The cost of living in Latin America is fairly low. However, TEFL wages are also towards the lower end of the scale so you’re likely to end up spending most of your TEFL salary on general living costs. It’s best to think of Latin America is a place to gain a brilliant experience and break even, rather than make money. Accommodation is not usually included as part of your teaching package, so this will be your biggest expense costing around £250 to £350 per month. Schools throughout Latin America often provide help with finding suitable housing however and you should be able to rent a decent place to live that falls within a TEFL teacher’s budget in most areas. It’s worth being aware that, unlike many parts of the world, housing costs don’t always drop substantially when you move out of the main cities. Food and drink is relatively cheap across the region, particularly if you buy fresh produce from the local market and cook for yourself. However, even if you treat yourself to the occasional meal out, you’re unlikely to blow your budget. A three course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant, for example, should only set you back around £15 to £20 and you can eat far more cheaply if you head for the market stalls and street vendors. You’ve got some scrumptious local dishes to sample too – from Mexican quesadillas to fresh seafood direct from the Chilean coast to the meaty feasts of Argentina, not to mention world-class wines which you can taste direct from the vineyards.