Since moving our family of five from Canada to El Salvador in 2024, we’ve received hundreds of questions. You’ve asked about the money, the safety, the culture shocks, and the logistics of dragging a shipping container across the continent.
We sat down recently to answer them all. Here is a breakdown of what life is really like on the ground.
1. Leaving Security for Freedom
One of the biggest questions we get is: “What do you do for work?” Back in Canada, I worked for the government. It was secure, but it wasn’t living. We left those jobs behind. Currently, we are living off a very small pension from that previous career while we build our new life.
We are also working on starting a business here, but the pace is different. You have to be patient. We aren’t just here to retire; we are here to build.
2. The Reality of Wages & Cost of Living
If you are planning to come here and work a local job, you need to know the numbers. The average wage is often around $365 to $400 USD a month. Yes, the cost of living is lower than in North America, but if you are earning local wages, things like electronics, cars, or imported goods are incredibly expensive relative to your income.
However, for us, moving here meant escaping the crushing cost of living in Canada. Here, we can actually breathe.
3. Housing & The Neighborhood
We are currently renting in the Lourdes area. It’s a gated community, which is common here for safety and peace of mind. One massive adjustment? The water. You cannot drink the tap water here. We treat our water carefully, and honestly, even brushing your teeth requires a mindset shift at first.
The climate in this area is hot—humid and hot especially if you are at the beach. It hits you the moment you step outside, but you do acclimatize.
4. Cultural Curveballs
The community has been welcoming, but there are social rules you need to learn fast if you want to fit in:
- Greetings: You always say “Buenas” to everyone. Walking past someone without acknowledging them is considered rude.
- Invitations: If you are invited to a home, never go empty-handed.
- Gifts: Unlike in Canada where you tear into a gift immediately, here it is polite to set it aside and open it later in private.
5. The Container Saga
Shipping our life here was a logistical mountain. We used a shipping container, and while it was necessary for a family of five, the paperwork and customs process is not for the faint of heart. If you are planning this, hire a reputable broker and prepare for delays.
6. Schooling the Kids
We made the decision to homeschool our three kids initially. It gives them stability while everything else around them changes. However, we are looking at local schooling options for the future because immersion is the best way for them to truly learn Spanish and integrate into the culture.
Final Thoughts
This move wasn’t about finding a perfect paradise; it was about aligning our lives with our values of faith, freedom, and family. It’s hard, it’s hot, and the bureaucracy can be slow—but we wouldn’t trade this freedom for anything.
Watch the full Q&A here:
