El Salvador🇸🇻
At a Glance
How El Salvador compares across key indices
Cost of Living
40 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
44/100
Healthcare
52/100
Quality of Life
86/200
Climate
87/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in El Salvador
Cost of Living
40
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
16
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
44
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
35
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
San Salvador
Cheapest$1,639/mo
Safety & Crime
Moderate RiskHow safe residents feel in El Salvador — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
44/100
Crime Index
56/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
51/100
Mixed perception
Walking Safety
23 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 167 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in El Salvador
El Salvador has 1 city with Numbeo data. San Salvador has the lowest estimated monthly cost at $1,639. San Salvador leads on safety, scoring 45/100.
San Salvador
$1,639/mo
San Salvador
45/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Salvador | $1,639 | 45/100 | — | — | — |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for El Salvador
Healthcare Index
52/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 31 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
PollutedAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in El Salvador
Pollution Index
74/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 35 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in El Salvador
Average One-Way Commute
40minutes
Average
Traffic Index
190
Moderate congestion
Inefficiency
211
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
9.0kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 32 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in El Salvador, answered with data
What is the cost of living in El Salvador?
El Salvador has a cost of living index of 40 relative to New York City (100). It is moderately affordable compared to the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,639 in San Salvador.
Is El Salvador safe for expats?
El Salvador has a safety index of 44/100, making it moderately safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, San Salvador scores highest on safety at 45/100.
How good is healthcare in El Salvador?
El Salvador scores 52/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it adequate by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is El Salvador cheaper than the United States?
Yes. El Salvador's cost of living is roughly 60% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 84% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
What is the air quality and pollution like in El Salvador?
El Salvador has a pollution index of 74/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for El Salvador
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