It has been four months since we took the biggest leap of faith of our lives—leaving Canada with three kids, three cats, and twelve suitcases to build a new life in El Salvador. When we landed on August 20, 2024, we had a mix of excitement and nerves. Now, looking back at our first trimester here, the question isn’t “Why did we come?” but rather, “How are we actually doing?”
Here is the truth about our first four months, from the cost of living to the cultural surprises that have made this house feel like a home.
The Financial Reality: A $2,173 Month
One of the biggest questions we get asked is about the cost of living. Is it actually affordable for a family of five?
In this video, I break down every single penny spent in a typical month. Our total came to $2,173.93. This covers rent, utilities, groceries, and even entertainment. But the biggest shock came from an unexpected place: the vet.
Back in Canada, pet care was becoming prohibitively expensive. Here, we had a health scare with our cat, and the level of care we received was incredible—at a fraction of the price. We even paid in Bitcoin! It was a moment that highlighted why financial freedom feels more attainable here; you aren’t constantly worried that one emergency will wipe out your savings.
Culture Shocks: Fireworks and Pupusas
You haven’t experienced Christmas until you’ve experienced it in El Salvador. The fireworks on Christmas Eve were unlike anything we’d seen in Canada—a true celebration of life and noise!
We’ve also fully embraced the local cuisine. We’ve found our local pupusería and have started bulk-ordering pupusas (beans and cheese are a favorite) to freeze for easy lunches. Learning to navigate the markets, growing huge papayas, and understanding the local rhythm has been a joy. The kids are adapting well, and while we are homeschooling now, our plan is to immerse them in the local school system soon to cement their Spanish skills.
Infrastructure & Safety
One myth we want to bust is the “rural internet” fear. Ironically, our internet here in the Lourdes area is faster and more reliable than the Starlink connection we struggled with in rural Canada.
We also discuss the massive infrastructure projects we see daily, like the Los Chorros highway construction and the upgrades at the port. Seeing the country physically being built up around us gives us a sense of optimism for the future. As for safety? I’ve taken Ubers alone and traveled with the kids, and we have felt incredibly welcomed and safe.
Is It Home Yet?
Comparing the snowy photos from friends back in Canada to the banana trees in our backyard, I can honestly say: This is home. The adjustment period had its challenges (like our shipping container delays!), but the freedom, the weather, and the values-aligned community we are building have made every moment worth it.
Watch the full video for the complete budget breakdown and to see our first Salvadoran Christmas!
