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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Tela 2024
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Cost of Living in Tela

By Joshua Wood, LPC

William Russell
William Russell

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

Category Details Cost
Apartment Rentals 1-bedroom apartment in city center $200 - $350 per month
1-bedroom apartment outside city center $150 - $250 per month
Apartment Purchases Price per square meter in city center $800 - $1,200
Price per square meter outside city center $600 - $900
Transportation One-way local transport ticket $0.50 - $1.00
Monthly local transport pass $20 - $40
Gasoline (1 liter) $1.00 - $1.20
Taxi (1 km) $1.50 - $2.00
Groceries Milk (1 liter) $0.80 - $1.20
Bread (500g) $1.00 - $2.00
Rice (1 kg) $1.00 - $1.50
Chicken breasts (1 kg) $3.50 - $5.00
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
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 - $60 per month
Mobile call (1 minute, no discounts or plans) $0.10 - $0.20
Private School Tuition Preschool (or Kindergarten) $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 the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific location within Tela, as well as fluctuations in the local economy. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices from multiple sources before making any financial decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Tela

"The cost of living in Tela is considered to be relatively low compared to many Western countries. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is affordable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also quite low. Groceries in Tela are inexpensive, with local markets offering fresh produce, meat, and fish at reasonable prices. Eating out at restaurants is also quite affordable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing very little. Transportation costs are also low in Tela. Public transportation is widely available and is very cheap. Gasoline prices are lower than in many Western countries, making owning and operating a vehicle more affordable.Healthcare in Tela is also relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to costs in countries like the United States. However, it's important to note that while the cost of living is low, so are local wages, and the quality of services and goods may not be up to the standards expected in more developed countries," said one expat living in Tela.

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

"I've been living in Tela 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 areas like Barrio El Centro or Barrio La Ceiba, where you can find decent apartments or houses for rent at a lower cost. Avoid neighborhoods like Tela Beach or Tela Bay, as they tend to be more expensive due to their proximity to the beach and tourist attractions.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on utilities and other monthly expenses. Electricity can be quite expensive in Honduras, so try to conserve energy by using fans instead of air conditioning, and turning off lights and appliances when not in use. Water is relatively cheap, but it's still a good idea to be conscious of your usage.When it comes to food, you'll need to adjust your eating habits to fit your budget. Eating out at restaurants can be quite expensive, so try to cook at home as much as possible. Shop at local markets for fresh produce and meats, as they tend to be cheaper than supermarkets. You can also save money by eating more traditional Honduran dishes, which are often less expensive than Western-style meals.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is quite affordable in Tela, so consider using buses or taxis instead of renting a car. If you do need a car, consider purchasing a used one to save on costs.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Tela, such as visiting the beach or exploring local parks, you'll need to be selective about more expensive outings, like going to bars or taking trips to nearby tourist destinations.Overall, living in Tela on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. By being mindful of your spending and prioritizing your needs, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful coastal town," commented an expat living in Tela.

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

"I've been living in Tela 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 choose a neighborhood that's affordable but still offers a decent quality of life. I'd recommend looking into areas like Barrio El Centro, Barrio La Ceiba, or Barrio El Pino. These neighborhoods are relatively safe, have access to basic amenities, and are close to the beach. On the other hand, I'd avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Tela Bay or Los Maestros, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.In terms of housing, you can find a decent apartment or small house for around $300 to $500 a month. Keep in mind that utilities like electricity and water can be a bit more expensive than you might be used to, so make sure to factor that into your budget.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite affordable, with local restaurants offering meals for around $3 to $5. However, if you prefer to cook at home, you'll find that groceries can be a bit more expensive than in the US, especially for imported items. To save money, try shopping at local markets and buying fresh produce, which is usually cheaper and more readily available.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is quite affordable, with bus fares costing around $0.50 to $1.00. Taxis are also relatively cheap, but if you plan on using them frequently, it can add up. If you're comfortable with it, consider buying a used car or motorcycle to get around more easily.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Tela. The beach is always a great option, and there are also several national parks and nature reserves nearby that you can explore. However, if you're into more upscale activities like fine dining or high-end shopping, you might find your options limited and more expensive than you're used to.In conclusion, living in Tela, Honduras on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being smart about your food and transportation choices, and enjoying the local attractions, you can live comfortably and enjoy your time in this beautiful coastal town," said one expat living in Tela.

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

"I've been living in Tela 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. In fact, you might find that your money goes a lot further here than in other places. There are some sacrifices you'll have to make, but overall, I think you'll find it to be a great experience.First, let's talk about housing. There are some more expensive neighborhoods in Tela, like Tela Bay and Los Maestros, where you'll find larger homes and more upscale amenities. However, I'd recommend looking into more affordable neighborhoods like Barrio El Centro or Barrio La Ceiba. You can find nice houses or apartments for rent in these areas for around $300 to $500 a month, which will leave you with plenty of money for other expenses.As for utilities, you can expect to pay around $50 to $100 a month for electricity, depending on your usage. Water and garbage services are usually included in your rent, so you won't have to worry about those. Internet and cable TV can be a bit more expensive, with packages ranging from $50 to $100 a month, but you can find some good deals if you shop around.Groceries are generally affordable in Tela, especially if you shop at local markets and buy fresh produce. You can expect to spend around $200 to $300 a month on groceries, depending on your preferences. Eating out can be quite affordable as well, with many local restaurants offering meals for under $5.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of transportation. While there are buses and taxis available, they can be a bit unreliable and not as comfortable as you might be used to. Many expats choose to buy a car, which can be a significant expense upfront, but it will give you more freedom to explore the area and make your daily life more convenient.Another thing to consider is healthcare. While there are some decent healthcare facilities in Tela, you might find that the quality of care is not up to the standards you're used to. Many expats choose to purchase private health insurance, which can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 a month, depending on the coverage you choose.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Tela on $5,000 a month is not only possible but quite comfortable. You'll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices, but the lower cost of living and the beautiful surroundings make it well worth it," commented an expat living in Tela.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

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