Budget for one month in Nicaragua

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  • Total spent: 1345 €
  • Avg. daily spent: 40 €
  • Total spent per person: 672,5 €
  • Avg. daily spent per person: 20 €

Important: We spent 33 days in Nicaragua including 10 days of volunteering where we had free food and free accommodation.

After a month in Costa Rica, we were financially relieved to arrive in Nicaragua and find good prices again. Overall, we spent less money than expected.

Indeed, we planned a budget of 25€ a day/person and spent only 20 € a day/ person. Volunteering during 10 days in Ometepe definitely helped but we think Nicaragua is a very affordable and backpacker friendly country. 

Accommodation: 430 € (32%)

From dorms or private rooms in hostels to super cheap guesthouse, expect to pay 6 - 15 € a night/ person. We highly recommend not sticking to booking or hostelworld. Instead, you can find great guesthouse on google maps and contact them directly through what’s app or Facebook. 

Restaurants & Drinks : 270 € (20%)

To be brutally honest, the food in Nicaragua wasn’t very impressive. However a typical breakfast was always welcome (Gallo pinto with eggs, plantains and more). We spent a good part of the money in fresh smoothies and refreshing drinks on the way.

Groceries: 252 € (19%)

While choosing an accommodation, one of the first thing we would check was the kitchen. We love to cook for ourselves and try to keep a healthy (not 100% fried) diet. Central Markets have amazing fruits and veggies for very little money and Pali was the cheapest place to shop the rest.

Transport: 164 € (12%)

Traveling in Nicaragua is very affordable thanks to the chicken busses, especially if you stay on the pacific coast like most travelers. Even if you might have to pay extra to carry your backpack (typical scam), the prices are incredibly low.

Activities: 159 € (11%)

Surf board rentals ($10 a day and possibility to negotiate for a few days or half a day), kayak, volcano boarding, natural pools, museums… For sure, you won’t get bored in Nicaragua! 

Fees (entrance / exit) : 43 €

$12 entrance fee per person + $9 exit fee per person

Others: 27 €

Laundry, sim card, souvenirs