| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | For a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, the average monthly rent is around $200-$300. For the same size apartment outside the city center, the rent drops to approximately $150-$200 per month. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around $400-$500 per month, while the same outside the city center can cost around $300-$400 per month. |
| Apartment Purchases | The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center is approximately $800-$1000. Outside the city center, the price per square meter drops to around $500-$700. |
| Transportation | A one-way ticket on local transport costs around $0.25-$0.50. A monthly pass for public transport is around $20-$30. Taxi start (normal tariff) is around $1.00-$1.50, with a 1km taxi ride (normal tariff) costing around $1.00-$1.50. Gasoline (1 liter) is approximately $1.00-$1.50. |
| Groceries | The average cost of a liter of milk is around $0.80-$1.00, a loaf of fresh white bread (500g) is around $1.00-$1.50, a dozen eggs is around $1.50-$2.00, local cheese (1kg) is around $3.00-$5.00, a kilogram of chicken breast is around $3.00-$5.00, a kilogram of apples is around $2.00-$3.00, a kilogram of potatoes is around $1.00-$2.00, and a bottle of mid-range wine is around $5.00-$10.00. |
| Restaurants | A meal at an inexpensive restaurant is around $3.00-$5.00, a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is around $20.00-$30.00, a McMeal at McDonalds or equivalent combo meal is around $5.00-$7.00, and a domestic beer (0.5 liter draught) is around $1.00-$2.00. |
| Utilities | Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) is around $50.00-$70.00 per month. Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) is around $30.00-$50.00 per month. |
| Private School Tuition | Private school tuition varies greatly depending on the school. However, on average, you can expect to pay around $100-$200 per month for preschool, $150-$250 per month for elementary school, $200-$300 per month for middle school, and $250-$350 per month for high school. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Esteli
“The cost of living in Esteli is considered to be relatively low compared to many other 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, water, and garbage is also quite low. Groceries are inexpensive, with local markets offering fresh produce at very 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, with inexpensive public transportation options and low-cost gasoline for those who drive. Healthcare is also relatively affordable, although the quality of care can vary. Overall, the cost of living in Esteli is low, making it an attractive option for those looking to live in a less expensive area. However, wages in Nicaragua are also generally lower than in more developed countries, so this is something to consider when evaluating the cost of living,” said one expat living in Esteli.
Can I live in Esteli on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Esteli for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you’ll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants or go on expensive trips every weekend. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life. Esteli is a relatively affordable city. The cost of living is low compared to many other places. You can rent a decent apartment in a good neighborhood for around $300 to $400 a month. The neighborhoods of Oscar Gamez and Monsenor Madrigal are quite affordable and safe. They are close to the city center, so you’ll have easy access to markets, shops, and other amenities. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Condega and La Trinidad are a bit more upscale and expensive. You might want to avoid these if you’re on a tight budget. Groceries will probably cost you around $200 to $300 a month, depending on your eating habits. Local produce is quite cheap, and if you’re willing to cook at home most of the time, you can save a lot. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, will cost you around $100 to $150 a month. Public transportation is also quite cheap. A one-way ticket costs less than a dollar, and a monthly pass is around $20. Healthcare is another area where you can save a lot. Public healthcare is free, but the quality is not the best. Private healthcare is much better and still quite affordable. A visit to a general practitioner will cost you around $15 to $20. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of affordable or even free activities you can do. Esteli is known for its beautiful natural parks and reserves, so you can go hiking or bird watching. There are also many cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Overall, living in Esteli on $1,500 a month is doable, but you’ll have to be mindful of your spending. It’s all about finding the right balance between comfort and affordability,” commented an expat living in Esteli.
Can I live in Esteli on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Esteli for a few years 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. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries. For example, you can rent a nice, modern apartment in a good neighborhood for around $500 a month. If you’re looking for more affordable neighborhoods, I’d recommend areas like Barrio Nuevo or Oscar Gamez. They’re safe, have a good community feel, and are close to local markets and shops. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Condega or La Trinidad tend to be a bit more expensive, so you might want to avoid those if you’re on a tighter budget. Groceries are also quite affordable here. You can expect to spend around $200 a month on food if you cook at home. Eating out is also cheap compared to Western standards, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, will cost you around $100 a month. As for transportation, public buses are very cheap, but they can be crowded and not always reliable. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car for around $400 a month. Gasoline is a bit expensive though, at around $1 per liter. Healthcare is another factor to consider. Public healthcare is free, but the quality can be hit or miss. Private healthcare is much better, but it’s also more expensive. A health insurance plan will cost you around $100 a month. The biggest sacrifice you might have to make is adjusting to the slower pace of life here. Things don’t always run on time, and customer service isn’t always up to Western standards. But if you can adjust to that, you’ll find that Esteli has a lot to offer. The people are friendly, the weather is great, and there’s a lot of natural beauty to explore. So, in total, you can expect to spend around $1,500 a month, give or take a few hundred dollars depending on your lifestyle. That leaves you with plenty of money to save, or to spend on travel and entertainment. So yes, I’d say it’s definitely possible to live comfortably in Esteli on $3,000 a month,” said one expat living in Esteli.
Can I live in Esteli on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Esteli for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries. For instance, you can rent a nice, modern apartment in a good neighborhood for around $300 to $500 a month. The neighborhoods of Condega and Pueblo Nuevo are quite affordable and have a good mix of locals and expats. They’re safe, have good amenities, and are close to the city center. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Miraflor and Tisey are a bit more upscale and therefore more expensive. Groceries are also quite cheap. You can get fresh fruits, vegetables, and local products at the local markets for a fraction of what you’d pay back home. Eating out is also affordable. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $10 to $15. As for utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, you’re looking at around $100 to $150 a month. Keep in mind that electricity can be a bit more expensive if you’re using air conditioning, which isn’t really necessary in Esteli due to its mild climate. Transportation is also cheap. You can get around the city by taxi for a few dollars or by local bus for less than a dollar. If you want to travel around the country, intercity buses are also quite affordable. Healthcare is another area where you can save a lot. Medical services are significantly cheaper than in the U.S. and the quality of care is good, especially in private clinics. However, there are a few things you might need to adjust to. While you can find many modern amenities, some things might not be up to the standards you’re used to. For instance, internet speed can be slower and power outages can happen from time to time. Also, while most people are friendly and welcoming, not everyone speaks English, so learning some basic Spanish would be beneficial. But overall, I’d say that living in Esteli on $5,000 a month is not only doable, but you can live quite comfortably and enjoy a good quality of life,” commented an expat living in Esteli.
