Introduction: Quitting your job, packing up a family of five, and leaving everything you know in Canada to start over in Central America sounds like a movie script. But for us, it was a leap of faith toward a life aligned with our values. It’s been three months since we landed in El Salvador on August 20, 2024. The honeymoon phase has worn off, and reality has set in.
So, what is it really like? Is it safe? Is it affordable? Here is our honest “unboxing” of life in El Salvador.
1. The Real Cost of Living (It’s Not What You Think)
One of the biggest questions we get is about money. Can you actually live cheaper here? The short answer is yes, but it comes with a learning curve.
- Rent & Housing: We started in an Airbnb that had some… “unique” electrical issues (let’s just say our bill was suspiciously high, possibly due to someone else tapping into the line or just super inefficient AC units!).
- Utilities: Dealing with water (ANDA) and electricity (AES/DelSur) is a world away from Canada. We had to navigate water quality issues early on, but we’ve adapted.
- The Bottom Line: For a family of five, our monthly budget is significantly lower than in Canada, but you have to be smart about it. (I break down the exact numbers in the video!)
2. Safety: The Elephant in the Room
Before we moved, everyone asked: “Is it safe?” El Salvador has undergone a massive transformation with the recent gang crackdowns.
- The Reality: We feel incredibly safe. In fact, we feel safer here in many ways than we did back home.
- Freedom for Kids: One of the biggest blessings has been watching our kids experience real freedom. They can play outside, explore, and just be kids without the constant helicopter parenting required in many North American cities today.
3. Culture Shock & Community
The community here is warm, welcoming, and vibrant. We’ve traded isolation for connection.
- Language Barrier: My Spanish is… a work in progress! Navigating phone calls and setting up services has been a comedy of errors, but the locals are patient.
- Food: From pupusas to fresh tropical fruit, the food scene is incredible (and affordable). We are eating fresher and healthier than ever.
4. Why We Stay (The “Why”)
Despite the challenges—the bureaucratic hurdles, the language struggles, the occasional power outage—we have found something here we couldn’t find back home: Peace.
We have political freedom, financial freedom, and the space to build a family culture that honors God and our values. The Canadian winter is a distant memory, replaced by year-round warmth and adventure.
Conclusion If you are thinking of making the move, know this: It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. El Salvador isn’t perfect, but for us, it’s home.
Watch the full video for the complete budget breakdown and to see our first reactions to life in the tropics:
