Skyline of San Salvador
Cost of Living: 105 1,700,000

San Salvador, SS, El Salvador

El Salvador's capital and cultural heart, a dynamic Central American city with volcanoes, museums, and a growing tech scene.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 105

Above Average vs El Salvador Avg (100)

Housing Index 130

Above Average

Median Income $30,000

Household income

Unemployment 6.5%

Job market health

San Salvador vs El Salvador Average

Cost of Living
San Salvador: 105
El Salvador Avg: 100
Housing Index
San Salvador: 130
El Salvador Avg: 100
Income Tax
San Salvador: 30%

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 30.0%
  • VAT: 13.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $30,000
  • Unemployment: 6.5%
  • Population: 1,700,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 220/year
  • Summer High: 88°F
  • Winter Low: 64°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $150,000
  • 1BR Rent: $600/mo

Cost of Living

San Salvador's cost of living index is 105 (El Salvador average = 100).

CategorySan SalvadorNational AverageDifference
Overall105100+5.0%
Housing130100+30.0%

Data source: DIGESTYC / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$150,000
Median Rent (1BR)$600/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$750/mo
Price per Sq Ft$100

Data source: Encuentra24 / Numbeo, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in San Salvador:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$25Based on ~200 kWh/month typical Salvadoran household usage
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating
Cooling (AC)$6Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$10Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$30Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$8Private service
Total Utilities$79Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: SIGET, DELSUR, Tigo 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown San Salvador

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $720/mo.

San Salvador Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $660/mo.

East San Salvador

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $540/mo.

West San Salvador

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $570/mo.

Remote Work Score

San Salvador scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
105
Rent
$600
Sunny Days
220
Tax
30%
Unemployment
6.5%
Climate
88°F / 64°F

Climate

San Salvador has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January84°F64°F2.5"
April73°F79°F2.8"
July88°F63°F1.5"
October68°F82°F2.2"

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 30%
  • VAT: 13%
  • Property Tax: ~1.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 6.5%.

Crime & Safety

Crime rates in San Salvador per 100,000 residents:

50.0
Violent Crime
150.0
Property Crime
2.4
Homicide

City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in San Salvador, SS, El Salvador?

The cost of living index in San Salvador is 105, which is Higher the El Salvador national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in San Salvador?

The median home price in San Salvador is $150,000. The housing index is 130.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in San Salvador is approximately $600/mo.

Does San Salvador, SS have income tax?

San Salvador is in SS, which has an income tax rate of 30%.

What is the climate like in San Salvador?

San Salvador enjoys approximately 220 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 64°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: DIGESTYC / Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: Encuentra24 / Numbeo, 2026
  • Income & Employment: DIGESTYC Labour Force Survey, 2024
  • Utilities SIGET, DELSUR, Tigo 2025

Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.