Cost of Living in Costa Rica

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If you've ever considered moving to Costa Rica, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Costa Rica?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Costa Rica and whether the reported $1563 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $755.74.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Costa Rica
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

7.07 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

39.25 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

7.07 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

2.36 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.45 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.53 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

1.54 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

1.34 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.35 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.69 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.6 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

2.4 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

6.41 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

6.82 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

9.25 $

Apples (1 lb)

3.57 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.24 $

Oranges (1 lb)

2.2 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.94 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.78 $

Onion (1 lb)

2.08 $

Lettuce (1 head)

0.81 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

1.91 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

10.99 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.7 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.28 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

3.93 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.79 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

35.27 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

1.05 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.08 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

5.55 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.22 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

25121.14 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

25362.74 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

64.83 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.06 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

47.2 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

43.38 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

24.58 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

5.5 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

330.9 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

7249.92 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

60.92 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

44.73 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

97.22 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

85.42 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

491.85 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

342.6 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

889.38 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

632.18 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

1670.21 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

1280.3 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

755.74 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

9.56 %

Costa Rica

How Safe Is Costa Rica for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Costa Rica

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Although there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Costa Rica's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out so remain vigilant at all times.

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Costa Rica is generally safe, but you should take precaution on the streets of major cities, and after dark. Be wary of pickpockets and bag snatching and keep your valuables safely by your side. Never carry all your money in one place or leave your valuables in plain sight in a car or at a beach when swimming.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transport is generally safe in Costa Rica, but do be careful on buses and bus stops - especially those destined for San Jose - since that's where pickpockets and petty thieves operate. Be especially careful not to fall asleep, because you may wake up and find your valuables stolen.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpockets are a common occurrence on the streets of Costa Rica and tourists are recommended to remain vigilant at all times when on the street. Make sure you don't flash your valuable possessions on the street, be careful when withdrawing money from ATMs and of course, keep all your valuables in a safe place in your accommodation or safely by your side.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

As for natural disasters, the most common ones are earthquakes. Earthquakes are quite common in Costa Rica: there are small ones that occur daily and then there are strong earth tremors occurring a few times a year. The deadliest earthquake occurred in 2009, claiming 34 lives. Other minor natural threats come in the form of volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and occasional hurricanes.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Mugging is not altogether uncommon on the streets of Costa Rica. In such a situation, hand over all your possessions immediately and do not resist. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Scams are very common in Costa Rica, so double check your change, never pay anything upfront and negotiate everything in advance. Watch out for the known robbery scheme where someone slashes your tires and when you stop to fix the flat tire, one or two "friendly" people stop to help you with that all the while picking your pockets or just simply grabbing everything you own and running away.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Traveling to Costa Rica is generally safe for solo women, but bear in mind that you should always hike in company, never alone, and the same applies for exploring any city. Stay away from poorly lit and deserted streets and areas and from people that are visibly intoxicated or under the influence.

Useful Information & Tips
cloudy_snowing

Weather

Since Costa Rica is located between 8 and 12 degrees north of the Equator, it mostly has tropical climate year round. However, the climate in this country varies depending on elevation, rainfall and the geography of a particular region.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Juan Santamaría International Airport is the busiest, primary airport in San José, the capital of Costa Rica. It is located in the city of Alajuela, about 20 km west of downtown San José.

credit_card

Visas

Many countries do not need a visa for Costa Rica, for any stays shorter than 90 days. Your passport must be valid at least 1 calendar day beyond the date that you enter Costa Rica. You may be asked to prove your financial means in order to prove you can cover your entire trip in Costa Rica.

currency_exchange

Currency

The official currency in Costa Rica is the colón, a currency named after Christopher Columbus. However, US dollars are accepted almost everywhere and you can withdraw them from most ATMs, but carry colones for souvenirs, bus fares and rural shops. Credit cards generally accepted throughout the country.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Costa Rica, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.

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