We knew moving abroad would be pricey, but there were definitely some hidden costs we weren’t prepared for. Not included in the table below is what we spent in eating and drinking out. The is because of two reasons: 1. We are not that organized, 2. The cost if very dependent on how much you go out and to what type of restaurants/bars.
| Total: | $13,930.54 |
|---|---|
| Storage Unit | $163 |
| Infant on Lap Tax | $124.90 |
| Extra Baggage | $150 |
| Shipping Dogs | $1343 |
| Hotel in Managua for 3 Nights | $192 |
| Purchase Car | $6000 |
| Purchase Motorcycle | $1540 |
| Purchase Generator | $436 |
| First Month Gasoline | $422.64 |
| Security Deposit | $1000 |
| Rent | $1000 |
| Household Items | $24 |
| Surge Protector | $22 |
| Gas Can | $17 |
| Water Utility | $114 |
| House Security | $80 |
| Electricity Utility | $340 |
| House Internet | $92 |
| Cable | $30 |
| Pool Chemicals | $42 |
| San Juan del Sur Day School (1/2 month) | $108 |
| Maid | $200 |
| Groceries Estimate | $450 |
| Flea Medicine for Dogs | $40 |
There were two large expenses that I did not include in this table because they are not common. First, We were surprised at the airport to find out that we had to purchase a one-way ticket back to the United States for our son, Titus and I. United explained that Nicaragua’s policy is that an infant on a lap who wasn’t a resident must show proof of exit from the country within the 90 day VISA expiration. Caught under pressure, we purchased a non refundable one-way ticket for $1065.80. We realized too late, that we would have been out no money if we had splurged for the refundable ticket and cancelled once safely in Nicaragua. Second, our dog Rigley broke his leg and the first surgery, x-rays, and medicine cost $1040.