Living in Nicaragua: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Nicaragua

Summary: People describe life in Nicaragua as laid-back and relaxed. Expats love the warm climate, friendly people, and the low cost of living. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,000 to $1,500 per month. This includes rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. The population of Nicaragua is estimated to be 6.5 million people. The largest cities in Nicaragua are Managua (the capital), Leon, Masaya, and Granada. The cons of living in Nicaragua include a lack of infrastructure, high crime rates, and a lack of job opportunities. Additionally, the political situation in Nicaragua is unstable and the economy is weak.

What do I need to know about living in Nicaragua?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Nicaragua, they said:

"Always live in your chosen location for 6 months to a year before settling down or buying any property. Nicaragua has everything from hot, humid weather to beachfront to cool mountain living. What do you want? Learn the culture and language is part of the culture. English is not widely spoken here outside the expat community. Expect frustrations. This is their country and we are the guests. The rules are different and you are the minority," wrote a member in Granada.

"Again, spend as much time prior to moving as possible. Patience, that is the key word for Nicaragua. Be prepared for late appointments or on the other side of the coin, the appointee will show up way ahead of the scheduled time. As soon as you learn to go with the flow, relax, no stress, you will adjust much easier. Remember, we will always be a guest in the host country, and smile," commented one expat who made the move to San Juan del Sur.

Answer Question & View More Answers

Never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative Get a quote from our partner, PassportCard. PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now. Get a quote from our partner, PassportCard.

International Health Insurance

How do I meet people in Nicaragua?

When we asked people living in Nicaragua about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Nicaragua often join activity-based clubs such as hiking, golf, tennis and sailing. Additionally, there are social clubs for expats to meet and socialize such as Rotary or Lions Club. Other ways to meet people when living in Nicaragua can include attending festivals, getting involved in local charities, attending language meetups, and joining community sports teams. Attending events such as locally hosted dinners, art classes and other local social activities can also be a great way for expats to meet new people and form friendships," wrote one member in Nicaragua.

"Miramar is a small village of about 1000 locals and the town plays host to 5 surf camps because of the proximity of good waves. This close knit community of surf camp/hotel operators means we all know each other and we all collaborate on our business and the community in general. At the same time, there are some resources for expats, but most of those resources are focused on the Rivas/Tola areas which are 3.5 hours south of us. There a much (much) larger ex-pat community exists," remarked one expat who made the move to Playa Miramar.

Answer Question & View More Answers

Learn More GET A QUOTE

What is life like in Nicaragua?

When we asked people living in Nicaragua what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Nicaragua is generally very pleasant and enjoyable. The country is known for its beautiful scenery, low cost of living, friendly people and relaxed lifestyle. Nicaragua offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, from sun-kissed beaches to tropical rainforests and stunning volcanoes. Gringos (expats) and digital nomads flock to Nicaragua to take advantage of excellent food, breathtaking nature, and relaxed working environment. Additionally, the vibrant culture, world-class healthcare and modern infrastructure make it a great place to live and work. Life in Nicaragua can also be quitechallenging due to the lack of stable internet, limited banking options and erratic electricity. However, it’s still a great place to live, work or explore," explained one expat living in Nicaragua.

"Miramar is a subsistence community in that most of the population lives day to day. They've been at such a low economic level for a century and that has led to a socio economic belief that there is no value in investing in the future. Often children are encouraged to leave school early to begin looking for work, as an education is not a valuable investment in the future. So day to day life here is finding whatever small resources can be gathered to feed the family for a day and they worry about tomorrow, tomorrow! With that said, there are those locals that see the influx of foreign investors as an opportunity for stable work and see it for the possibilities of climbing the economic ladder. The business owners foster this thinking and we do our best to encourage and support the families development and especially the idea that education is the most important opportunity for their children," said one expat in Playa Miramar.

Answer Question & View More Answers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world. Presently the AGS Group has over 141 locations in more than 95 countries and has one of the largest networks in the international removals industry. We relocate 85,000 families every year. Free moving quote!

Learn More Get a Quote

Is there a lot of crime in Nicaragua?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"Nicaragua has experienced levels of crime that vary by region. Organized crime is an issue in certain areas, though generally the level of such activities is limited. Common criminal activities include robbery, burglary, assault, and theft. Drug trafficking is a growing concern in Nicaragua, primarily related to the production and trafficking of cocaine sourced from Colombia and Peru. Illegal mining and logging are also problems in certain parts of the country. However, the tourist areas in Nicaragua are generally considered safe and visitor crime is rare," explained one expat living in Nicaragua.

"It is relatively safe and we have experienced less crime here than in the states. We use common sense such as using taxis after dark, not driving at night, etc. Having said that, Nicaragua is a poor country and there is more common theft. For example, if you lay your phone, IPod, laptop on your table at a restaurant and turn away, it will be gone. It is important to have good neighbors and to form friendships with them. Our home has never been robbed in the past five years here," said one expat in Granada.

Answer this Question

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Nicaragua accepting of differences?

"There are many christian churches, catholic and protestant like the Baptist church. You will find Nicaraguans are mainly Metis (mix of European whites and aboriginal) with a small percentage of whites. Economically, as in most Central American cities you will see many unemployed and part time employed in the service industries (restaurant, food service, informal economy , etc). They are very accepting of differences although the great majority are traditional; but Leon women wear miniskirts, tight jeans, and reggaeton music is quite popular with the university crowd," commented one expat who made the move to Leon .

"The vast majority of the locals are Catholic as are most Spanish countries. Economically a very poor country with the top 5% having almost all of the wealth. Culturally the locals are not that diverse yet very aware of what is going on the world stage. They do have their own rich culture. The expats are very diverse with the largest group being from the USA but large numbers from Canada and Europe (especially Holland). Being a Central American country, the people that move here tend to be adventuresome, open minded to other cultures, caring and aware of global events," remarked one expat living in Granada, Nicaragua.

Answer Question & View More Answers

International Health Insurance

What are the schools in Nicaragua like?

"ANS is the best school in Managua without question. Parents should try and get involved in a positive way (classroom volunteer, chaperone a field trip, attend school events)," wrote an expat with kids at American Nicaraguan School in Managua.

"Look around. Make sure you tour the school and think twice if your child does not speak English," commented one expat when asked about American Nicaraguan School in Managua.

Answer Question & View More Answers

Is the cost of living in Nicaragua high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Nicaragua, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Nicaragua is relatively low compared to other countries. Groceries and basic goods like fruits and vegetables are very affordable. Most restaurants serve meals at relatively low prices. Gasoline is also inexpensive. Transportation costs are low and public transportation is available in most cities at an affordable rate. Housing prices also range widely depending on quality and location, and there are many nice apartments and homes that are reasonably priced. Overall, Nicaragua is a great place to live when you want to keep your costs at a minimum," explained one expat living in Nicaragua.

"Live like a Nica on $500 a month or buy your expansive colonial home and entertain lavishly. We find we can live on around $1500 a month but emergencies do happen and that does not include flights back home. The world is different now with many things being fairly expensive now like gas, flights overseas, rising food costs, etc. We do have concerns on the falling dollar," said one expat in Granada.

Answer this Question

"The cost of living in Nicaragua varies greatly depending on the location. Generally, the coastal cities and towns tend to have a much higher cost of living compared to the rest of the country. Most cities in Nicaragua offer inexpensive rentals compared to those in the United States. A nice 1 bedroom apartment in most cities of Nicaragua can be rented for approximately $250-400 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment usually costs around $400-600 per month. Eating dinner in a moderately priced restaurant in Nicaragua can cost around $10 per person," mentioned an expat living in Nicaragua.

"As in most foreign countries when it comes to the cost of living, you can pretty much find what you're looking for. Nicaragua is no exception. You can find moderate to expensive pricing options on most things from food to lodging, but the LOW cost items are more easily found in abundance here than in most places. Food is obviously less expensive here. It is not difficult to find $2.00 USD lunches. There are many hostels and hotels that seem to cater to the budget-minded traveler as well. Even retiring in Nicaragua is very low cost and stress-free: In order to qualify for Nicaragua's "Pensionado Visa" you must prove a monthly income from retirement or a pension or from any investment of only $600 USD and you're good to go! That's the LOWEST retirement income requirement of any country in the world," said an expat in Granada.

Answer this Question

What type of recreational facilities are in Nicaragua?

When we asked people living in Nicaragua about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"In Nicaragua, residents enjoy many recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, sailing, surfing, kitesurfing, and diving in its numerous beaches, as well as hiking and camping in its lush jungles. Birdwatching and wildlife spotting are also popular activities in its national parks and reserves. Another popular outdoor activity is volcano boarding down Cerro Negro, an active volcano near Managua. Cultural activities such as visiting museums and sightseeing are also popular pastimes. The capital city of Managua also offers a great variety of restaurants, clubs, and bars for leisure activities," said one expat.

"Going swimming in a nice clean swimming pool is an option open to anyone in Granada. At least 2 hotels I know of offer this. For about $5 you can spend the day at the pool or pool-side bar and enjoy the company of other expats or locals. The ChocoMuseum in Granada is one of my favorite places to do this. The Hotel Granada on Calle la Calzada down by the lake is another great option. It has a beautiful pool," commented one expat living in Granada, Nicaragua.

Answer this Question

What is the weather like in Nicaragua?

"The climate in Nicaragua is largely tropical and hot, with wet and dry seasons. The country typically experiences warm temperatures all year round, with average highs reaching into the upper 80s Fahrenheit. During the wet season, from May to November, Nicaragua may experience heavy rainfall and tropical storms. The dry season is from December to April, and is generally characterized by warm, sunny weather and lower humidity," wrote one expat living in Nicaragua.

"Granada is hot and humid but not as much as Leon. It is quite bearable. Living in a home with only a fan is do-able too as I found. But A/C is a much nicer option," commented one expat who moved to Granada.

Answer this Question

Are there good restaurants in Nicaragua?

"One of the most popular restaurants in Nicaragua is El Floridita. Located in Managua near the Central Market, this restaurant specializes in traditional Nicaraguan dishes like vigoron, and is known for serving up generous portions of tasty home-cooked meals. Those looking for an Italian experience can head to the Italian-Nicaraguan fusion restaurant Casa Italia in Matagalpa. This eatery offers up a delicious menu that features a combination of Italian pastas, pizzas, and sandwiches as well as traditional Nicaraguan plates like caballo and gallo pinto. If you're in Granada, you should check out the Ola Bistro. This cozy lounge spot is a great place to enjoy contemporary Nicaraguan dishes prepared with local ingredients. A favorite dish here is their coconut-seafood rice. La Pascalia in Granada is another favorite among locals. This seafood spot offers up delicious and fresh catches from the nearby lake, from fried fish to ceviche. Finally, no trip to Nicaragua would be complete without trying some traditional Nica food at Restaurante El Antiguo in León. They specialize in traditional dishes like nacatamales, quesillo and carne asada, served up with a side of potatoes," said one expat living in Nicaragua.

"I found that just about everything I could ask for was either along Calle la Calzada or within a few blocks of this most popular street. Restaurants owned by expats and locals, as well as bars and nightclubs with live entertainment were all very easy to find," mentioned one expat inGranada.

Answer this Question

Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Nicaragua?

"People living in Nicaragua typically shop for groceries at local supermarkets, convenience stores, farmer's markets, and street vendors. When it comes to other kinds of shopping, Nicaraguans can often be found in local stores, malls, and outdoor markets. There are also many online stores that offer a wide selection of items that can be delivered to the customer's home," remarked one expat living in Nicaragua.

"In Granada I found small mom and pop stores as well as decent grocery stores all within walking distance of central Granada. As a bonus, a car is not needed in Granada. It's very easy and fun to be able to walk to everything you need here. A small backpack is all that's necessary to take to the store and load up with a week's worth of items," said one expat living in Granada.

Answer this Question

What are the visa & residency requirements in Nicaragua?

"In order to enter Nicaragua, visitors must first obtain a visa from a Nicaraguan Embassy or Consulate, as well as a valid passport to travel. Visas cost around $50 depending on the applicant’s nationality and include a multiple entry permission of up to three months. To apply for a visa, applicants need to fill in an application form and submit it along with a valid passport, documentation which proves the purpose of the trip, two passport photos and a valid return ticket. For those looking to move to Nicaragua for an extended period of time, applying for residency is the way to go. To apply for residency in Nicaragua, foreign nationals need to present a valid passport, two passport photos, a copy of their police record from their home country, and proof that they can financially support themselves during their stay in Nicaragua. Additionally, applicants sticking around for longer than 90 days must prove that they have purchased health insurance. The process then involves submitting this documentation to the immigration authority, where their request is evaluated. Depending on the outcome, successful applicants are then granted residency in the country," commented one expat living in Nicaragua.

"As mentioned earlier in this report, retiring in Nicaragua is very affordable: In order to qualify for Nicaragua's "Pensionado Visa" you simply prove a monthly income from a retirement, pension or any investment of $600 USD. That has proven to be the LOWEST retirement income requirement of any country in the world," remarked one expat living in Granada.

Answer this Question

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Nicaragua?

"The cost of healthcare and health insurance in Nicaragua can vary significantly. Generally, medical services are quite inexpensive compared to many other countries, but the quality of care can be inconsistent. In comparison, the cost of health insurance is relatively high, and even the most basic plans are often not accessible to the poorest Nicaraguans. However, the Nicaraguan government does offer health services to those who cannot afford private plans," mentioned an expat living in Nicaragua.

Answer this Question

Learn More GET A QUOTE