What is the cost of living in San Salvador?

The cost of living in San Salvador is 67.5% cheaper than New York City (index: 32.5). Groceries are 49.8% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 62.0% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 899 per month. Local purchasing power index is 21.4 (NYC = 100).

🇸🇻 El Salvador · #356 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to San Salvador?

Q: Should I move to San Salvador?

San Salvador, El Salvador has a cost of living 67.5% cheaper than New York City (index: 32.5). It is ranked #356 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very weak (index: 21.4 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

67.5% cheaper to live here than in New York City.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-67.5%

vs NYC

USD 899

1-BR, city centre

21.4

Purchasing Power

Very weak

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to San Salvador?

Cost breakdown: San Salvador

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

32.5 Mid-priced

Rent

22.2 Very affordable

Groceries

50.2 Affordable

Restaurants

38.0 Affordable

Purchasing Power

21.4 Very weak

Rent in San Salvador

1-BR, city centre USD 899/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 770/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 1,810/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 1,360/mo

Save by going outside centre 14% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇲🇽 Cancun

Mexico

CoL index 32.8

Compare Cancun vs San Salvador →

🇲🇽 Queretaro

Mexico

CoL index 33.3

Compare Queretaro vs San Salvador →

🇲🇽 Tijuana

Mexico

CoL index 31.6

Compare Tijuana vs San Salvador →

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