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Cost of Living in San Marcos

San Marcos, San Salvador, El Salvador · Population 57,094

▼ -6% vs El Salvador average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$456
Couple, monthly$812
Family of four, monthly$1,052

Estimated Prices in San Marcos

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$4.80per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$19.20per meal
Cappuccino$1.44each
Monthly groceries (single person)$109per month
Monthly public transport pass$17.60per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$46.40per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$13.44per month
Fitness club membership$13.44per month
Cinema ticket$3.52each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$196per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$136per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$408per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in San Marcos is $450 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $456 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $593 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($136) represents about 30% of the total single-person budget.

Compare San Marcos

San Marcos vs San SalvadorSan Marcos vs Santa AnaSan Marcos vs San MiguelSan Marcos vs SoyapangoSan Marcos vs MejicanosSan Marcos vs Colón

Nearby Cities

San Salvador

5 km away · San Salvador

Panchimalco

5 km away · San Salvador

Santo Tomás

6 km away · San Salvador

Soyapango

6 km away · San Salvador

Antiguo Cuscatlán

7 km away · La Libertad

Mejicanos

7 km away · San Salvador

Santiago Texacuangos

7 km away · San Salvador

Delgado

7 km away · San Salvador

Other Major Cities in El Salvador

San Salvador

San Salvador · pop. 1,538,525

$605 / mo

Santa Ana

Santa Ana · pop. 250,760

$485 / mo

San Miguel

San Miguel · pop. 232,887

$456 / mo

Soyapango

San Salvador · pop. 230,255

$456 / mo

Mejicanos

San Salvador · pop. 136,641

$456 / mo

Colón

La Libertad · pop. 130,513

$456 / mo

Apopa

San Salvador · pop. 129,083

$456 / mo

Ahuachapán

Ahuachapán · pop. 127,301

$456 / mo

Living in San Marcos

San Marcos is one of the key cities in El Salvador. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $456, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $136 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $1,052 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $812 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in San Marcos is $450. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $593 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Marcos expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $456 per month in San Marcos including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for El Salvador.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in San Marcos?
A net salary of around $593 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in San Marcos with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in San Marcos is $450.
How much is rent in San Marcos?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $196 per month in the city centre and $136 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $408.
Is San Marcos cheaper than El Salvador on average?
Yes — San Marcos is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the El Salvador average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in San Marcos?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $109 in San Marcos. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $5 and a cappuccino runs around $1.
How do transport costs in San Marcos compare?
A monthly public transport pass in San Marcos is estimated at $18. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for San Marcos are estimates based on El Salvador national averages adjusted for city size (population 57,094). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.