Moving to Nicaragua

Moving to Nicaragua, you will be greeted by soaring mountains, beautiful beaches, lush tropical forests and towering volcanoes. The country has an interesting and complex history, meaning there are plenty of fascinating sights to explore. Many expats move to Nicaragua to take advantage of its laid-back lifestyle, gentle cost of living and beautiful scenery.

Living in Nicaragua as an expat

Living in Nicaragua as an expat has become increasingly appealing in recent years. While it may be difficult to adapt to life in a country so different from Western countries, learning to speak Spanish will make interacting with the locals and immersing yourself in the culture a breeze. Spanish language courses are widely available and of high quality, with in-person and online learning options.

The country is primarily supported by agriculture, with other sectors such as construction, mining, fisheries, and commerce only developing recently. Expats might relocate to Nicaragua to retire, set up a business, work in finances, export or production, or teach English. Key growth sectors for expat employment include tourism, education, and roles within NGOs and international organisations.

Although the expat community in Nicaragua is small, it's concentrated. Most expats live close to Leon, Granada, or the country’s capital, Managua. Accommodation in the country is generally affordable, which is why many retire here. Detached houses are most common, with some furnished options closer to big cities. The housing market is bolstered by increasing foreign investment and a shift towards urbanisation, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest or find affordable housing.

Nicaragua's main modes of transport are buses and several forms of taxis. Interurban buses allow for travel between major destinations. The country has two coasts and many smaller waterways, making water transport essential. Recent improvements in road infrastructure and airport expansions have enhanced connectivity and accessibility for expats. Private cars are convenient, but roads are treacherous and often unpaved.

Nicaragua is home to some of Central America’s most modern medical facilities, and many of the country’s doctors have been trained in the US and speak fluent English. Private hospitals are still preferred among most expats, but these are only found in selected cities. The country offers universal healthcare, generally allowing for free routine visits. The cost of medicine and medical procedures is also much lower here. Many expats still prefer to use private, international healthcare, though.

Cost of living in Nicaragua

Nicaragua's cost of living is lower than North America and Western Europe. Mercer's 2024 Cost of Living Survey ranked Managua as the 197th most expensive city out of the 226 expat destinations assessed. Similarly ranked cities included Hyderabad, India (202nd) and Skopje, North Macedonia (198th).

Accommodation and food are particularly affordable. Rent prices have risen modestly, but Nicaragua remains budget-friendly. The fact that domestic help is inexpensive and readily available in Nicaragua also leaves you with lots of time to enjoy all the leisure activities the country offers. You can enjoy popular activities like volcano boarding, horseback riding, boating, and fishing at affordable prices.

Families and children in Nicaragua

Due to the underfunded public education system, expat families and children in Nicaragua often prefer private or international schools. Due to long waiting lists, it's best to apply ahead of time.

From surfing, hiking and mountain biking to relaxing on a Caribbean beach or volunteering at a local charity, there is plenty here to suit your interests. Families can take a weekend trip to any of the numerous astounding sights in the country. From volcano surfing at Cherro Negro to birdwatching in Bosawas Biosphere Reserve, you will never be bored in a country as diverse as Nicaragua.

Climate in Nicaragua

The climate in Nicaragua offers little variation throughout the year, making this tropical paradise perfect if you want to avoid seasonal extremes and hope for ample time to spend outdoors. It’s not all sunshine, though. During the rainy season, you can expect medium-to-torrential rains, frequently lasting up to a few days, and the country has seen its fair share of hurricanes. The government has implemented disaster preparedness plans and invested in infrastructure to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.

It won't take long for you to feel right at home in Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan people have a reputation for being friendly, warm, and welcoming to foreigners, and you will find myriad activities and sights to keep you busy. Despite some rough edges, Nicaragua is a wonderful location with a great quality of life.

Fast facts

Population: About 7 million

Capital city: Managua

Neighbouring countries: Nicaragua shares land borders with Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. The Caribbean lies to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Geography: Nicaragua is home to a variety of climates and terrains. The country's geography can be divided into three zones – the Pacific lowlands, the wetter, cooler central highlands, and the Caribbean lowlands.

Major religions: Roman Catholicism

Political system: Unitary dominant-party presidential constitutional republic

Main languages: Spanish is the official language of Nicaragua, but English is widely spoken.

Money: The Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO) is divided into 100 centavos. Most major shops and restaurants will accept credit cards. ATMs are readily available in most towns and cities.

Tipping: 10 percent of the bill is the customary tip in restaurants, but is not obligatory.

Time: GMT-6

Electricity: 120V, 60 Hz. Plugs here have two flat blades.

Internet domain: .ni​​​​​

International dialling code: +505​​​​​​​

Emergency numbers: 118 (police), 115 (fire department), 128 (Red Cross)

Transport and driving: The main public transport in Nicaragua is by bus and taxi. Cars drive on the right-hand side.