163 cities covered · Currency: USD ($) · Capital: San Salvador
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $5.09 | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | $20.35 | per meal |
| Cappuccino | $1.53 | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | $115 | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | $18.66 | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | $49.18 | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | $14.25 | per month |
| Fitness club membership | $14.25 | per month |
| Cinema ticket | $3.73 | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | $210 | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | $146 | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | $439 | per month |
San Salvador · pop. 1,538,525
Santa Ana · pop. 250,760
San Miguel · pop. 232,887
San Salvador · pop. 230,255
San Salvador · pop. 136,641
La Libertad · pop. 130,513
San Salvador · pop. 129,083
Ahuachapán · pop. 127,301
La Libertad · pop. 125,532
San Salvador · pop. 106,367
La Libertad · pop. 97,210
San Salvador · pop. 89,751
San Salvador · pop. 88,824
San Salvador · pop. 87,931
Sonsonate · pop. 77,529
Santa Ana · pop. 74,025
Sonsonate · pop. 72,233
San Salvador · pop. 68,137
Usulután · pop. 66,125
La Libertad · pop. 65,550
La Paz · pop. 64,484
Santa Ana · pop. 63,763
La Libertad · pop. 62,572
Cabañas · pop. 58,581
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in El Salvador
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in El Salvador
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in El Salvador
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in El Salvador
Living costs in El Salvador vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of $485 per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.
Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.