American living in Nicaragua since 2022 — residency in progress

An American in Masaya, Nicaragua

What it actually costs to live here, the residency process as I'm living it, and straight answers about what changes when you actually arrive. Written from Masaya — not a travel brand.

$800monthly minimum

$1,200comfortable

55%cheaper than the USA

See the real numbers Work with me

The three things people actually ask me

What it costs

Full monthly breakdown — rent, groceries, utilities, eating out. Every number from my own bills.

Getting residency

I'm in the middle of this process right now. The contract, MITRAB, the immigration trips, what it's cost so far.

Work with me

One-on-one research and calls for people seriously considering the move.

Live well in Nicaragua for $800–$1,200 a month

Typical monthly ranges from our own spending as Americans living here. The full breakdown — rent, groceries, utilities, eating out, entertainment — is on its own page, with the "What Does It Cost" video for each category linked as it goes live.

See the full cost breakdown Watch the series on YouTube

Every Sunday we walk Masaya and feed the dogs and cats we find

Frederika and I have been paying for this out of pocket. If you'd like to help cover the food, here's how.

Help buy food See where every dollar goes

Nicaragua Expat Life on YouTube

Real videos from real expat life. No scripts, no sponsors — just honest content about living here as an American.

Watch on YouTube