, which is a nice residential area with a mix of houses and apartments. The rent here is usually around $500 to $800 per month, depending on the size and condition of the property. Another option is Colonia Santa Elena, which is a bit more upscale but still relatively affordable, with rents ranging from $800 to $1,200 per month.On the other hand, there are some more expensive neighborhoods that you might want to avoid if you're trying to stick to a $3,000 monthly budget. One of these is Colonia Escalon, which is known for its luxury homes and high-end amenities. Renting a place here can easily cost you $1,500 or more per month. Similarly, Colonia San Benito is another upscale area with higher rental prices, so it might not be the best fit for your budget.As for transportation, you can save money by using public buses, which are quite cheap, or by sharing rides with coworkers or friends. Owning a car can be expensive due to the cost of maintenance, fuel, and insurance, so it's worth considering alternative transportation options.In terms of groceries and other daily expenses, you can find local markets and supermarkets where you can buy fresh produce and other essentials at reasonable prices. However, if you're looking for imported or specialty items, you might have to pay a premium at upscale grocery stores.Overall, living in Antiguo Cuscatlan on a $3,000 monthly budget is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in certain areas. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on dining out and entertainment, and being smart about transportation, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget," said one expat living in Antiguo Cuscatlan.

Can I live in Antiguo Cuscatlan on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Antiguo Cuscatlan for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might even find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living here than in some other countries.One of the first things you'll want to consider is where you want to live. There are some more expensive neighborhoods, like Santa Elena and San Benito, which are known for their upscale homes, shopping centers, and restaurants. However, these areas might not be the best fit for your budget. Instead, I'd recommend looking into more affordable neighborhoods like Colonia San Francisco, Colonia Escalon, or Colonia Miramonte. These areas still offer modern amenities and are safe, but the cost of living is more reasonable.As for sacrifices, you might find that you need to adjust your expectations when it comes to certain things. For example, while you can find modern amenities like high-speed internet, air conditioning, and cable TV, you might have to pay a bit more for these services than you're used to. Additionally, while there are plenty of supermarkets and stores where you can find familiar products, some imported items might be more expensive due to import taxes.Another thing to consider is transportation. While there are public buses and taxis available, they might not be as reliable or comfortable as you're used to. Many expats choose to rent or buy a car, which can be an additional expense. However, this can also provide you with more freedom to explore the country and make the most of your time here.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Antiguo Cuscatlan on $5,000 a month is not only possible but can also be quite comfortable. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being mindful of your spending on certain amenities, you can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank," commented an expat living in Antiguo Cuscatlan.

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

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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