Updated October 2026 · Masaya, Nicaragua
What it actually costs to live in Nicaragua
Estimated monthly budgets based on how you live, from our own spending as Americans here. Not a resort brochure, not a relocation sales pitch — ranges you can plan against.
Monthly budget breakdown
These are typical monthly ranges. Your numbers will land inside them depending on where you rent, how often you eat out, and whether you run air conditioning.
- Rent (1–2 bedroom)$300–$600
- Groceries (1 person)$150–$250
- Utilities + internet$75–$120
- Eating out$80–$150
- Entertainment$60–$150
Ranges reflect Masaya and nearby towns. Granada, San Juan del Sur and the beach areas run higher on rent. Not included: residency fees, flights home, private health insurance.
"What Does It Cost" — one category per video
Rather than one broad overview, each video takes a single line from the table above and shows the real prices on camera. As each episode goes live, its category in the table links to it. Filming order: Rent, Groceries, Utilities + internet, Eating out, Entertainment.
Want these numbers run for your situation?
A couple with a car and a pet in Granada is a different budget than one person renting a room in Masaya. If you're seriously considering the move, I'll build the estimate around how you actually plan to live.