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Cost of Living in San Rafael del Sur

San Rafael del Sur, Managua, Nicaragua · Population 42,417

▼ -16% vs Nicaragua average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)C$13,109 ($357)
Couple, monthlyC$23,319 ($635)
Family of four, monthlyC$30,208 ($823)

Estimated Prices in San Rafael del Sur

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantC$139 ($3.78)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeC$555 ($15.12)per meal
CappuccinoC$41.62 ($1.13)each
Monthly groceries (single person)C$3,144 ($85.68)per month
Monthly public transport passC$509 ($13.86)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentC$1,341 ($36.54)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)C$388 ($10.58)per month
Fitness club membershipC$388 ($10.58)per month
Cinema ticketC$102 ($2.77)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreC$5,550 ($151)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreC$3,861 ($105)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreC$11,582 ($316)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in San Rafael del Sur is C$11,561 ($315) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of C$13,109 ($357) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly C$17,042 ($464) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (C$3,861 ($105)) represents about 29% of the total single-person budget.

Compare San Rafael del Sur

San Rafael del Sur vs ManaguaSan Rafael del Sur vs LeónSan Rafael del Sur vs MasayaSan Rafael del Sur vs MatagalpaSan Rafael del Sur vs ChinandegaSan Rafael del Sur vs Estelí

Nearby Cities

Villa El Carmen

17 km away · Managua

El Crucero

21 km away · Managua

Diriamba

22 km away · Carazo

Jinotepe

26 km away · Carazo

San Marcos

26 km away · Carazo

La Concepción

29 km away · Masaya

Santa Teresa

30 km away · Carazo

Ticuantepe

32 km away · Managua

Other Major Cities in Nicaragua

Managua

Managua · pop. 1,051,236

C$19,472 ($531) / mo

León

León · pop. 174,051

C$14,680 ($400) / mo

Masaya

Masaya · pop. 139,582

C$14,680 ($400) / mo

Matagalpa

Matagalpa · pop. 133,416

C$14,680 ($400) / mo

Chinandega

Chinandega · pop. 121,793

C$14,680 ($400) / mo

Estelí

Estelí · pop. 112,084

C$14,680 ($400) / mo

Granada

Granada · pop. 105,862

C$14,680 ($400) / mo

Tipitapa

Managua · pop. 101,685

C$14,680 ($400) / mo

Living in San Rafael del Sur

San Rafael del Sur is one of the key cities in Nicaragua. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is C$13,109 ($357), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around C$3,861 ($105) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to C$30,208 ($823) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately C$23,319 ($635) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in San Rafael del Sur is C$11,561 ($315). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least C$17,042 ($464) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Rafael del Sur expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated C$13,109 ($357) per month in San Rafael del Sur including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Nicaragua.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in San Rafael del Sur?
A net salary of around C$17,042 ($464) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in San Rafael del Sur with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in San Rafael del Sur is C$11,561 ($315).
How much is rent in San Rafael del Sur?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated C$5,550 ($151) per month in the city centre and C$3,861 ($105) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about C$11,582 ($316).
Is San Rafael del Sur cheaper than Nicaragua on average?
Yes — San Rafael del Sur is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Nicaragua average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in San Rafael del Sur?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at C$3,144 ($86) in San Rafael del Sur. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about C$139 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around C$42 ($1).
How do transport costs in San Rafael del Sur compare?
A monthly public transport pass in San Rafael del Sur is estimated at C$509 ($14). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for San Rafael del Sur are estimates based on Nicaragua national averages adjusted for city size (population 42,417). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.