Menu

Free 200+ Page eBook

Top 57 Places to Live & Invest in the Tropics

Quickly find out which country is right for you.
No-hype updates & resource guides. No Spam. Ever.
Limited offer. Instant Download.

Join More than 58,187 people who are breaking free


we value your privacy

Hot Real Estate Offer

Big Savings! 60% Off Food Costs in Nicaragua

Food Costs in Nicaragua

Katie Laird

Like some of its Central American neighbors, Nicaragua is another great place where you can live on much less than your cost of living in the U.S.  And without sacrificing your quality of life in the slightest.

Take for example food costs in Nicaragua.  While prices do vary according to where you live–and for that matter where you shop–buying food in Nicaragua can represent a considerable savings over what your grocery bill would run back home in the States, even as much as a 60% discount.

Now in order to see this kind of savings in your own household budget, there are a few things you’ll need to consider.  But first, have a look for yourself at some of the bargains you can find in Nicaraguan markets and grocery stores, compared with the price of the same item in the U.S.

Item

Nicaragua

U.S.

%Discount

1 dozen eggs

$1.35

$3.18

58%

Filet mignons steaks, 1 lb

$3.38

$19.99

83%

1 liter milk

$1.25

$3.19

61%

Bananas, 12

$  .42

$2.36

82%

Laundry soap

$1.37

$5.45

75%

Deodorant

$1.89

$3.19

41%

Watermelon

$1.27

$5.99

79%

Pineapple

$  .85

$3.99

79%

Rice

$  .60

$2.82

79%

Cheese, large round (16oz.)

$1.90

$6.99

73%

Organic lettuce, 1 head

$3.40

$1.69

-100%

Ice cream

$  .52

$1.98

74%

Nacho chips

$  .78

$2.68

71%

Fresh bread, 2 loaves

$2.92

$4.18

30%

Chocolate bar

$  .82

$1.80

54%

Shrimp, 1 lb

$4.65

$8.99

48%

Chicken breasts, 1 kg frozen

$4.20

$6.15

32%

Mahi mahi, 1 lb

$2.96

$7.99

63%

Coca-cola, 12 cans

$5.07

$3.98

-27%

Total

$39.60

$96.59

60%

As you may have noticed, not all food costs in Nicaragua are less than in the U.S.  In fact some things, like Coca-Cola for example, are actually more.  This is true of a number of name brand, imported items.

The good news is that many common U.S. labels are available, if you’re someone who just can’t live without your specific brand of breakfast cereal or barbeque sauce.  However, you may pay slightly more than you would for the local equivalent.  Our advice?  Try the domestic varieties.  You might be surprised to find that the taste is comparable or even better than what you’re used to.

Another great way to save is by avoiding the temptation to do any one-stop shopping.  While there are a few stores that carry most everything you need, they may not have the best prices on everything.  Shop at supermarkets for things like spices and other staples.  Drinks, from cerveza to bottled water, are cheapest if you buy them directly from the beverage distributor.  Go to markets or food carts for produce.

Speaking of produce, it’s one of the best things about living and eating in Nicaragua.  Because of the climate, many fruits and vegetables can be grown almost year-round.  They’re fresh, often organic, and they’re locally grown.  And mangos grow almost everywhere in Nicaragua.  You can pick them up off the ground, just like you would an acorn.  Hey, it’s hard to beat free!

Because of the availability of fresh produce, fish, and other healthy options (as well as the absence of much of the junk food that’s common in North America), many expats in Nicaragua say they’ve also seen as much improvement in their health and weight as they have in their food budgets.

So, in order to save on your food costs in Nicaragua, learn to shop smart.  Embrace the local brands and the local markets.  Your wallet will thank you, as will your waistline.

Up Next

7 of the Top Places U.S. Expats Are Living in Latin America (and Why)

New data shows where U.S. expats are residing all across the globe. Many of the top destinations are in nearby Latin America. Find out why. (Read It)

Central America's Best Real Estate Buy

Don't miss this up and commer. It has the tropical lifestyle, stunning beauty, and smokin appreciation potential. (Read It)

The World’s Top 10 Best Places to Put Your Money

Offshore banking isn't just for the super rich. But how does the average Joe decide where to put his money? Here are the world's top banking jurisdictions. (Read It)

Nosara, Costa Rica Everything You Need to Know. I Mean Everything.

Imagine a small, beautiful beach town surrounded by jungle and wildlife with a peaceful multicultural community and many of the comforts of home. That place, named by National Geographic as one of the top surf …

(Read It)
panama city panama real estate update

Panama City, Panama Real Estate Market Update

Today we have a guest post written by Kent Davis, owner of one of the most successful real estate brokerages in Panama City The Panama City real estate market may have finally taken a turn in …

(Read It)
costa rica websites

Top 133 Costa Rica Websites for Expats and Investors

Did you know there are dozens and dozens of great resources on Costa Rica for expats and investors? Sure, we have a ton of resources for Costa Rica on our site, and a whole bunch …

(Read It)

The Truth about Living in Costa Rica: The Good, the Bad, and the Muddy

It's easy to find tons of articles and information out there highlighting all the great benefits of living in Costa Rica. But it's also easy to read those blogs and marketing pieces and think, "Yeah, it …

(Read It)

Why Nosara, Costa Rica Is Not Your Average Surfing Town

A deeper look at Nosara and its history will quickly reveal that this long-time mecca for surfing enthusiasts offers so much more than just the sand and sea. The increasing interest in the area as a …

(Read It)

Expats Are Still Falling in Love with Nosara and Here’s Why

What was once the up-and-coming expat haven of Nosara, Costa Rica, has blossomed into one of Costa Rica's most established expat communities that continues to be ranked near the top of the list of most desirable destinations in the Latin …

(Read It)

2 thoughts on “Big Savings! 60% Off Food Costs in Nicaragua

  1. 1

    Where did you get those US prices? I am glad I don’t shop there! And other items such as steak, it is like comparing apples and oranges since the quality of beef there is way below US standards.

  2. 2

    Nicaraguan are free off hormones, GMO feed, environmental pollutants, and a host of other things, so how can you compare cattle grown in factory-like conditions to free-range grass-fed Nicaraguan cattle? As for taste, anyone who has visited and eaten a steak in Nicaragua will tell you the beef tastes just as good or better here – I certainly think so. The prices are generally accurate, lower labor costs produce lower prices for locally produced goods. Also, there’s no taxes on most items.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hot Real Estate Offer

Real Estate In The Area

WordPress › Error

There has been a critical error on this website.

Learn more about troubleshooting WordPress.