El Salvador has a vast array of living options ranging from small cities with great history to urban city living bursting with culture, diversity, and opportunity.
El Salvador is a relatively unexplored frontier for most international travelers due to rumors of safety.
However, the environmental options and inexpensive cost of living should make it high on everyone’s list.
There are plenty of safe places to live, with some ex-pats living in specific areas around the country.
For those who want to retire in warm weather, near a beach, with affordable housing, El Salvador may be a great option.
Digital nomads can enjoy the country’s updated, fast internet connections and work remotely.
If you’re interested in moving to El Salvador, review the cheapest places to live and see which city best fits your budget. Keep reading to learn more!
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10 Cheapest Places to Live in El Salvador
1. Antiguo Cuscatlan
The historic neighborhood of Antiguo Cuscatlan will transport you back in time due to the old-world feel and charming architecture.
Located in the Capital City of San Salvador, Antiguo Cuscatlan is a bit off the beaten path from the city center but still accessible to the entire metro area.
For many, this more secluded feel among a bustling city is the ideal blend of quiet and urban living.
Those looking to move to El Salvador and purchase property will find the real estate costs to be incredibly affordable, with an average home of $90,000.
2. Delgado
The quiet, residential neighborhood of Delgado is more isolated than many other areas of El Salvador, which has created a strong sense of community among the locals and invited foreigners.
As a result, Delgado is an exceptional place to raise a family, with plenty of schools and parks in the neighborhood, without all the noise found in other cities.
You can purchase a home in Delgado for around $70,000, which is great for those looking to start a family.
3. La Libertad
La Libertad is a famous destination among the surfing community.
This coastal city combines affordability with the benefits of a seaside community
Locals and expats are attracted to La Libertad due to the picturesque natural beauty coupled with a laid-back lifestyle.
The primary attraction in town is the beautiful coastline, which is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and, of course, surfing!
The city also offers plenty of other urban amenities like shopping, bars, and restaurants that cater to visitors and locals, and the community is warm and friendly.
You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in the city center for $150 to $250 per month.
4. San Salvador
Although San Salvador is the largest city and capital of El Salvador, it is still a relatively inexpensive place to live.
Like in all major cities, there are low and high-income neighborhoods, so it’s important to find a balance between your budget, safety, and urban amenities.
As the main city of the country, El Salvador has plenty of healthcare facilities, shopping centers, bars, restaurants, schools, and universities.
The city is also steeped in history, architecture, and outdoor spaces, with plenty of activities, festivals, and entertainment to keep you busy.
5. Santa Ana
Santa Ana is a stunning city with a rich history that can be seen in the colonial architecture scattered around the town.
The Santa Ana Theater and Cathedral are excellent examples of the city’s past life and are still in operation today.
The locals are warm and friendly, and the city has a more tranquil pace of life compared to the capital, with plenty of healthcare, shopping, dining, bars, entertainment, and other amenities.
The cultural scene is vibrant, with regular events and festivals.
Outdoor activities include hiking at the Santa Ana Volcano or swimming and boating on Coatepeque Lake.
Rent prices are highly affordable at only $150 to $250 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center.
6. Santa Tecla
Santa Tecla is a charming neighborhood just a stone’s throw away from the city center of San Salvador
The area is best known for the vibrant street markets, where you can find just about anything you’re searching for plus exceptional food and the colonial architecture from the city’s beginning.
For those who are working or studying in San Salvador, Santa Tecla is centrally located with easy commutes around the city but mostly quiet enough to relax or study.
The average home price in this area is around $80,000, making it a highly affordable option for those buying their first home.
7. San Miguel
As the third-largest city in the country, San Miguel is best known for its annual Carnival, historic sites, busy markets, and affordability.
The city offers an excellent blend of diversity and culture but with modern amenities, making it the ideal and affordable place for retirees, digital nomads, students, or those simply seeking a change of pace.
Also, San Miguel is close to mountains and beaches to fulfill the tastes of outdoor enthusiasts.
The average housing costs in San Miguel hover between $200 and $300 per month.
8. San Vicente
The economical and peaceful city of San Vicente is not well known to those outside of the country, but it should be.
Located in Central El Salvador, San Vicente is known for the breathtaking San Vicente Volcano, natural hot springs, and quiet lifestyle.
The hot springs are a major attraction for domestic visitors as they provide a natural retreat of wellness and relaxation.
Small businesses and local markets provide all products and services needed for daily life and the area’s natural beauty is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
A one-bedroom in San Vicente will cost only $80 to $150 per month, making it an ideal location for those on a budget or fixed income.
9. Sonsonate
Situated in the Western section of the country on the coastline, Sonsonate has plenty of stunning beaches and a continuously warm climate without the typical high prices of beach towns.
Given that Sonsonate is on the Pacific Ocean, locals enjoy the extensive beach and water sports activities that the ocean provides year-round.
Like most other cities outside of the capital, Sonsonate boasts a slower pace of life and provides all the shopping, restaurants, markets, and healthcare essentials to support citizens.
The region also boasts many cultural festivals and activities.
You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in Sonsonate for only between $100 and $200 per month.
10. Usulutan
Usulutan is a small town located on the southeastern side of the country, making it more rural than other destinations on this list.
The rural nature of this city means incredible natural beauty, ranging from forests and rivers to mountains.
Despite the city’s rural setting, it still offers locals plenty of modern amenities like high-ranking schools, diverse markets, and strong healthcare facilities.
As expected from a small countryside town, Usulutan offers a laid-back lifestyle with a deep sense of community among residents.
The region is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts to camp, hike, fish, swim, or relax and enjoy the sounds of nature.
If you’re seeking the tranquil lifestyle offered by Usulutan, apartment rentals range from only $100 to $150 per month.
El Salvador Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: El Salvador Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Salvador safe for expats?
Like in any country, El Salvador has its share of safe and unsafe areas.
The bigger cities have pockets of crime and crime-ridden neighborhoods that should be avoided, so it’s important to conduct research on the safest areas of the country before moving.
In general, the listed cities and neighborhoods are safe for expats, even at night.
If moving to a city, it’s important to not just the neighborhood you’re planning to own a home or rent an apartment, but also the adjacent neighborhoods.
Can foreigners purchase property in El Salvador?
Foreigners can purchase property in El Salvador as the government does not impose restrictions on foreign ownership.
Surprisingly, purchasing property in the country is a relatively straightforward process.
This process is often a major headache in other countries, making El Salvador a more attractive place to live.
How long can a U.S. citizen live in El Salvador?
To enter the country, a U.S. citizen must show a passport and a one-entry tourist card, which is valid for between 90 and 180 days.
For stays longer than 180 days, you must acquire a permanent residency or long-term visa by visiting the El Salvadorian embassy.
Requirements for approval include a passport with at least six months of validity left, a certified yellow fever vaccination document, and a letter of business inviting the expat to work in the country.
