Electricity and Internet: The most expensive fixed expense for salvadoran households

The average monthly utility expenditure in a household reaches US$190.69. Electricity represents an expense of US$26.72, and internet connectivity US$23.25, making them the most expensive items in the household economy, according to the Encuesta de Hogares de Propósitos Múltiples (EHPM 2024) conducted by the Banco Central de Reserva (BCR) y Oficina Nacional de Estadística y Censos (ONEC).

According to the detailed results of this same survey, the average monthly expenditure of Salvadoran households on basic services and communication reaches US$190.69. This represents the expenditure represented by utilities in any type of home.

Disparities in spending on key services by housing type

Focusing on the more established sectors, the average monthly electricity expenditure is highest for those living in a condominium at US$28.71, followed closely by those living in a private or detached house in good condition at US$27.88. Apartment residents spend slightly less on average, recording US$22.48. This contrast suggests differences in consumption, appliance use, or the rates applied in these specific residential models.